FUNdraising

50 Proven Strategies for Successful School Fundraisers
Frank Sennett - Freelance Writer/Author
FUNdraising
October 2007 | 152 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781452294537
Available from January 0001
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ISBN: 9781412949828
Available from January 0001

Description

"Focuses on fundraising the easy way! I definitely recommend that every school facing financial difficulties or just wanting to add to their school resources purchase this book."
—Joen Painter, Education Consultant

"A wonderful resource. The author covers all aspects of effective fundraising, provides practical advice, and identifies precautions that should be taken to make fundraising successful. This book makes fundraising beneficial for schools and adds a level of enjoyment to the planning, implementation, and positive results."
—Gerard A. Dery, Director, Zone 1
National Association of Elementary School Principals

"Even for school administrators who have been involved in many fundraisers over the years, there is always a need for fresh ideas and new approaches. Having a resource such as this book for a PTO to review could lead to new synergy around a reinvigorated fundraiser."
—Bonnie Tryon, Principal
Golding Elementary School, Cobleskill, NY

Creative new approaches and clever twists on classic fundraising events!

The author presents an abundance of creative and cost-effective fundraising strategies designed to engage the community and bring in significant dollars. Offering real-life examples of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and local supporters who have pulled off popular and lucrative fundraisers in schools across the country, this book:

  • Provides savvy organizing tips
  • Offers guidance on ethical issues
  • Gives advice for avoiding fundraising mishaps
  • Contains lists of potential outside partners and sponsors
  • Includes resources about online fundraising and grantwriting

If you want to host events that raise spirits along with money and if you want to look back at your school's revenue-raising efforts with pride rather than relief that they're over, then this may be the book you've been waiting for!

Contents

Author?s Note

Author?s Note

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: Put the Fun Back in School FUNdraising

  • A Tale of Two Pledge Drives
  • A FUNdraising Manifesto

Part I. Stage Setters: Cornerstones of Successful Fundraising Campaigns

  • 1. Exploring Ethics: Consider These Issues Before Launching a FUNdraiser
  • 2. Don?t Try This at School: Avoid These Fundraising Mishaps
  • 3. Clicking for Cash: Crawl the Web for Delighted Donors
  • 4. The Publicity Payoff: How to Generate Positive Press for Your FUNdraiser

