How to Increase Parent Participation at School Fundraisers

Every successful school fundraiser has one thing in common: strong support from parents and the community. When people come together and support one another, the event runs more smoothly and creates a stronger sense of community. However, getting parents involved isn’t always easy. Between busy work schedules, family time, and other responsibilities, it can be hard for parents to fit in time to help with fundraisers. The best way to increase parent participation is to make it convenient, meaningful, and engaging. When parents are engaged, they’re more likely to donate, volunteer, and share the fundraiser with other people in their community. 

Learn actionable tips in this post to engage parents, increase participation, and make the next fundraiser the most successful one yet!

Make It Easy for Parents to Participate

One of the easiest ways to increase participation is to remove barriers. Parents likely want to help, but feel they don't have enough time to volunteer or attend the event. A way to overcome this is by offering multiple ways to participate, including:

• Online donation platforms

• Short volunteer shifts

• Food or service donation

• Sponsorship opportunities

• Promoting on social media

• Fundraising from home (e.g., making calls, sending emails)

Promote the Fundraiser As Early As Possible

Start promoting the fundraiser as soon as you can to give parents plenty of notice so they can plan ahead, adjust work schedules, and figure out what type of involvement works best for them. Include important details such as the date, time, location, fundraising goal, and different ways parents can get involved. As the event gets closer, send reminders through email, school newsletters, social media, and any parent communication platforms your school uses. It would also be good to create a website page specific to the fundraiser.

Show Parents What Their Donation is Supporting

Parents are more likely to participate when they understand how their contributions will benefit students. A specific goal gives parents a tangible reason to participate and makes their contribution feel more meaningful. Will the fundraiser support a specific goal like new playground equipment, a school trip, a sports team, classroom supplies, or another school need?

Offer Different Ways Parents Can Volunteer

Not every parent can commit to several hours for a fundraiser. Offering flexible volunteer opportunities can make a big difference in how much support you get. Consider creating volunteer roles that require different levels of time and involvement. Parents could help with setup, registration, food service, games, cleanup, or event promotion. Shorter shifts can be especially appealing to parents who want to help but don’t have the flexibility to commit to an entire afternoon or evening.

Use Different Communication Channels

Not every parent gets their information in the same way, so relying on just one communication channel means some parents will miss announcements. Promote the fundraiser through different channels, including:

• Email

• School newsletters

• Text or messaging platforms

• Social media (you could set up a Facebook Group dedicated to the fundraiser)

• Website

• Flyers and take-home materials

• Classroom announcements

Consistent communication helps parents feel informed, valued, and excited to get involved. As the event date gets closer, keep the fundraiser top of mind by sharing and sending reminders.

Encourage Students to Get Involved

Parents may be more likely to participate when their children are excited about the fundraiser. Give students opportunities to take ownership of the event. Examples of this could be creating promotional materials, setting fundraising goals, participating in friendly competitions, or assisting with event activities.

Build School Spirit Through Fundraising

Increasing parent participation isn't only about raising money, but also about creating opportunities for families to connect with the school and each other. Fundraisers can be great opportunities for teachers, parents, and school staff to build relationships, cultivate school spirit, and create a stronger community around students.

Celebrate Your Fundraising Supporters

Acknowledge everyone who helped with the fundraiser, no matter how big or small their role. When parents feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stay engaged, support future fundraisers, and volunteer again. Simple ways to show your thanks can be:

• Send personalized thank-you notes or emails after the event.

• Give shout-outs in newsletters or on social media.

• Share the results of the fundraiser and how much was raised through everyone’s support.

Partner With BlueTree Marketing For Your Next Fundraiser

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FAQs

• Are vacation packages a good fundraising item?

  Vacation packages are a great way to generate excitement and increase donations. Exclusive travel experiences are more likely to attract bidders who are looking for unique and one-of-a-kind experiences.

• How can fundraisers encourage more giving?

  Focus on creating emotional engagement through storytelling, social experiences, and clear ways attendees can see the impact of donations. Making donors feel part of the mission is more effective than highlighting financial incentives.

• Why are travel packages so effective in fundraising auctions?

  Travel packages are highly desirable because they offer memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that generate excitement and higher bids.

• Do travel packages need to be customized for my audience?

  Curating travel offerings to your attendees’ interests is important because you want your attendees to see themselves traveling to the destinations you’re auctioning.

• How can we promote travel packages during the event?

  Highlight them in event materials, showcase them visually during the live auction, and use storytelling to help attendees imagine the experience. Building excitement before bidding starts can significantly increase results.

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