Fundraising as a student can be hard, here’s how to close the gap and get ready to meet your goal!
The final stretch of fundraising can often feel like the hardest part. Students have already reached out to family and friends, shared their fundraising pages on social media, and maybe even hosted a few events. But if there’s still some distance from the goal, don’t worry, we are here to help!
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh idea and a little creativity to get across the finish line. Here are five proven fundraising strategies that can help to reach the goal and prepare for an unforgettable School the World experience.
High school and youth sports games bring together exactly the kind of people who love supporting young people making a difference. With hundreds of parents, grandparents, and community members gathered in one place, these events can be a great fundraising opportunity.
Set up a small table near the entrance or concession stand with a sign explaining your trip and School the World’s mission, a donation QR code, and a few brochures or photos. Be ready to share your story; where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and why you’re passionate about the work.
Pro Tip: Add a raffle, sell baked goods, offer hot chocolate during colder games or lemonade during warmer ones to encourage even more support.
Partnering with a local gym, fitness studio, or personal trainer is a fun way to bring your community together while raising money for your trip. Consider organizing a yoga class, spin session, bootcamp, or group workout where participants pay a registration fee to attend. Many local businesses are happy to support student fundraising efforts by donating space or sharing a portion of the proceeds. Promote the event through school newsletters, community Facebook groups, and social media.
Pro Tip: Sell T-shirts, tote bags, or refreshments at the event to increase your fundraising impact.
Parents are always looking for a trustworthy night of childcare, making this fundraiser both practical and valuable. Team up with friends, teammates, or fellow worldchangers to host a supervised kids’ night at a local gym, community center, church hall, or school space. Plan games, crafts, sports, and movie time, then charge a flat fee per child.
Events timed with parents back to school nights, holiday shopping periods, or other popular community events are especially good opportunities because parents already need extra help.
Nothing brings people together like a little friendly competition. Organize a pickleball, tennis, cornhole, basketball, or volleyball tournament and charge a registration fee for participants. Local parks, schools, and recreation departments often offer affordable spaces for community events.
Encourage participants to invite friends and family to watch, and consider offering simple prizes for winners. The prize doesn’t need to be expensive, even a handmade trophy or certificate can make the event memorable. Friendly side competitions are also a great way to increase revenue or entertain players while they’re not playing. Participants could pay one dollar for each chance to attempt the longest shot or most accurate serve!
Raffles remain one of the easiest and most effective ways to raise funds because they give supporters an exciting reason to participate. The best part? The prizes don’t need to be expensive. Consider offering services such as babysitting, lawn care, tutoring, music lessons, photography sessions, person artwork [Link to Liv blog post], or snow shoveling. You can also reach out to local businesses to see if they would be willing to donate gift cards or products. Promote your raffle everywhere you can, social media, school newsletters, local businesses, and community groups. Once they donate, enter the donor into the pool for a chance to win!
During summer time, many teachers and coaches are cleaning out classrooms, storage closets, and equipment rooms. Reach out to your school’s athletic department, PE teachers, and classroom teachers to see if they have gently used supplies they no longer need.
Items like soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and art supplies can be incredibly valuable for schools and students in the communities.
* Be sure anything you collect is still in good condition and could be realistically used in the community.
If traveling isn’t in the cards right now, consider starting a School the World Club or Chapter at your school. It’s a meaningful way to develop leadership skills, bring people together around a common cause, and help expand access to education for students around the world. Visit our Clubs & Chapters page to learn how to get started and use these strategies to fundraise at any point in the year!