Part II. 50 FUNdraising Ideas: Rake in the Bucks With These Creative Concepts

  • 5. Excellent Extravaganzas
  • No. 1. "Educational Film Festival." Screen a series of unintentionally hilarious educational movies from bygone eras
  • No. 2. ?Inspiring Expositions.? Put on an inspiration expo replete with local experts on fascinating subjects
  • No. 3. ?Auctioning Experiences.? Build buzz for silent and live auctions by letting folks bid on amazing outings
  • No. 4. ?Double the Auction Fun.? When a bidder wins the hottest auction item, wow the crowd by putting an extra one up for sale
  • No. 5. ?Housing Markets.? Host home tours with a twist
  • No. 6. ?Pampering Moms.? Give the women of the school community a well-deserved break for fun and games
  • No. 7. ?Digging for Diamonds.? A sandbox full of jewelry makes for glitzy, gritty fun
  • No. 8. ?Tea Partying.? Leaf through these rich and tasty themes
  • No. 9. ?Dance Fever.? Relive high school memories with an adult prom
  • No. 10. ?The Pour House.? Raise a glass for students at a wine tasting
  • No. 11. ?Daring to Sing.? Tune into a karaoke challenge
  • No. 12. ?Treasure Hunting.? Send donors off on a wild scavenger hunt
  • 6. Starring Students
  • No. 13. ?Spellbinding Solicitations.? Host a student spell-a-thon or ?celebrity? spelling bee
  • No. 14. ?Paging Profits.? Uncover nifty ways to jazz up your book fair
  • No. 15. ?Model Behavior.? Put on a stylish school fashion show
  • No. 16. ?Record-Setting Haul.? Enlist students to set a world record
  • No. 17. ?Freeform Fundraising.? Maximize student participation with a ?do-your-own-thing-a-thon?
  • 7. Sporting Chances
  • No. 18. ?Tee Time.? Drive up receipts with a variation on the classic golf tournament
  • No. 19. ?Drop the Balls.? When numbered golf balls fall ffom the sky, schools win
  • No. 20. ?Hoop Dreaming.? Score with a three-on-three basketball tournament
  • No. 21. ?Mascot Madness.? Have a field day with the district?s costumed characters
  • 8. Artistic Attractions
  • No. 22. ?Appraising Treasures.? Throw an ?antiques roadshow?-style event at which people can pay to have cherished heirlooms appraised
  • No. 23. ?Picture This.? Target discerning donors with a student art show and sale
  • No. 24. ?Chair-Itable Artworks.? Auction furniture painted by students and other local artists
  • No. 25. ?Feeling Scrappy.? Make memories?and money?with a school scrapbooking night
  • No. 26. ?Playing Around.? Delight young and old by auctioning off fancy playhouses
  • No. 27. ?Throwing a Disc.? Record and sell instant CDs of musical performances
  • No. 28. ?Band on the Run.? Set up musical performances where people will least expect them
  • 9. Animal Antics
  • No. 29. ?Flamingo Flocking.? Plant plastic pink flamingoes in the yards of unsuspecting victims?for a price
  • No. 30. ?Living the Wild Life.? Enchant the community by displaying whimsical animal sculptures all over town
  • No. 31. ?Circus Maximus.? Invite the big top to town to perform for your school
  • No. 32. ?Pet Smart.? Host a dog- and cat-friendly celebration
  • No. 33. ?Hitting the Spot.? Play cow, horse, or chicken bingo to enjoy the smell of money
  • 10. Service Smiles
  • No. 34. ?Recycling Revenues.? Bag profits by providing specialty recycling services to the community
  • No. 35. ?Cleaning Up.? Pitch in around town on yard work and chores for a fee
  • No. 36. ?Baby Booming.? Brand your school as the go-to spot for childcare during citywide events
  • No. 37. ?Classic Car Carwash.? Buff up the standard car wash by catering to sweet rides
  • No. 38. ?Send in the Dads.? Enlist fathers and other men in the school community to team up for a memorable event
  • No. 39. ?Celebrity Service.? Enlist prominent locals and district employees to serve meals at a restaurant?s school night
  • No. 40. ?Giving Directions.? Hire out teens and adults to flag shoppers into stores
  • 11. Seasonal Successes
  • No. 41. ?Scare Up a Maze.? Find money by losing visitors in a haunted halloween maze
  • No. 42. ?Seasonal Singing.? Get into the holiday spirit by booking groups of carolers all over town
  • No. 43. ?Gingerbread Housing.? Tempt holiday revelers with a parade of deliciously decorated homes
  • No. 44. ?Polar Plunge.? Heat up donations by dunking local notables in cold water
  • 12. Cash Collecting
  • No. 45. ?A Home Run.? Raffle off a dream house to make your fundraising dreams come true
  • No. 46. ?Naming Games.? Sell naming rights to small school projects and reap big windfalls
  • No. 47. ?Give ?Em the Boot.? Enlist crossing guards and other members of the school community to ask passing motorists to drop donations into an outstretched boot
  • No. 48. ?Fee Parking.? Allow teens to personalize school parking spaces for an annual surcharge
  • No. 49. ?Your Money or Your Time.? Offer community members multiple ways to give
  • No. 50. ?Stunts Doubling.? Cap off a successful fundraising effort by performing a silly stunt

References

References

Additional materials

Description

"Focuses on fundraising the easy way! I definitely recommend that every school facing financial difficulties or just wanting to add to their school resources purchase this book."
—Joen Painter, Education Consultant

"A wonderful resource. The author covers all aspects of effective fundraising, provides practical advice, and identifies precautions that should be taken to make fundraising successful. This book makes fundraising beneficial for schools and adds a level of enjoyment to the planning, implementation, and positive results."
—Gerard A. Dery, Director, Zone 1
National Association of Elementary School Principals

"Even for school administrators who have been involved in many fundraisers over the years, there is always a need for fresh ideas and new approaches. Having a resource such as this book for a PTO to review could lead to new synergy around a reinvigorated fundraiser."
—Bonnie Tryon, Principal
Golding Elementary School, Cobleskill, NY

Creative new approaches and clever twists on classic fundraising events!

