Benefits of Monthly Donations in School Funding

It’s no surprise that schools often need extra funding. From classroom supplies to field trips, there’s always something that could use a little help. In fact, almost two-thirds (62%) of primary and secondary schools are involved in fundraising efforts. 

But here’s the thing—most of these campaigns focus on one-time gifts. Once the fundraiser ends, so does the funding. That’s where monthly donations come in. They provide consistent, reliable support schools can count on, month after month. 

Let’s look at how this simple shift can make a big difference for schools trying to stay on track.

Why Consistent Funding Matters

School budgets are often tight, which means even small expenses like buying markers or fixing broken desks can be a challenge. Bigger needs, like paying for field trips, music classes, or new books, often get sidelined.

To bridge the gap, schools turn to fundraising. In the U.S., 76% of schools   hold between one and five fundraisers each year, and one in five schools asks families and the community for help up to 10 times a year. 

That’s a lot of asking, and it still might not be enough.

While one-time events can raise money quickly, they don’t provide schools the ongoing support they truly need. A fundraiser might help buy a few things now, but what about the rest of the year?

Recurring donations change that. 

They offer steady, predictable support, so schools aren’t constantly starting from scratch. 

Plus, recurring donors give an average of 30% more per year than one-time donors. That steady support helps schools plan better and sustain essential programs all year round.

Check out Best Monthly Giving Programs For Nonprofits.

Top Benefits of Monthly Donations for Schools

Let’s explore some of the key benefits that make monthly giving a smart choice for schools.

1. Predictable Income

Schools thrive when they can plan ahead, but that’s hard to do without knowing how much money will be available. One-time fundraisers might offer a quick boost, but they don’t provide long-term stability.

Monthly donations help change that. They give schools a steady, reliable stream of support, not just during fundraising season, but all year long. 

With consistent income, it’s easier to budget for classroom supplies, repairs, and student programs without guessing or delays.

That kind of consistency helps schools stay focused on what matters most, teaching and learning.

2. More Focus on Students

Teachers and staff already have a lot on their plates. On top of educating students, they’re often tasked with organizing fundraisers just to cover basic needs. That takes time and energy away from the classroom.

Monthly giving eases that burden. When support comes in every month, schools don’t have to scramble as often to raise money. That means less time planning events and more time spent on student growth. 

3. Less Pressure on One-Time Events

Big fundraisers require a lot of work, planning, promotion, setup, and follow-up. And even then, there’s no guarantee they’ll raise enough.

Monthly charity donations help lighten that load. They spread support throughout the year, so schools don’t have to rely on one or two high-stakes events. Instead of putting all their eggs in one basket, schools can plan smaller, more manageable activities that still make an impact. 

This flexibility reduces stress and keeps fundraising sustainable and meaningful.

4. Builds a Stronger Supportive Community

Giving once is helpful, but giving every month fosters a deeper connection. People who set up monthly donations often feel like they’re part of something, not just helping from the outside.

Recurring donors feel more connected because they’re not just giving, they’re engaging. They see the progress, celebrate the wins, and feel proud of their role in it. They’re not just writing a check. They’re following along, staying involved, and sticking around.

This kind of steady support helps build long-term relationships between schools and their communities. And that’s something no one-time fundraiser can offer.

5. Small Gifts Add Up

Many schools hesitate to ask for monthly support, assuming small donations won’t make much of a difference.  But the truth is, those consistent small donations often become one of the most dependable sources of funding over time.

Not every family can write a big check, but many are willing to contribute a little each month. And that steady support adds up. In fact, the average recurring donor gave about $949.19 annually—that’s far more than what most people give in a single one-time gift.

Monthly donations also make it easier for more families to get involved. A small, regular gift feels manageable, especially for households already dealing with tight finances. Instead of waiting for the next big ask, families can stay involved all year in a way that fits their budget.

6. Helps During Emergencies

School budgets usually cover planned expenses, but they don’t always leave room for surprises. A broken heater in winter, a flooded classroom, or a sudden need for tech upgrades can throw everything off.

With recurring donations, schools are better prepared. A steady stream of support gives schools the flexibility to respond right away, without waiting for the next fundraiser or approval process.

This kind of backup helps schools avoid delays, protect learning time, and keep things running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens. It turns monthly giving into more than just a budget tool; it becomes a safety net.

7. Enhanced Educational Programs

A great education goes beyond textbooks. Programs like music, art, sports, and hands-on learning activities help students grow in ways that traditions academics can’t always reach.  But unfortunately, these enrichment activities are often the first to get cut when money is tight.

With monthly donations, schools gain the steady support they need to keep these programs running. Instead of offering a class for just one semester or skipping a field trip due to cost, schools can plan full-year programs that give students more chances to learn and grow.

Consistent support also opens the door for innovation–think coding clubs, a school garden, maker spaces, or reading nights. These programs might not fit into the regular budget, but they make a significant difference in student engagement and school culture.

Benefits for Donors

Monthly donations are not only beneficial for the school, but the donors also benefit from them.

• Simple to set up and update anytime
• Fits into most household budgets
• Some monthly donations may be tax-deductible
• Keeps donors connected to the school year-round
• Donors can be recognized in school newsletters, websites, or events
• Offers a way to give regularly without large one-time costs
• Brings personal satisfaction from seeing a steady impact on students

Start a Monthly Giving Program at Your School With BetterWorld 

Why look elsewhere when you can start a monthly giving program for free with BetterWorld? 

Our Online Donation Platform for nonprofits lets you collect donations once, monthly, or annually. You can get set up in just 5 minutes and start increasing your online donations by 20%.

Our Donation Forms also come with built-in recurring giving prompts to help you raise more.

Looking for fundraising solutions? We’ve got that covered too. All the Modern Fundraising Tools you need under one roof, so you don’t have to switch platforms.

And yes, we offer all of it for free. You keep every penny you raise.

Sign up today and make fundraising simple.