The Teaching Box

Creating an ideal fundraising campaign for a school is not as easy as it sounds. Of course the ultimate goal of any fundraising activity is to earn the necessary amount in the specific timeframe. The traditional approach of selling meal packs, setting up a garage sale or a car wash activity, or organizing concerts for a cause still works but has cited several disadvantages. For one, the market of this type of fundraising campaign is limited. For example, only those who are within the area can appreciate a car wash activity or a fundraising booth. Second, the activity will require more resources and manpower. Third, more manpower and resources equates to more planning, more preparation, and more anticipation. And fourth, since the market is limited the uncertainty that the target amount will not be reached in specific timeframe is imminent.

Make the campaign successful

Every fundraisers goal is to make the fundraising campaign successful. The common barometer in identifying if the campaign is successful is if it reached the target amount. This goal is more achievable if the target market is maximized. With the help of social media, fundraising campaigns can better maximize their target market. Wider market and bigger network equates more planning and improved coordination plans. Here are some tips on how to maximize the use of social media for a fruitful fundraising campaign:

Identify the goals and choose the network that will work best for the campaign. Here the question of how much should be raised and how many donor and fundraisers are needed to promote the campaign should state a clear answer. The answer will help decide how much a fundraiser is willing to spend for the tools. The important thing is that the solution should be scaled to the campaign so that fundraisers do not over spend.

Pick a remarkable tagline and a graphical identity. Use smart, short phrases that can be easily remembered and repeated by people. The chosen identity should complement the tagline. Select a color scheme that will identify the campaign.

How big is the network? Using social media is not just about the direct network. It has to be extended to the networks of the fundraisers. Give clear instructions to the volunteers. To avoid confusion provide a comprehensive instruction sheet that will tell them what, when, and how to do things. Remember that the volunteers are the messengers of the cause so it is vital that they are updated and well-informed.

Invest on time. Fundraising campaigns only become successful if the administrators are fully devoted. Plan, communicate and anticipate every possible scenario. Create written templates and prepare an action plan book for every scenario. Always provide the fundraiser volunteers progress updates, blog posts, and incentives.

How about technical knowledge? Using social media may appear to be complex. There is a need to configure and customize. If there is not enough knowledge on this matter make sure to get someone who can manage the campaign network.

Whatever tool is used to promote the campaign, the success of the activity will depend on how devoted the fundraisers are and how well-executed the strategy is.