The author presents an abundance of creative and cost-effective fundraising strategies designed to engage the community and bring in significant dollars. Offering real-life examples of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and local supporters who have pulled off popular and lucrative fundraisers in schools across the country, this book:

  • Provides savvy organizing tips
  • Offers guidance on ethical issues
  • Gives advice for avoiding fundraising mishaps
  • Contains lists of potential outside partners and sponsors
  • Includes resources about online fundraising and grantwriting

If you want to host events that raise spirits along with money and if you want to look back at your school's revenue-raising efforts with pride rather than relief that they're over, then this may be the book you've been waiting for!

Contents

Author?s Note

Author?s Note

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: Put the Fun Back in School FUNdraising

  • A Tale of Two Pledge Drives
  • A FUNdraising Manifesto

Part I. Stage Setters: Cornerstones of Successful Fundraising Campaigns

  • 1. Exploring Ethics: Consider These Issues Before Launching a FUNdraiser
  • 2. Don?t Try This at School: Avoid These Fundraising Mishaps
  • 3. Clicking for Cash: Crawl the Web for Delighted Donors
  • 4. The Publicity Payoff: How to Generate Positive Press for Your FUNdraiser

Part II. 50 FUNdraising Ideas: Rake in the Bucks With These Creative Concepts

  • 5. Excellent Extravaganzas
  • No. 1. "Educational Film Festival." Screen a series of unintentionally hilarious educational movies from bygone eras
  • No. 2. ?Inspiring Expositions.? Put on an inspiration expo replete with local experts on fascinating subjects
  • No. 3. ?Auctioning Experiences.? Build buzz for silent and live auctions by letting folks bid on amazing outings
  • No. 4. ?Double the Auction Fun.? When a bidder wins the hottest auction item, wow the crowd by putting an extra one up for sale
  • No. 5. ?Housing Markets.? Host home tours with a twist
  • No. 6. ?Pampering Moms.? Give the women of the school community a well-deserved break for fun and games
  • No. 7. ?Digging for Diamonds.? A sandbox full of jewelry makes for glitzy, gritty fun
  • No. 8. ?Tea Partying.? Leaf through these rich and tasty themes
  • No. 9. ?Dance Fever.? Relive high school memories with an adult prom
  • No. 10. ?The Pour House.? Raise a glass for students at a wine tasting
  • No. 11. ?Daring to Sing.? Tune into a karaoke challenge
  • No. 12. ?Treasure Hunting.? Send donors off on a wild scavenger hunt
  • 6. Starring Students
  • No. 13. ?Spellbinding Solicitations.? Host a student spell-a-thon or ?celebrity? spelling bee
  • No. 14. ?Paging Profits.? Uncover nifty ways to jazz up your book fair
  • No. 15. ?Model Behavior.? Put on a stylish school fashion show
  • No. 16. ?Record-Setting Haul.? Enlist students to set a world record
  • No. 17. ?Freeform Fundraising.? Maximize student participation with a ?do-your-own-thing-a-thon?
  • 7. Sporting Chances
  • No. 18. ?Tee Time.? Drive up receipts with a variation on the classic golf tournament
  • No. 19. ?Drop the Balls.? When numbered golf balls fall ffom the sky, schools win
  • No. 20. ?Hoop Dreaming.? Score with a three-on-three basketball tournament
  • No. 21. ?Mascot Madness.? Have a field day with the district?s costumed characters
  • 8. Artistic Attractions
  • No. 22. ?Appraising Treasures.? Throw an ?antiques roadshow?-style event at which people can pay to have cherished heirlooms appraised
  • No. 23. ?Picture This.? Target discerning donors with a student art show and sale
  • No. 24. ?Chair-Itable Artworks.? Auction furniture painted by students and other local artists
  • No. 25. ?Feeling Scrappy.? Make memories?and money?with a school scrapbooking night
  • No. 26. ?Playing Around.? Delight young and old by auctioning off fancy playhouses
