Unequal, insufficient funding for U.S. schools has long driven the need for fundraising efforts to supplement school budgets. But unless you\u2019re an education worker, PTA\/PTO leader, or seasoned\u00a0parent volunteer, you may not know that the importance of fundraising goes well beyond school budgeting.<\/p>\n
In\u00a0this blog, you\u2019ll learn more about:<\/p>\n
When school staff, volunteers, and students come together to work toward a common goal, the entire community is strengthened. Plus, both adult and student participants can bond, learn new things, and use their experiences to enrich their lives both inside and outside the school community. Below, we\u2019ll explore each of these different facets of the importance of fundraising in schools.<\/p>\n
It might seem obvious, but the importance of fundraising is tied directly to the value of education for our youth. Research clearly shows that\u00a0unequal school funding correlates to unequal education outcomes, including lower achievement and graduation rates, which can translate to fewer post-secondary opportunities for students in very poorly funded schools.<\/p>\n
This goes beyond students\u2019 basic academic necessities such as classroom materials, updated technology, and clean, safe school facilities. Education encompasses what goes on outside the classroom as well, such as through extracurricular enrichment programs in the arts, STEM fields, and more. School fundraising helps bring these opportunities to a wider range of students and fosters more well-rounded education for all.<\/p>\n
While there is a wide range in the\u00a0fundraisers<\/a>\u00a0that can be effective, fundraisers that involve student participation\u2014such as\u00a0fun runs<\/a>\u2014have the unique value of teaching children important life skills and habits. These include goal-setting, planning, accountability, teamwork, leadership, physical activity\u2014the list goes on. Plus, having a direct stake in their school\u2019s wellbeing through fundraising can strengthen children\u2019s academic and social engagement.<\/p>\n By now, we hope it\u2019s clear that the importance of fundraising for school goes well beyond financial and even academic concerns, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth for both adult and student participants alike.<\/p>\n But the benefits of these opportunities don\u2019t stop at the participants themselves.\u00a0Research shows\u00a0that students do better when schools and communities communicate and work together in partnership. Also, when schools and community members come together to support young people\u2019s education through fundraising, the entire community benefits. School staff, parents, and community members can spend time together, learn more about each other\u2019s needs, and create further opportunities for improvement both in and outside of school.<\/p>\n Fundraising is hard work \u2013 especially when some schools are under funded by\u00a0up to $150\u00a0billion\u00a0annually. With such high financial needs, it\u2019s easy for PTAs\/PTOs to become overwhelmed or discouraged.<\/p>\n However, when done right, fundraising can be a fun way to meet challenging fundraising goals. The good news is this is totally doable with a little research and planning. To ensure your fundraising efforts are just as fun as they are effective, make sure to:<\/p>\n With these tips, your fundraisers are as likely to result in new skills, new friendships, and new memories as they are to help meet or exceed your financial goals.<\/p>\n Booster has spent 20 years developing fun, creative fundraisers that actually make money. From\u00a0partnerships with the popular game Just Dance<\/a>\u00a0to our\u00a0character program that uses exciting themes<\/a>\u00a0to get kids directly involved in their education, our fundraising programs go beyond budgetary needs to engage and enrich the entire school community\u2014all through an easy-to-use platform and with the help of a supportive team.<\/p>\n Learn more about fundraising with Booster today.<\/a><\/p>\nFundraising strengthens school-community bonds.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fundraising is fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Booster understands the importance of fundraising for schools<\/strong><\/h2>\n