7 Benefits of Working with a School Fundraiser Company
School fundraising companies offer significant benefits including expert logistical planning and venue management, supplemental volunteer support, professional advertising resources with customizable communications and social media content, and integrated technology platforms that streamline donation processes, ultimately saving time, reducing hidden costs, and increasing fundraising success for schools.
Are school fundraising companies worth it?
PTA/O Presidents often face the decision of whether to hire a company to help with a school fundraiser or to rely solely on volunteers. While skipping a fundraising company might seem like a way to save money, there are often hidden expenses and burdens that make partnering with a professional company the better choice.
Benefits of School Fundraising Companies
- 1.
Logistics
- Planning a fundraiser requires careful consideration of the venue and its features. Offsite locations may need permits, administrative approval, and parent permission forms, and can be expensive. Hosting onsite can avoid some hassles, but space may be limited.
- School fundraising companies are experts at transforming existing school spaces into effective fundraising venues. They handle setup, keep the venue clean and safe, and manage teardown after the event.
- Partnering with a company can save significant costs related to venue, cleaning supplies, equipment, decorations, and other essentials.
- 2.
Volunteers
- Recruiting volunteers is increasingly challenging and time-consuming. With a fundraising company, you can use your existing volunteers and supplement with professional support, resulting in greater profits and less work for organizers.
- 3.
Advertising
- Effective advertising is crucial for a successful fundraiser. Fundraising companies provide:
- Customizable email templates for parent communication
- Tips and templates for reaching potential business sponsors
- Ready-to-use social media posts and unique, shareable videos for students
- Companies like Booster offer years of expertise and assign a personal fundraising consultant to each school.
- Effective advertising is crucial for a successful fundraiser. Fundraising companies provide:
- 4.
Technology
- Maximizing donations requires a smooth, user-friendly donation platform. Without a company, finding and managing the right technology can be a hassle.
- Fundraising companies provide integrated tech platforms, handle setup, and offer dedicated tech support.
- 5.
Bonus Funds
- Companies may offer opportunities for additional funds, such as donation matching through partnerships (e.g., Booster Tech’s partnership with Double the Donation). This feature can add significant value and is often exclusive to company clients.
- 6.
Prizes
- Prizes can be a significant and often overlooked budget item. Organizing, ordering, and distributing prizes can be time-consuming.
- Fundraising companies often provide incentives and prizes at no extra cost, and their platforms can automate prize calculations, saving time and effort.
- 7.
Event Shirts
- Event shirts can boost school pride and provide additional fundraising opportunities. Organizing shirts independently can be daunting.
- Fundraising companies offer design templates, handle printing and shipping, and provide support for securing shirt sponsorships from local businesses.
In summary, hiring a school fundraising company benefits schools, students, volunteers, parents, and donors by simplifying logistics, reducing workload, and maximizing fundraising success.