  • No. 27. ?Throwing a Disc.? Record and sell instant CDs of musical performances
  • No. 28. ?Band on the Run.? Set up musical performances where people will least expect them
  • 9. Animal Antics
  • No. 29. ?Flamingo Flocking.? Plant plastic pink flamingoes in the yards of unsuspecting victims?for a price
  • No. 30. ?Living the Wild Life.? Enchant the community by displaying whimsical animal sculptures all over town
  • No. 31. ?Circus Maximus.? Invite the big top to town to perform for your school
  • No. 32. ?Pet Smart.? Host a dog- and cat-friendly celebration
  • No. 33. ?Hitting the Spot.? Play cow, horse, or chicken bingo to enjoy the smell of money
  • 10. Service Smiles
  • No. 34. ?Recycling Revenues.? Bag profits by providing specialty recycling services to the community
  • No. 35. ?Cleaning Up.? Pitch in around town on yard work and chores for a fee
  • No. 36. ?Baby Booming.? Brand your school as the go-to spot for childcare during citywide events
  • No. 37. ?Classic Car Carwash.? Buff up the standard car wash by catering to sweet rides
  • No. 38. ?Send in the Dads.? Enlist fathers and other men in the school community to team up for a memorable event
  • No. 39. ?Celebrity Service.? Enlist prominent locals and district employees to serve meals at a restaurant?s school night
  • No. 40. ?Giving Directions.? Hire out teens and adults to flag shoppers into stores
  • 11. Seasonal Successes
  • No. 41. ?Scare Up a Maze.? Find money by losing visitors in a haunted halloween maze
  • No. 42. ?Seasonal Singing.? Get into the holiday spirit by booking groups of carolers all over town
  • No. 43. ?Gingerbread Housing.? Tempt holiday revelers with a parade of deliciously decorated homes
  • No. 44. ?Polar Plunge.? Heat up donations by dunking local notables in cold water
  • 12. Cash Collecting
  • No. 45. ?A Home Run.? Raffle off a dream house to make your fundraising dreams come true
  • No. 46. ?Naming Games.? Sell naming rights to small school projects and reap big windfalls
  • No. 47. ?Give ?Em the Boot.? Enlist crossing guards and other members of the school community to ask passing motorists to drop donations into an outstretched boot
  • No. 48. ?Fee Parking.? Allow teens to personalize school parking spaces for an annual surcharge
  • No. 49. ?Your Money or Your Time.? Offer community members multiple ways to give
  • No. 50. ?Stunts Doubling.? Cap off a successful fundraising effort by performing a silly stunt

References

References

Additional materials

SAGE Publishing Logo

FUNdraising

50 Proven Strategies for Successful School Fundraisers

Frank Sennett
Cancel Print

October 2007 | 152 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781412949828 $37.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781452294537 $35.00

"Focuses on fundraising the easy way! I definitely recommend that every school facing financial difficulties or just wanting to add to their school resources purchase this book."
—Joen Painter, Education Consultant

"A wonderful resource. The author covers all aspects of effective fundraising, provides practical advice, and identifies precautions that should be taken to make fundraising successful. This book makes fundraising beneficial for schools and adds a level of enjoyment to the planning, implementation, and positive results."
—Gerard A. Dery, Director, Zone 1
National Association of Elementary School Principals

"Even for school administrators who have been involved in many fundraisers over the years, there is always a need for fresh ideas and new approaches. Having a resource such as this book for a PTO to review could lead to new synergy around a reinvigorated fundraiser."
—Bonnie Tryon, Principal
Golding Elementary School, Cobleskill, NY

Creative new approaches and clever twists on classic fundraising events!

