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A new year is the perfect time for schools and parent support organizations to reboot, refresh, and re-energize their school fundraising efforts. Whether you’re running a booster club fundraising program, handling PTA fundraising, organizing PTO fundraising, or managing any other parent-led group, this is the perfect time to re-engage families and set the tone for the months ahead.
Here are eight simple ways to build school fundraising momentum in the New Year
One of the best ways to build early momentum is with a clear message that puts everyone back on the same page. A short “New Year, new goals” message helps people refocus after the holiday rush and reconnect with your school.
Keep the message simple:
Parents want to support your school. They just need reminders that feel positive, not overwhelming. When you keep the tone upbeat and easy to digest, your fundraiser marketing is far more effective.
The start of the year is the perfect moment to launch a few “quick win” school fundraiser ideas that get people excited without a huge effort.
Some early-year wins could include:
The key to a quick win is giving families something simple to join. When they see early success, they’re more likely to feel excited about your community and jump into bigger school fundraising events later in the year.
Momentum builds when your message stays in front of people. That doesn’t mean long newsletters or long announcements. Instead, focus on steady, short reminders across email, text, social media, and school apps.
Here are easy ways to keep your fundraiser top of mind:
Parents often skim, so short bursts of info work better than long paragraphs. Make every message easy to read and easy to share.
Students are at the heart of school fundraising. When they feel excited, the entire community feels it too. The New Year is a great time to give students small leadership roles that spark momentum.
Try things like:
When students feel ownership, parents feel more motivated to help. This is one of the strongest ways to grow school fundraising energy early in the year.
Parent support organizations often forget parents want to help, but they don’t always know how. Give them plug-and-play tools, and they’ll share your fundraiser far more often.
Create a parent promo kit with:
When the work is done for them, parents become powerful fundraising partners.
Momentum grows when people feel like they’re part of something successful.
Celebrate:
You don’t need big prizes. Shout-outs, stickers, or a simple “thank you” can give your community the warm spark they need to keep the fundraiser going strong.
A fun school event early in the year can jumpstart your school fundraising season and bring everyone together around a shared goal. Even small events help boost enthusiasm and build stronger engagement across your district or school. Here are a few great event ideas to spark participation:
You don’t need big prizes. Shout-outs, stickers, or a simple “thank you” can give your community the warm spark they need to keep the fundraiser going strong.
These simple gatherings create energy, connection, and momentum that fuel your fundraiser all year long.
The easier the process, the faster your school fundraising momentum grows.
Make sure:
If parents have to hunt for details, momentum slows. Clear paths create confident supporters.
The New Year gives schools, districts, and parent support organizations a powerful chance to reignite their school fundraising energy. With simple messaging, quick wins, strong student involvement, and easy ways for parents to join, you can build a wave of momentum that lasts well beyond January and keeps your fundraising strong throughout the year.
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