Spiritwear for School Fundraising
Step-By-Step Instructions:

How To Plan A Discount Card Fundraiser

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Running a Discount Card Fundraiser can be a fun and effective way for schools to raise money for a variety of projects or initiatives. These types of fundraisers involve selling discount cards to community members and local businesses that offer discounts at various establishments. Not only do these fundraisers provide a way to raise money for the school, but they also provide a valuable service to the community by offering discounts at local businesses.  

Step-By-Step Instructions

If you're thinking of organizing a Discount Card Fundraiser for your school, here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan and execute the event:

  • Step 1: Determine the purpose of the fundraiser

    Before you start planning your discount card fundraiser, it's important to determine the purpose of the fundraiser. This will help you set goals and determine the most appropriate businesses to approach for discounts. For example, if you're raising money for a new playground, you may want to focus on businesses that sell outdoor equipment or services related to outdoor activities.

  • Step 2: Choose a committee

    To ensure the success of your discount card fundraiser, it's a good idea to assemble a committee of individuals who can help with the planning and execution of the event. This can include teachers, staff members, parents, and students. Choose a mix of individuals with different skills and expertise to ensure that all aspects of the fundraiser are covered.

  • Step 3: Create a list of local businesses to approach

    Once you have a clear idea of the purpose of your fundraiser, it's time to start building a list of local businesses to approach for discounts. Research businesses in your community that might be interested in participating in the fundraiser, and create a list of potential partners. Make sure to include a variety of businesses in different categories, such as restaurants, retail stores, service providers, and entertainment venues.

  • Step 4: Contact businesses and negotiate discounts

    Now it's time to start reaching out to businesses on your list. You can do this by phone, email, or in person, depending on what you feel comfortable with. When contacting businesses, be sure to explain the purpose of the fundraiser and how it will benefit both the school and the community. You should also provide information about the size of the school and the potential reach of the discount card. Once you have secured a discount from a business, be sure to get it in writing and thank them for their participation.

  • Step 5: Design and print the discount cards

    Now that you have secured discounts from local businesses, it's time to design and print the discount cards. You can use a template or create your own design using a program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Make sure to include the name of the school, the purpose of the fundraiser, and a list of participating businesses and their discounts. You should also include instructions on how to use the card and any expiration dates. Once you have finalized the design, you can have the cards printed at a local print shop or online printing service.

  • Step 6: Promote the fundraiser

    Now it's time to start promoting the fundraiser to your school community and beyond. You can do this through social media, email, flyers, and word of mouth. Be sure to share information about the participating businesses and the discounts they are offering. You may also want to consider setting up a table at local events or reaching out to local media outlets to get the word out.

  • Step 7: Sell the discount cards

    Now it's time to start selling the discount cards. You can do this through a variety of methods, such as setting up a table at school events, going door to door in the community, or setting up an online store. You may also want to consider offering incentives for top sellers, such as prizes or gift cards.

Running a Discount Card Fundraiser can be a fun and effective way for schools to raise money for various projects or initiatives. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully plan and execute a successful fundraiser. Don't forget to thank your committee members, participating businesses, and community members for their support and efforts. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can successfully raise money for your school while also providing a valuable service to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I get support for my school fundraiser?

You can get support for your school fundraiser by promoting the event to the school community and local community through flyers, social media, and word of mouth. You can also consider reaching out to local businesses or organizations for sponsorships or donations. A fundraising system like a QwirkyGear Spiritstore provides artwork formatted for sharing on a variety of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Q: How can I set a goal for my school fundraiser?

To set a goal for your school fundraiser, consider the costs associated with the event or project you are fundraising for and how much money you need to raise. You can also consider the size of your school community and the potential for participation.

Q: How can I handle money collected during a school fundraiser?

It is important to handle money collected during a school fundraiser responsibly and transparently. You can set up a separate bank account for the fundraiser, or designate an adult to be in charge of collecting and handling the funds. It is also a good idea to keep accurate records of all donations and expenses. A fundraising system like a QwirkyGear Spiritstore tracks the progress of your fundraiser online for transparencey and then sends your school a check at the end.

Q: How can I thank donors for their support of my school fundraiser?

You can thank donors for their support of your school fundraiser by sending a personal thank you note or email, recognizing their contribution at an event or assembly, or featuring their business or organization on your school's website or social media.

Q: How can I make sure my school fundraiser is successful?

To ensure your school fundraiser is successful, it is important to plan ahead, set a clear goal and plan for how to reach it, promote the event effectively, and handle the funds responsibly. You should also make sure to involve students, teachers, and other members of the school community in the planning process. A fundraising system like a QwirkyGear Spiritstore is especially helpful in promoting and tracking your fundraiser.

Q: Are there any legal considerations to keep in mind when planning a school fundraiser?

There are a few legal considerations to keep in mind when planning a school fundraiser, such as obtaining any necessary permits or licenses, following rules and regulations related to food safety (if applicable), and ensuring that all fundraising activities comply with local, state, and federal laws. It is also a good idea to consult with your school's administration and legal counsel to ensure that your fundraiser is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Q: How can I track the progress of my school fundraiser?

You can track the progress of your school fundraiser by setting up a system to record donations and keep track of expenses. You can also consider setting up a thermometer or other visual display to show the progress towards your fundraising goal. An example of an excellent fundraising system that does this is a QwirkyGear Spiritstore.

Q: How can I motivate students to participate in a school fundraiser?

You can motivate students to participate in a school fundraiser by making the event fun and interactive, highlighting the impact of the fundraising efforts on the school or local community, and offering incentives or prizes for participation.

Q: Can I use social media to promote my school fundraiser?

Yes, social media can be a useful tool for promoting your school fundraiser. You can use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information about the event, updates on the progress towards your fundraising goal, and photos and videos from the event. You can also consider creating a hashtag for the event to make it easier for people to follow and share updates. When you use a fundraising system like a QwirkyGear Spiritstore half of your work is done for you since they provide sharable artwork for promoting your fundraiser on social media.

Q: How can I involve the local community in my school fundraiser?

There are several ways to involve the local community in your school fundraiser, such as reaching out to local businesses or organizations for sponsorships or donations, promoting the event through local media outlets and community calendars, and inviting community members to attend or participate in the event. You can also consider partnering with local organizations or businesses to host the event or provide resources and support.

Q: Can I use online platforms to support my school fundraiser?

Yes, online platforms can be a useful tool for supporting your school fundraiser. For example, you can create a fundraising page on a platform like QwirkyGear, GoFundMe or Kickstarter to reach a wider audience and make it easy for people to donate online. You can also use social media to promote the fundraiser and share updates on the progress towards your goal.

Q: How can I follow up after my school fundraiser is over?

After your school fundraiser is over, it is important to follow up with donors and participants to thank them for their support and provide updates on how the funds were used. You can do this through a thank you letter or email, or by sharing updates on social media or the school's website. It is also a good idea to evaluate the success of the fundraiser and consider what worked well and what could be improved for future events.

Find Additional Fundraising Ideas!

Click on the links below to find even more awesome fundraising ideas and how to run them!

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