A Guide to Choosing A Successful Fundraiser
Hosting fundraisers to raise funds for your educational travel experience helps to offset the cost and allows every student the opportunity to travel. If you are considering a group fundraiser for your class or student group, or a fundraiser for yourself as an individual, the number of options (like that looooong list we highlight on our WorldStrides fundraising website!) can be overwhelming! So how do you choose?
Here are some key questions to ask yourself about choosing a fundraiser that’s right for your group:
- How long do you want your fundraiser to last?
The length of the fundraiser can affect the success of it. Shorter fundraisers will not have enough time to catch on. If the fundraiser is too long, interest can fade over the course of it. In a WorldStrides survey, Program Leaders and Directors said the ideal length of time to hold a fundraiser is usually one to two weeks.
- When should you hold your fundraiser?
Don’t overlook this question! When planning a fundraiser, look at the school and community calendar to see when other groups are organizing events. By looking these up ahead of time you can avoid over saturating the community with fundraisers. Keep an eye on your timeline too! Plan fundraisers around trip and payment deadlines.
- Do you want parents to help?
Ask yourself if you want an added resource for your fundraiser. Parents and booster clubs can be a valuable resource when it comes to fundraising. Our Program Leaders and Directors say when they asked for parents help, they were more than happy to help and, in some cases, take over the planning. Just make sure you give them enough notice in advance!
- Should you fundraise individually or as a group?
Decide if you want your fundraiser to be individual or group focused. Individual fundraising efforts can include selling products or asking family and friends for contributions, by using tools like the Gift of Education. This type of fundraising can hold students responsible for their own fundraising efforts. Group efforts, such as talent shoes, raffles, silent auctions and car washes encourage teamwork and can increase community support. Both options are great, have the potential to raise significant donations and give students the chance to make a strong contribution towards their trip.
- Should you organize the fundraiser yourself or use a third-party fundraising company?
Fundraisers you organize yourself are often more original, and students have a greater role in planning and promotion of them. However, they are also more work for the organizer and often require the assistance of a committee. Using a third-party company can minimize your commitment by allowing a personal representative to handle collecting money and fulfilling orders.
Once you answer these questions, you’ll have a better idea of choosing a fundraiser for your trip. Then, look over the lists of ideas on our fundraising website or in our fundraising guide to get you started!
