FUNDRAISING GUIDE TURN YOUR DREAM INTO A REALITY The Fourwinds family is dedicated to making educational travel simple, accessible and affordable for students everywhere. In order to assist in your trip organizing efforts, we have compiled a comprehensive list of suggestions for fundraising campaigns in your communities. No matter what the level of financial need, fundraising is an excellent way to spread the word about your exciting school trips and gather support from local businesses and community members. We hope that one or more of these ideas will jumpstart your group s next trip! SPECIALIZING IN PRIVATE, CUSTOM, EDUCATIONAL TOURS, FOR OVER TWO DECADES fourwindstours.com 888.933.3422
ONLINE CAMPAIGNS One of the most effective and efficient ways to fundraise is through crowdfunding. Use your social media skills and draft up some emails to share your campaign with the world. The various crowdfunding sites allow you the ability to showcase your efforts and reach a larger community instantly online. gofundme.com Start a viral campaign at this highly popular crowdfunding site. GoFundMe has raised over $1 billion for a variety of projects since its inception donorschoose.org A go-to site for teachers, this site allows the public to donate specifically to public schools and their projects indiegogo.com As one of the original crowdfunding sites, this reputable, international organization does not cater to a specific idea or project, allowing great flexibility in the campaign classwish.org Similar to DonorsChoose, allows people to donate to any K-12 campaign in the country Kickstarter, StartSomeGood, FundTube (for music groups), CrowdFundEDU Make a creative video that highlights every aspect of what you hope to accomplish and post it at the top of your campaign
IN-SCHOOL EVENTS The good news about raising school funds is that you often do not even have to leave school grounds to do it. Organizing evening events in the gym or cafeteria and allow students to seek support from their immediate communities. This is a great way to build camaraderie and educate faculty and other students on your accomplishments. MOVIE NIGHT Pick a popular movie for the school to watch on a weekend night. Charge a small admission fee and offer snacks and other concessions like popcorn and candy PANCAKES DAY Host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast one weekend morning for the entire school CAR WASHES Set up shop in the school parking lot and invite parents to come and have their car washed HOLIDAY EVENT A haunted house on Halloween? Candy grams and flowers for Valentine s Day? Help get people in the holiday spirit while raising money A-thons (hike-a-thon, walk-a-thon, etc.), popsicle stand, school dance Contact local businesses for donations to save on costs (i.e. pancake mix, flowers, decorations, etc.)
PRODUCT SALES There are many companies that are more than happy to pair up with your school in order to fundraise. Essentially a company will donate a certain number of products to your campaign and students will be able to keep a significant portion of the profits from what they sell. From coupon books to chocolates and gift wrapping paper, the options are endless. offers.savearound.com These coupon books offer fantastic savings for parents at great vendors. The best part? Students can keep up to 50% of the profits. equalexchange.coop Sell a delicious variety of fair trade coffee, chocolate, tea and other products while keeping 40% of the profit. fundraising.sees.com Whether it s Christmas time or the middle of August, these quality chocolates are always in high demand. ozarkdelight.com These one-of-a-kind, creative lollipops are an easy way to raise money, with students keeping up to 67.5% of the profits. Gift wrapping paper (various companies), Growers (gardening), pizza coupons Ask the students to start off by reaching out to close friends and families who are aware of the upcoming trip
COMMUNITY EVENTS Get the local community involved by selling baked goods at the town grocery store or hosting a kickball tournament at your school. There is an infinite number of things that people of all ages can participate in. The good news is, that a lot of the supplies needed for the events can be donated from local vendors, limiting your costs and maximizing profits. BAKE SALE Contact a local Target or grocery store and set up a spot to sell delicious treats! You can do this at your school as well. EARLY MORNING CAFE Set up a coffee stand for morning commuters. Visit local coffee shops for donations and keep the leftovers for iced coffee later! CONCESSIONS AT A BALLPARK Contact your local minor or major league baseball team to ask about setting up your own in-house concession stand. KICKBALL TOURNAMENT Host a tournament for kickball or another sport and collect a small entrance fee. Holiday gift wrapping station outside of mall, collect e-recycling Publicize the event at local schools, churches, gyms and other popular community areas
RESTAURANT NIGHTS Team up with popular restaurants and host a fundraising dinner for your school trip. Parents and families will love the excitement of gathering as a school community. Plus, who does not love a nice dinner out at a restaurant? Most places will offer 10-20% of the profits to be shared with your group while others can go as high as 50%. Dinner nights are a great way to bring everyone together. Restaurants known to participate in fundraising: Applebees Arby s Bertucci s BJ s Bob Evans Buffalo Wild Wings Chipotle California Pizza Kitchen Chick-Fil-A Chili s Cosi Friendly s Fuddruckers Go Roma The Habit IHOP Jamba Juice Kona Ice Logan s Roadhouse Lone Star Maggie Moo s Ice Cream McDonald s Menchie s Frozen Yogurt Moe s Southwest Grill Noodle s & Co. Outback Steakhouse Panda Express Panera Bread Pizza Hut Red Robin Ruby Tuesday Sonic Souplantation Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt Plan + pick a popular day of the week/time to host your fundraiser