We all know the drill – the annual school fundraiser rolls around, and suddenly you find yourself juggling baked goods, coupon books, and those pesky order forms. But, not to worry! Thankfully, we’re in the age of technology and there’s a new way of doing things: online fundraising! Get ready to kick traditional fundraising methods to the curb and embrace the digital era with open arms. Let’s dive into the world of online fundraising and discover how it can save the day for parents and childcare workers.
The Rise of Online Fundraising:
Picture this: you’re cozied up on your couch, binge-watching your favorite show, and a notification pops up on your phone – your child’s school just launched an online fundraiser. Say goodbye to door-to-door sales and hello to convenience!
Online fundraising is simply using the internet to gather donations, rally support, and spread the word about your cause. With just a few clicks you can connect with those in your community and spread the word about your fundraiser. Whether it’s through dedicated fundraising platforms, social media posts, or email blasts, the online world offers a universe of opportunities to support your school, childcare center, or sports team.
The Superpowers of Online Fundraising:
Ease and Convenience:
One of the best advantages of online fundraising is the convenience it offers to both you and you supporters. Traditional fundraising methods usually involve manual processes, like collecting cash or checks, counting donations, and managing physical paperwork. These tasks can become tedious, time-consuming, and stressful. However, with online fundraising, all these processes are taken care of for you.
Fundraising platforms allow you to create customized fundraising pages where you can provide information about your cause, set fundraising goals, and track online donations securely. In a matter of minutes, you can share your fundraising page across various digital platforms, including social media platforms and email. You can also partner with businesses that will donate a percentage of sales to your organization to raise funds. This way, the business takes care of collecting the money and distributing the product, all you need do is sit back and wait for the funds to roll in! Mabel’s Labels has a super simple online fundraiser that works this way.
Low Effort, High Impact:
Let’s be real. As parents, we have busy lives. Between work, chauffeuring the kids to activities, and trying to squeeze in some “me time,” the last thing we need is a time-consuming fundraiser. With online fundraising, you can kiss those never-ending volunteer shifts and high-pressure sales pitches goodbye. Instead, you can support your child’s school from the comfort of your couch.
Think about it: no more door-to-door sales in the scorching summer heat or frigid winter winds. No more awkward encounters with neighbors who avoid eye contact as you attempt to sell them another chocolate bar. Instead, you can effortlessly share the online fundraiser through social media, email, or even a quick chat at the pick-up line. It’s fundraising on your terms, without any of the awkwardness!
Online fundraising brings a whole new level of fun and excitement to the table. It’s not just about cash. Your supporters can easily hop onto social media and share your campaign with their friends. They can leave comments, interact with others, and build a sense of community around your goal! This encourages others to get involved and creates enthusiasm from your existing supporters. And the best part? this requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, making it a game-changer for those who genuinely want to make a difference but can’t seem to find enough hours in the day.
Cost Savings:
Schools, listen up! Online fundraising is here to save the day, and your budgets. We know how quickly the excessive costs associated with traditional fundraisers can add up. You know the ones I’m talking about: printing hundreds of flyers, buying mountains of wrapping paper, planning elaborate bake sales, or renting space for events that require a small army to man.
Online fundraising eliminates these costs completely. There’s no need for physical materials like posters and flyers when you can promote your campaign virtually. Your online fundraiser can even be a year-round initiative rather than a crazy-expensive one-time event. This allows schools to put those hard-earned dollars back into the programs, activities, and resources that benefit our little ones. Not to mention the reduced administrative burden and time saved, which means your hardworking teachers and staff can focus on what’s most important! Who new fundraising could be so budget friendly? (Spoiler…we did😉)
Who Benefits from Online Fundraisers?
Online Fundraising for Schools
Fundraising has always been a lifeline for schools. It’s provided them with a way to bridge the gap between their limited budgets and the needs of students. Whether it’s raising funds for new computers and books or funding a well deserved end of year field trip, online fundraising allows schools to tap into a wider network of potential supporters who are passionate about education and giving our children the best school experience possible. Just imagine a future where your school’s educators have all the resources they need to empower young minds and unleash their potential!
Online Fundraising for Childcare Centers:
Childcare centers can also tap into the online fundraising craze to create extra special experiences for the little ones in their care. Imagine raising funds for a state-of-the-art playground, new educational toys, or even a visiting petting zoo! Online fundraising can connect generous souls with the opportunity to support early childhood development and give children the head start they deserve.
Online Fundraising for Sports Teams:
Calling all coaches and team leaders! Online fundraising can also be your secret weapon for rallying support and providing unforgettable experiences for kiddos on the field or court. Children’s sports teams often rely on community support to cover expenses like uniforms, equipment, and travel costs. But securing funding can be challenging, especially for teams in underserved areas or with limited resources. Online fundraising offers a platform for children’s sports teams to engage their community, friends, and family members in supporting their passion for the game!
Case Study:
Let’s gather ’round for a heartwarming tale of online fundraising success! Sacred Heart Elementary was on a mission to conquer the digital divide during the wild times of COVID19. They came up with a plan and teamed up with Mabel’s Labels for an online fundraising campaign. Their goal? Raising funds to equip the kiddos with some shiny new iPads for remote learning! Armed with the free digital posters Mabel’s Labels provided, they were able to effortlessly promote their campaign on social media. And boy, did they make some noise! They didn’t just reach the parents at their school; they caught the attention of a whole bunch of people beyond their immediate circle.
In the end, it wasn’t just a win for Sacred Heart Elementary; it was a win for the entire school community. Thanks to the joint efforts of the school, the parents, and their newfound online supporters, they raised over $600! The funds went straight into improving the learning experience for their students and provided a much-needed pick-me-up for everyone involved.
So, there you have it! The age-old struggle of traditional fundraising methods is officially over, thanks to our trusty sidekick, online fundraising. No more juggling baked goods, wrapping paper, and order forms like a circus performer. Say goodbye to the headaches and embrace the digital era with open arms!
Have questions about Mabel’s Labels Fundraising program, read this!