It’s that time of year again. The budget is tight, programs are clamoring for funds, and you need to plan some fundraising to get that money flowing in. Timing, of course, is crucial for the success of your school fundraiser. Choosing the best time of year for fundraisers can maximize participation and profits for your program.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fundraising Date
Some factors to consider when you are choosing the best date for school fundraising are:
The school calendar
- It is important to avoid exam periods, holidays, and other conflicting major school events. A fundraiser right before or during final exams will not go very far!
- You also want to coordinate with school administrators for scheduling. Working closely with school personnel will help ensure the success of your fundraiser.
Seasonal considerations
- Align with the season to choose activities that suit the weather – such as outdoor events in spring and fall. A jogathon in the dead of winter would be chilly in most locales.
Community Events
- Always consider the community you are working with. Research local community events to avoid conflicts or to capitalize on them. For example, a WinterFest block party downtown might be a perfect opportunity for a fundraising booth, if permitted. Building good community relationships will help make present and future fundraising events a success.
Parental Availability
- Avoid busy times for families, such as back-to-school season or holiday breaks. They might seem perfect for fundraising, but families might be too busy with other concerns to take part wholeheartedly.
Choosing the Best Season for Your School Fundraiser
There are absolutely some preferred times of the year for fundraising. Figure out which works best for you and your organization. One tip for planning is to create a calendar and engage volunteers and stakeholders early in the planning process. Find out their preferred time of year for a fundraiser and take that into consideration. Next, evaluate the type of fundraiser and the school schedule.
For example, a fundraiser for helmets for the football team would most likely be in the fall, when football is on everyone’s mind. Fundraisers such as Read-a-Thons are great for any time of year, as they are not dependent on other activities or weather.
- Fall (September to November) fundraisers, for example, can utilize that back-to-school energy and the holiday gift-buying season. Some popular fundraisers for this time of year are: bake sales, carnivals, and holiday-themed events such as craft fairs.
- Winter (December to February) fundraisers can tap into the holiday spirit with themed events but might have lower participation because of the weather or holiday fatigue. Make up for this by focusing on less exhausting holidays. Valentine’s fundraisers, such as singing telegrams or flower sales, are very popular in early February.
- Spring (March to May) fundraisers can be outdoor events, such as a jogathon, to take advantage of the improved weather and mood. Walk-a-thons, plant sales, and spring fairs are also popular this time of year. Be careful not to conflict with wrapping up the end of the school year, as students, staff, and family members are more likely to be otherwise occupied and tired.
- Summer (June to August) fundraisers are ideal for summer camps or seasonal sport-related fundraisers. You should expect lower participation because of family vacations, but specific, niche fundraisers can work nicely here.
Avoiding Common Fundraising Mistakes
There are some common pitfalls to avoid when choosing the best time of year for your school fundraiser:
Don’t Overlap Your Fundraiser With Another
Whether in your school or the community, running your program at the same time as another fundraiser leads to fewer resources to go around, such as volunteers and funds. Expect less participation and a poorer outcome when competing with another fundraiser.
Allow for Enough Prep Time for Your Fundraiser
Unrealistic planning timelines can cripple a fundraising campaign before it starts. You want meticulous planning and record-keeping to make sure your fundraising campaign is going to be workable and repeatable.
Don’t Ignore Community Feedback
Survey parents, staff, and, yes, students for their input. They are the ones who will do the actual fundraising, and their needs are important. This is where some work up front ensures less work on the back end. Keep your notes for future fundraising efforts.
Another Consideration Is How to Plan for Flexibility
Bad weather or illness can sideline your activities quickly. One answer is to offer virtual or hybrid activities. Plan to live stream your Read-a-Thon, have read-aloud sessions online and include participants via streaming. Being flexible will ensure you land on your feet when disaster strikes. Fundraising has changed a bit in a post-pandemic world, and planning for flexibility is crucial.
Planning Your Fundraiser Should Always Consider Timing
Whether to avoid conflicting with other fundraisers or to take advantage of the weather, choosing the best time of year for your school fundraiser is important. Consider place, purpose, target, and timing when planning. Your fundraiser will be better for it. For more expert tips, check out our guide on How to Start a Successful School Fundraiser – Tips and Tricks All Pros Use.
Start Your Successful Read-A-Thon Today with ReadaFun
At ReadaFun, we are dedicated to making fundraising using Read-A-Thons a successful and enjoyable experience for both schools and students. Our user-friendly platform provides the tools and resources needed to streamline the fundraising process, track reading progress, and facilitate secure online donations.
With ReadaFun, PTO and PTA leaders can confidently organize a profitable Read-A-Thon that inspires students, empowers literacy, and leaves their community feeling proud and fulfilled. If you are interested in running a successful Read-A-Thon this year, feel free to contact us today! We would be more than happy to guide you through the process; contact us today!
