10 Tips for Successful School Fundraisers

February 1, 2026 · 5 min read

School fundraisers are essential for supporting programs, field trips, and resources that make education enriching. But organizing a successful fundraiser requires more than just asking for donations—it takes strategy, planning, and engagement.

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Before launching your fundraiser, determine exactly how much money you need and what it will fund. Parents are more likely to contribute when they understand the specific impact—"$5,000 for new playground equipment" is more compelling than "raise money for the school."

2. Choose the Right Fundraiser Type

Not all fundraisers work for every community. Consider your audience: product sales work well for established PTAs, while fun runs or read-a-thons engage kids directly. Online crowdfunding can complement traditional methods and reach extended family members.

3. Make Participation Easy

Simplify the process with online sign-ups and payment collection. Mercury List allows you to create volunteer sign-up sheets and collect payments in one place, eliminating the hassle of tracking cash and checks. The easier you make it, the higher your participation rate.

4. Recruit Volunteer Leaders Early

Don't try to do everything yourself. Identify parent volunteers early and delegate specific tasks like setup, coordination, marketing, and cleanup. Use automated tools to schedule volunteers and send reminders so no one forgets their commitment.

5. Communicate Frequently

Keep families informed through multiple channels: school newsletters, social media, email, and flyers home. Send reminders as the event approaches. Studies show that fundraisers with consistent communication raise 40% more than those with sporadic updates.

6. Leverage Social Media

Create a Facebook event page and share updates on Instagram. Encourage parents to share with extended family and friends. Use QR codes on printed materials so people can quickly access your sign-up or donation page from their phones.

7. Create Competition and Incentives

Kids love friendly competition. Create classroom challenges with prizes for the class that raises the most money or gets the most participation. Small incentives like extra recess or homework passes can motivate students to engage their families.

8. Make It Fun for Everyone

The best fundraisers are also memorable events. Incorporate games, music, food trucks, or activities that bring the community together. When families have fun, they're more likely to participate year after year.

9. Thank Your Supporters

Recognition goes a long way. Send thank-you notes, acknowledge top fundraisers in the school newsletter, and publicly celebrate volunteer contributions. Appreciation builds loyalty and ensures support for future fundraisers.

10. Track and Report Results

After the fundraiser, share exactly how much was raised and how the money will be used. Transparency builds trust. Include photos of the new equipment or field trip you funded—visual proof of impact encourages future participation.