WorldStrides Updates

Fundraising for Educational Travel Tours – Silent Auctions

Whether your students are helping their parents with the cost of their trip or saving money for souvenirs, fundraisers are a quick and easy way for students to generate money for an educational tour. Each week in April I’ll be sharing a new idea that will put the FUN in fundraiser! If you can’t wait, you can download NETC’s Fundraising Guide now.

Fundraiser Idea: Hold a Silent Auction!

Ask parents or local businesses to donate items of value. For example, is a parent an artist? Does a father have a lumber company or extra bundles of wood? Obtain donations from anyone and everyone – gravel from a construction company, antiques from an antique shop, gift certificates for coffee, massages or pedicures, tickets to a sporting event or the theater, the possibilities are endless!

For a silent auction, host food and beverages at a community center or at the school. Throughout the night, attendees bid on the items. If you decide on a traditional auction, you will need seats and an auctioneer – someone who is vibrant, loud and lively, not afraid to put on a show and entertain!

Businesses will be able to write off donations, purchases are affordable and students get the profits for their tour. Some have seen auctions raise as much as $10,000 before!

When planning any fundraising event, don’t forget these three keys to successful fundraising:

1. Plan an advertising campaign – you need to spread the word to be successful!
2. Get help from students and parents
3. Save money on costs – ask for donations!