The Benefits of Fundraising for Schools

School fundraisers aim to instill one major valuable lesson into the minds of the student body; when you want something you need to work for it. This lesson is carried through all age groups from elementary school straight up to college fundraising efforts. The message is the same because it carries through into the real world.

Schools generally undertake fundraising efforts to financially support sports teams, bands, cheerleaders, school trips or even to pay for new structures and buildings to expand the school’s compound. Here, we will explore other benefits of fundraising for schools.

The Benefits

While the major benefit of carrying on fundraising efforts in schools is the promotion of an admirable work ethic, other benefits are commonly derived as well. These benefits may be ascribed to three distinct elements namely; the students, the parents and the school itself.

Benefits for the Students

• Improved Selling Skills. Fundraising has advanced way beyond the old methods of tossing up lemonade stands or sponsoring cookie sales. Schools now run and take part in elaborate schemes to raise money for specific causes. From hosting talent shows and competitions to partnering with large companies to sell personalized products at a reduced cost, school fundraising has stepped up its game. The children involved inevitably pick up valuable selling and marketing skills that can transcend the school yard.
• The Ability to Work in Teams. Working with others toward a common goal is an important part of school fundraising. It teaches kids to be able to compromise in group situations and also to be able to act appropriately in both leadership and subordinate roles. These lessons are also able to serve them well in their adult lives.
• Instilling the Importance of Community and Charity. Children must be taught to care about others and to consider the concept of improving their surroundings for the benefit of the entire school body. Their fundraising efforts may be able to put systems or structures in place that can last long after they leave the institution and this helps to teach young people about the value of community and charity. Doing something for the benefit of others and not to be self-serving is also a major part of school fundraising.
• Encourages Creativity. School fundraisers also challenge youngsters to be imaginative and to think outside the box. Several school fundraising ventures are the product of the students’ imagination and drive so this should not go unnoticed.

Benefits to the Parents

• More Active Role in Children’s Lives. Parents can use fundraising efforts as an opportunity to bond with their children and become involved in the school dynamic.

Benefits to the School

• Better Facilities. Of course, the physical benefits of fundraising for schools cannot be denied. If not for some school fundraisers several initiatives would never have come off the ground, so the improvement of the physical environment is also a great benefit.

Regardless of the benefits of fundraising for schools, the efforts need to be well organized and focused in order to be successful. Each fundraiser must be tied to a specific goal and the initiatives must be closely monitored to ensure that they are put across in the best possible way. Most importantly, the children and parents involved must be kept informed of the progress so they can continue to be motivated to assist.