Whether it’s to purchase new equipment, or help pay for a sporting trip for the school team, a fundraiser can be an excellent way to inject additional cash into a school bank account.  This article is designed to help you get the most out of your fundraiser!

Step 1.)

Determine what you’re offering and what the cost will be:  If it’s a poker tournament you might offer a paid entry into a tournament held outside of hours for the parents of the students who attend the school (as well as the teachers of course!).   From here you work out an approximate cost per person adding the cost of the poker tournament + prizes + misc costs and dividing it by a guestimate of your final numbers.

Step 2.)

Tell absolutely everyone about the tournament, tell the students to tell their parents, tell other teachers.  The idea is to make it as popular as possible, and create the idea that there are only limited spots available.  You’ll also get additional interest by having great prizes offered on the night; the most cost effective way is to get local businesses to donate items. Having a great theme is also important, and remember make it fun as nearly everyone loves an opportunity to dress up in a different outfit.

Step 3.)

Collect the payments up front.  This is great for two reasons; first it saves the hassle of trying to collect the money on the night, and secondly it prevents people from pulling out of the event at the very last minute.

Step 4.)

Always have additional activities planned for the night, such as spot prizes for best dressed and other little activities for the people who are initially eliminated from the tournament; such as snacks, drinks and music.  You want people to have an experience that goes beyond their expectation, so your next event will be even more popular!