The author presents an abundance of creative and cost-effective fundraising strategies designed to engage the community and bring in significant dollars. Offering real-life examples of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and local supporters who have pulled off popular and lucrative fundraisers in schools across the country, this book:

  • Provides savvy organizing tips
  • Offers guidance on ethical issues
  • Gives advice for avoiding fundraising mishaps
  • Contains lists of potential outside partners and sponsors
  • Includes resources about online fundraising and grantwriting

If you want to host events that raise spirits along with money and if you want to look back at your school's revenue-raising efforts with pride rather than relief that they're over, then this may be the book you've been waiting for!


Table Of Contents:

  • Author?s Note
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Author
  • Introduction: Put the Fun Back in School FUNdraising
  • A Tale of Two Pledge Drives
  • A FUNdraising Manifesto
  • Part I. Stage Setters: Cornerstones of Successful Fundraising Campaigns
  • 1. Exploring Ethics: Consider These Issues Before Launching a FUNdraiser
  • 2. Don?t Try This at School: Avoid These Fundraising Mishaps
  • 3. Clicking for Cash: Crawl the Web for Delighted Donors
  • 4. The Publicity Payoff: How to Generate Positive Press for Your FUNdraiser
  • Part II. 50 FUNdraising Ideas: Rake in the Bucks With These Creative Concepts
  • 5. Excellent Extravaganzas
  • No. 1. "Educational Film Festival." Screen a series of unintentionally hilarious educational movies from bygone eras
  • No. 2. ?Inspiring Expositions.? Put on an inspiration expo replete with local experts on fascinating subjects
  • No. 3. ?Auctioning Experiences.? Build buzz for silent and live auctions by letting folks bid on amazing outings
  • No. 4. ?Double the Auction Fun.? When a bidder wins the hottest auction item, wow the crowd by putting an extra one up for sale
  • No. 5. ?Housing Markets.? Host home tours with a twist
  • No. 6. ?Pampering Moms.? Give the women of the school community a well-deserved break for fun and games
  • No. 7. ?Digging for Diamonds.? A sandbox full of jewelry makes for glitzy, gritty fun
  • No. 8. ?Tea Partying.? Leaf through these rich and tasty themes
  • No. 9. ?Dance Fever.? Relive high school memories with an adult prom
  • No. 10. ?The Pour House.? Raise a glass for students at a wine tasting
  • No. 11. ?Daring to Sing.? Tune into a karaoke challenge
  • No. 12. ?Treasure Hunting.? Send donors off on a wild scavenger hunt
  • 6. Starring Students
  • No. 13. ?Spellbinding Solicitations.? Host a student spell-a-thon or ?celebrity? spelling bee
  • No. 14. ?Paging Profits.? Uncover nifty ways to jazz up your book fair
  • No. 15. ?Model Behavior.? Put on a stylish school fashion show
  • No. 16. ?Record-Setting Haul.? Enlist students to set a world record
  • No. 17. ?Freeform Fundraising.? Maximize student participation with a ?do-your-own-thing-a-thon?
  • 7. Sporting Chances
  • No. 18. ?Tee Time.? Drive up receipts with a variation on the classic golf tournament
  • No. 19. ?Drop the Balls.? When numbered golf balls fall ffom the sky, schools win
  • No. 20. ?Hoop Dreaming.? Score with a three-on-three basketball tournament
  • No. 21. ?Mascot Madness.? Have a field day with the district?s costumed characters
  • 8. Artistic Attractions
  • No. 22. ?Appraising Treasures.? Throw an ?antiques roadshow?-style event at which people can pay to have cherished heirlooms appraised
  • No. 23. ?Picture This.? Target discerning donors with a student art show and sale
  • No. 24. ?Chair-Itable Artworks.? Auction furniture painted by students and other local artists
  • No. 25. ?Feeling Scrappy.? Make memories?and money?with a school scrapbooking night
  • No. 26. ?Playing Around.? Delight young and old by auctioning off fancy playhouses
