As education continues to evolve, it’s crucial that schools stay ahead of the curve and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. It’s important now, more than ever, to offer cutting-edge education programs, such as Level Up Village, that will engage students and prepare them for the future.
This can be a daunting task, especially given the limited budgets and resources available to schools. What can teachers do when there isn’t enough in the budget to provide students with the best educational experience possible? One idea is to organize a fundraiser.
Here are some tips on how teachers and their students can successfully fundraise to pay for fun projects, such as Level Up Village global exchanges.
Utilize social media
Utilizing social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, is an effective way to spread the word and reach a wider audience. Encourage your students to share their fundraising goals and updates with their friends and family. Ask students to record short videos explaining why they want to participate in the project you are looking to fund. The more personal the outreach gets, the more successful the efforts will be. Create a special page on social media dedicated to your fundraising project to post updates and information and re-share stories posted on Level Up Village pages.
Use fundraising platforms
Create a page on a fundraising platform and share the link with the school community, parents, local businesses, and students’ relatives. Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter are popular for all sorts of fundraising efforts. Teachers looking for funding can also utilize DonorsChoose, a crowdsourcing platform designed specifically for educators. “It only took a few minutes to create the application [through DonorsChoose]. I sent out a few emails, and my project was fully funded in less than two weeks. The minimal effort it took on my part to secure the funding was worth it so that these students can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime project,” wrote Jennifer Utt, a middle school Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, who funded her Level Up Village exchange using DonorsChoose.
Reach out to your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA’s goals are to support the students and the school, and it is likely your school’s PTA has funds available to help you fund your project. Share informational resources with the members of the PTA to help them learn about the program and the positive impact it will have on the students and the school. Be sure to address any potential concerns they may have, engage with them, and listen to their questions and feedback. Invite the representatives from Level Up Village to give a short presentation and share success stories from other schools that participated in LUV exchanges.
We have created a letter you can use to send to your administration, superintendent, parents, local businesses, or the PTA. Click here to download the file.
Host a community event
Hosting a community event, such as a bake sale or car wash, can be a fun and effective way to raise funds. Encourage your students to take the lead in organizing the event and reaching out to local businesses for support.
Get creative with your fundraising ideas to make them more unique and appealing to potential donors. For example, you could organize a concert, a student art show, or sporting event, or host a trivia night. The key is to find an activity that will engage your community and get them excited about supporting your cause.
Partner with local businesses
Partnering with local businesses can be a great way to raise funds and provide your students with valuable experiences. Consider reaching out to local businesses to ask for support in the form of a donation or sponsoring an event. You can also offer businesses the opportunity to display their logo or information at the event to increase their exposure and support.
Another idea is to partner with local restaurants, grocery stores, or cafes to donate a portion of their revenue to your program on one specific day. This will encourage the community to patronize a local business and contribute to your fundraising goal.
Make the most of grants and sponsorships
There are many organizations and businesses that offer grants and sponsorships for educational projects. Do some research and find out what organizations are available in your area. There might be an educational foundation in your school district with funds to help you. Some organizations may have specific guidelines or requirements, so be sure to read the information carefully and follow the instructions. See this helpful article with links to grants and scholarships you could reach out to.
–> We have created a letter you can use to send to your administration, superintendent, parents, local businesses, or the PTA. Click here to download the file.
Things to remember when fundraising
Be transparent and keep your supporters informed. It is important to be transparent about how the funds will be used and to keep your supporters informed of your progress. Regular updates and a clear breakdown of expenses will help build trust and encourage continued support.
Offer incentives for donations. People are more likely to donate if they feel like they are getting something in return. Consider offering incentives for different levels of donations, such as a T-shirt for a $25 donation or a school tour for a $100 donation. Make sure the incentives are appealing and relevant to your audience.
Celebrate your success and say thank you. Once your fundraising goal has been met, make sure to celebrate your success and express gratitude to your supporters. This could be as simple as sending a thank you note or hosting a celebration event. Acknowledging the support of your community will help foster positive relationships and encourage future support.
Conclusion
Fundraising can be a challenging task, but with a clear goal, creative ideas, and the support of your community, it can also be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can successfully raise the funds needed to provide your students with the best educational experience possible that will pay dividends in the form of engaged and inspired students who are better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
