Develop a Foolproof Plan for your Spring Fundraising

The second half of the school year is a tricky time for fundraising: There's still half of the year left, but at the same time, everyone is looking forward to the end of the school year and is ready to be done. This includes students, teachers and of course, parents. But bringing in a ton of money for your PTO in the Spring is possible, with the right plan. Let's get into the details of developing a foolproof Spring Fundraising plan!

Plan in Advance

Just like everything else, a good plan will save the day. Start off the planning process by setting a goal before school pauses for Winter Break. Base the dollar goal on any budget shortfalls your PTO has so far and what money you'll need to start off the new school year too.

Unique Concept or Product (or both!)

Next, come up with a unique concept or product offering for your Spring fundraiser. In fact, Springtime is the perfect time to try something your group has never done before. Because everyone is primed for new and fresh since that's the overarching theme of the season. Lean into this!

So if your PTO has never done an auction, perhaps now is the time. Similarly, if you've never offered the opportunity for parents to get dressed up and come together to support your school and PTO with a gala-type of an event, maybe it's a great time to put one on. It doesn't have to be a black-tie affair, but a more casual affair can be just as profitable!

Another way to present a unique fundraising concept is to offer a fundraiser that doesn't even feel like a fundraiser. For example, smaller fundraisers that are add ons to other events (sports concessions, etc.), don't come off like a fundraiser, but the downside is that the potential income is relatively low. Movie nights are another fundraiser that never comes off like a fundraiser, but again, the potential profits are also limited.

A more profitable fundraiser idea with more earning potential is something like a Peer to Peer competition where the students are individually or collectively competing for prizes. This sort of fundraiser isn't typical and the ability to add the competition element into the campaign is a super fun aspect.

Pivot Outside the School

Alternatively, pivot to local businesses and the greater community for support. This of course is a key auction success element, but you can extend the opportunity to fund a need to businesses and community members not directly affiliated with the school. Make the impact of their contributions more concrete and less abstract by showing them exactly how their money is benefiting the school by giving them a chance to pay for a specific part of your project. They'll love knowing exactly where their money is going.

Timing is Everything

One big caveat for all of this fundraising advice is to time your fundraising plans wisely. Big events and product fundraisers are almost always better suited for before Spring Break. Kids and families check out after that time and overall participation will be lower than pre-Spring Break efforts.

Moreover, post-Spring Break fundraisers run the very real risk of having low participation from the highest grade in the school. Those students are on their way out the door and some parents will want to save their financial support for the next school their child will attend come Fall. Of course, going with a fundraiser that doesn't seem like a fundraiser can lessen the risk of low participation due to both of these reasons..

Summing It Up

Spring is a fantastic time to hold a fundraiser to bring in money to set your PTO up for the rest of the school year, rolling into the following year. For Spring fundraising, a well timed, fresh and unique fundraiser are essential components to bring in a ton of money!

About the Author

Christina Hidek is Founder of PTO Answers, helping thousands of PTA/PTO leaders and volunteers run successful groups.