  • No. 27. ?Throwing a Disc.? Record and sell instant CDs of musical performances
  • No. 28. ?Band on the Run.? Set up musical performances where people will least expect them
  • 9. Animal Antics
  • No. 29. ?Flamingo Flocking.? Plant plastic pink flamingoes in the yards of unsuspecting victims?for a price
  • No. 30. ?Living the Wild Life.? Enchant the community by displaying whimsical animal sculptures all over town
  • No. 31. ?Circus Maximus.? Invite the big top to town to perform for your school
  • No. 32. ?Pet Smart.? Host a dog- and cat-friendly celebration
  • No. 33. ?Hitting the Spot.? Play cow, horse, or chicken bingo to enjoy the smell of money
  • 10. Service Smiles
  • No. 34. ?Recycling Revenues.? Bag profits by providing specialty recycling services to the community
  • No. 35. ?Cleaning Up.? Pitch in around town on yard work and chores for a fee
  • No. 36. ?Baby Booming.? Brand your school as the go-to spot for childcare during citywide events
  • No. 37. ?Classic Car Carwash.? Buff up the standard car wash by catering to sweet rides
  • No. 38. ?Send in the Dads.? Enlist fathers and other men in the school community to team up for a memorable event
  • No. 39. ?Celebrity Service.? Enlist prominent locals and district employees to serve meals at a restaurant?s school night
  • No. 40. ?Giving Directions.? Hire out teens and adults to flag shoppers into stores
  • 11. Seasonal Successes
  • No. 41. ?Scare Up a Maze.? Find money by losing visitors in a haunted halloween maze
  • No. 42. ?Seasonal Singing.? Get into the holiday spirit by booking groups of carolers all over town
  • No. 43. ?Gingerbread Housing.? Tempt holiday revelers with a parade of deliciously decorated homes
  • No. 44. ?Polar Plunge.? Heat up donations by dunking local notables in cold water
  • 12. Cash Collecting
  • No. 45. ?A Home Run.? Raffle off a dream house to make your fundraising dreams come true
  • No. 46. ?Naming Games.? Sell naming rights to small school projects and reap big windfalls
  • No. 47. ?Give ?Em the Boot.? Enlist crossing guards and other members of the school community to ask passing motorists to drop donations into an outstretched boot
  • No. 48. ?Fee Parking.? Allow teens to personalize school parking spaces for an annual surcharge
  • No. 49. ?Your Money or Your Time.? Offer community members multiple ways to give
  • No. 50. ?Stunts Doubling.? Cap off a successful fundraising effort by performing a silly stunt
  • References

Recent Product Reviews:

"An excellent, basic handbook offering new approaches to traditional fundraising efforts. Here's a list of action-packed options that schools and educators will appreciate."
The Bookwatch, March 2008, Midwest Book Review
"A wonderful resource. The author covers all aspects of effective fundraising and provides practical advice and precautions that should be taken to make fundraising successful. This book will make fundraising not only beneficial for schools but it will add a level of enjoyment in the planning, implementation, and positive results of the final product."
Gerard A. Dery, Director, Zone 1, National Association of Elementary School Principals
"This book makes a distinct contribution to fundraising the easy way! I would definitely recommend that every school facing financial difficulties or just wanting to add to their school resources purchase this book."
Joen Painter, Education Consultant, Yuma, AZ
"Even for school administrators who have been involved in many fundraisers over the years, there is always need for fresh ideas and new approaches. Having a resource such as this book for a PTO to review could lead to new synergy around a reinvigorated fundraiser."
Bonnie Tryon, Principal, Golding Elementary School, Cobleskill, NY
"This book has many creative fundraising ideas."
Mary Ann Burke, Grants Coordinator, Oakland Unified School District, CA

Recommendations