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Building Awareness of Your Fundraiser

By Michael Roberts

The overall success of your fundraiser can often depend on how well you reach out to potential participants. Even the best fundraisers may go unnoticed and unattended if no efforts are put into drumming up interest and asking people to contribute.

Here are some ways to get the word out:

Banners, posters, and marquees

Place banners and posters prominently in high-traffic areas at the school. Posters can also be put up around the community in locations often visited by families, such as libraries, grocery stores, and community and recreation centers. Get kids involved in decorating the posters. If the school has a marquee, ask if it can be used to promote the fundraiser.

Fliers and postcards

Fliers and postcards may be sent home to parents, placed in bags at local stores, and distributed at spots where families will see them. Consider passing out printed material at school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and athletic games.

Newsletters

Be sure to include articles or advertisements in school and PTA newsletters that are sent out via postal mail and e-mail. Submit announcements for bulletins and newsletters published by religious centers or other civic groups in the area.

Press releases

When sending a press release to local newspapers and TV and radio stations, consider following it up with a phone call. Also, don't forget to submit information to be included in a community calendar.

Once the fundraiser is finished, use school newsletters and letters to the editor to thank community members for participating. Also, inform them how much money was raised and describe how the fundraising proceeds will benefit children in the community. These steps could play an important role in getting people to participate.

Michael Roberts is the National PTA marketing manager. This article is courtesy of National PTA. For more information about fundraising, visit their site at www.PTA.org.

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