Create a New Vision for School Fundraising
“Be grateful and positive about what you were able to raise. It will be a great example to your team and your students.”
Welcome to the new PS Mom blog!
As we wind down the first month of the year, this is a time to reimagine and set a vision for ourselves.
In the past, I made resolutions that were so specific and so unrealistic. Exercise everyday and make $1 million within 3 months. Over the years, I’ve learned to make small steps throughout the year and to calm my type A personality. I now give myself grace. I don’t stress about achieving a goal within a certain time. Everything happens in the time that it is meant to happen. I’ve realized that if I push so hard for something to happen, I may miss out on a better opportunity that is more aligned with my vision. Recently, I let go of a business that I’d worked on for many years. Once I let it go, I was able to open the door for a new business that matches the woman I am today. . .The PS Mom! I consult with schools, parent groups and non-profit organizations to raise funds, plan events and create yearbooks and magazines. I love working with schools and nonprofits! They do impactful work for our kids and our communities.
If you are a principal, teacher, parent or nonprofit pro, here are some fundraising tips to kick off the vision for your school or organization:
1. Start small if you’re new to fundraising. Don’t expect to make $50,000 for the first time, maybe $500-$1,000 is more realistic. That way, you don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Who knows, you could set the goal at $1,000 and raise $5,000.
2. Think about your community. If your parents or the people you serve have low incomes, give the flexibility to donate or not. Maybe they can only contribute $5-$20. You may need to supplement your fundraising with grants or matching funds from board members. If parents or donors have larger incomes, that requires building trust and discussing the benefit of donating before a new fundraiser. You may need to enlist the help of a marketing consultant to help with a digital or printed presentation, flyers and data about your school or nonprofit.
3. Lastly, celebrate the win. If your goal was to raise $5,000 for a new music program and you raised $1,000, that’s $1,000 more than you had! Make adjustments to your plan. The program can happen once or twice or for a shorter amount of time like monthly or quarterly. If you need instruments, use donated or rented instruments to get yourself started. Don’t go to your funders with a defeatist attitude, “We only raised $1,000.” That will not encourage them to support you the next time. Be grateful and positive about what you were able to raise. Celebrate with a small reception or assembly before the program starts. It will be a great example to your team and your students. They are watching your example as a leader.
Let’s kick off 2023 with a new vision!
Jen
Call or email me for fundraising and marketing help.
jen@thepublicschoolmom.com 347-471-1546