Fundraising Strategies and Approaches
5 min read

4 Things Coaches & Athletic Directors Should Do This Summer to Prepare for Successful Fall Fundraising

Schoolfundr Team
Published
August 12, 2024

Summer provides a break from the hectic school year and a perfect opportunity for coaches and athletic directors to prepare for fall fundraising. Using an online fee-free fundraising platform like Schoolfundr can make meeting your funding goals easier by helping you raise more and keep everything you collect. Here are four tips to ensure a successful fall fundraising campaign:

1. Identify Top Needs and Estimated Costs

The first step in planning any fundraising campaign is to determine your group's primary needs and estimate the costs involved. Specify exactly what you are raising funds for, whether it’s new equipment, travel expenses, or facility upgrades. Platforms like Schoolfundr allow you to create detailed fundraising pages that clearly explain these needs to donors. For instance, if your team requires new uniforms, provide the number of uniforms needed and the total cost to make your campaign transparent and compelling.

2. Choose Your Fundraiser Type

Think about the type of fundraiser you want to run. With Schoolfundr, you have a variety of options. The first is a peer-to-peer donation campaign that raises money for your organization’s specific needs or cause. It's as simple as setting your goal, explaining what you want to raise money for, and rallying donor support. Another type is an a-thon fundraiser. Unlike traditional fundraisers that end with a donation, a-thon or activity-based fundraisers promote active involvement like a lift-a-thon, jog-a-thon, or community service-a-thon, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose, and building a strong community around the cause.

3. Set Up a Meeting with Your Schoolfundr Representative

At Schoolfundr, every fundraiser leader gets paired with a dedicated fundraising specialist to guide you every step of the way. It's important to set an initial meeting with your Schoolfundr representative to lay the groundwork for a successful fundraiser. Your expert will help you evaluate your fundraising goal, the timeline, the number of participants, and answer any questions you may have. Ready to get a jumpstart on planning your back to school fundraiser? Click the link here to book a time with a representative in your area.

4. Start Planning How You Will Rally and Organize Your Students

A key factor in your fundraiser's success is the number of participants and how effectively they can rally community support. As you enjoy the summer months and prepare for team tryouts, get ahead of the game and start thinking about the number of participants, the best time to launch your fundraiser, and when you want to share this information with your group. Our fundraising specialists are an excellent resource for any questions on how to engage your participants in creative and effective ways. 


Planning a successful fall fundraiser doesn't have to be daunting. By taking advantage of the summer break and leveraging the capabilities of Schoolfundr, you can set yourself up for success. Your future self will thank you! Connect with your local Schoolfundr rep and make this fall your most successful fundraising season yet with Schoolfundr!

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