So you’ve just completed your school fundraiser. The money has been collected and the orders have been sent out. But there’s one more order of business. One last step – a very important step - will help to make sure your fundraiser is a success.
You need to say thank you!
You need to single out all volunteers and parents who helped, and more importantly, all of the people who bought cookie dough or popcorn or candy bars, or the merchants who participated in your discount card. Remember, they are ones who made it all possible.
Saying thank you to everyone involved is very important. It lets them know that you appreciate the support and effort that went into the fundraiser. After all, saying thank you is just plain good manners. It is only right and proper to thank someone for helping.
Here are a few simple things you can do after the fundraiser is over to say thank you.
Send a personalized thank you note to each supporter
Let’s face it, everyone likes to be appreciated and recognized. Sending out thank you notes says you appreciate their support and can also go a long way in building future relationships, keeping the door open to future requests. It also reinforces what every parent teaches their children: “Always say thank you!”
In general, it is a good idea to state in your thank you note how their donation is benefiting your group or what you were able to accomplish with their money, whether it is for a class trip or classroom equipment. You might also want to include a photograph of the students or class showing those fundraising dollars at work.
Take out an ad
A simple notice in the local newspaper is a good way to let the community know how the fundraising dollars will be spent.
Send home a fundraising report card
This is a good way to let parents know what programs and school activities or classroom purchases have been funded. You might also want to include a thank you from your school principal.
Thank parents (and the students, too)
Don’t forget to thank the parents. Remember, a lot of times they are the ones hauling their kids around the neighborhood door-to-door or hitting up relatives and co-workers for donations or sales.
A good way to thank the students is through prizes. Prizes offer incentives for students to participate and give them something to strive for.
Gifts go a long way
It’s not a bad idea to set aside a portion of the proceeds at the end of the year for a party or carnival as a way to reward your volunteers. This can be something as simple as a spaghetti supper, barbecue or a family fun night. You might even have mugs or t-shirts made to send out to your supporters as a way of saying thanks.
Remember, saying thank you is just as important as the fundraising part. It lets the community and volunteers know that their support is important and, most importantly, appreciated. So don’t forget to say ‘thank you!’