best fundraising ideas

Are your students sick and tired of going door to door (or family member to family member) with the same old fundraiser every year? And are their parents tired of bringing order forms to work and trying to sell to their colleagues? We know that fundraising is key for any school, but the old methods usually require too much time and manpower and can often come up short on funds. Fortunately, there’s a different option – the option to pick a “thon” fundraiser that works for you. Read on to learn why and how.

The Best Fundraising Ideas For Schools Are Events

Traditional fundraisers tend to rely on selling goods of some sort: wrapping paper, cookie dough, candy bars, etc. But many people, especially kids, aren’t comfortable selling. Most of us are much more comfortable doing something meaningful — and rallying others to be a part of it. Events are a natural way to do this.

When you pick a “thon,” especially, you give students and the community something visible to rally around, whether it’s a walk-a-thon, read-a-thon, dance-a-thon or something else. Better yet, you’re helping students feel connected and proud, and creating valuable memories.

Color Run Fundraiser vs. Another Type Of “Thon”

There are multiple “thon” fundraiser options to choose from. Our most popular (and favorite) options are Color-A-Thon Fundraiser Fun Runs/Walks, but here’s a full comparison to help you determine which is best for you.

Complete Color-A-Thon Fun Run/Walk Package

Fun run fundraisers for schools can get kids up and off their feet, exercising and having fun with friends and family. And a Color-A-Thon color run fundraiser? It’s the very best! It offers all the goodness of a fun run – but with COLOR!

A Color-A-Thon color run fundraiser can help to build school spirit and colorful camaraderie. Students earn T-shirts and cool rewards and have good old-fashioned fun with their friends, all while earning money for your school!

Participants end up wearing all kinds of colors. But the goal is to end up with one color at the end – green (as in plenty of funds for your school)!

By choosing a complete Color-A-Thon package, you get everything you need to have a successful, standalone event. This includes maximum support and the ability to earn up to 70-percent profit.

You can also choose between hosting a fee-based event or a donation-based event.

Donation Based Events. For a donation-based color run fundraiser, only the students participate in the walk/run itself, and community members can pledge money to support individual participants. For these events, School-A-Thon provides a custom pledge site for each student. School-A-Thon will also provide donation envelopes and a prize program to get as many kids to participate as possible. A donation-based event is ideal for an elementary or middle school fundraiser. By minimizing the student’s work, you’re more likely to get better results.

Entry Fee-Based Events. An entrance fee-based color run fundraiser is good for a community event, high school or nonprofit. In these events, anyone from the community can walk or run by paying the entry fee. You choose your entry fee (minimum $30), which includes a color pack and T-Shirt. You also get a custom registration website, money-management software and much more to make the event easy, while being fun and profitable at the same time.

“It’s Your Thon” Program

If you’d rather do another type of “thon” besides a Color-A-Thon color run, this option is for you. When you pick an “It’s Your Thon” program, you get less support but more control. The program is meant to complement an existing “thon” fundraiser and allows you to keep 90 percent of the profits.

In the past, schools have chosen events such as a spell-a-thon, clean-a-thon or service work-a-thon. You can even come up with your own ideas for a “thon” fundraiser, including a dance-a-thon, game-a-thon or dribble-a-thon.

School-A-Thon wants to fit your school’s goals and values. Whether you’re interested in keeping your students healthy with exercise, helping your school bond or just providing some wholesome fun, the possibilities are endless.

Infuse Some “Fun” Into Your Fundraising Event  

Fundraising events don’t have to be dull or monotonous. In fact, they’re usually  more successful if they’re fun! Let School-A-Thon help you host an unforgettable event.
Need help choosing the right type of event for your school? Reach out today for more information.

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