Fundraising Spotlight: How to avoid fundraising fatigue

In many communities, school fundraisers are necessary to supplement budget shortfalls and support a wide array of school programs. Fundraisers make impossible or marginalized programs possible. But in some cases, the volume of fundraising is starting to take its toll on the students who are selling, the PTA and teachers who are organizing, and the parents and family members who are buying. Fundraising fatigue is a common occurrence in school communities today.

Below are some tips on how to avoid fundraising fatigue:

Limit the number of fundraisers. Many schools that do not regulate their fundraising activity run into the problem of over-fundraising-too many groups selling to the same people and tapping into the same volunteer pool. This drains school resources and is counter-productive. Schools should have only one school-wide fundraiser each semester. The principal should implement a strict approval process by which he or she decides what fundraisers are allowed.
Set firm goals and deadlines. Fundraisers are effective only if they have firm financial goals and designated start and end dates. Enthusiastic participants and supporters are key ingredients to successful fundraisers. If you have never-ending fundraisers, you will lose the initial enthusiasm and burnout will occur. As with most things in life, there must be a sense of closure. Fundraisers are no different.
Avoid competing with neighboring schools. Fundraising is hard enough and the last thing you want is to sell the same products as the school down the street. Always know what other communities are doing for their fundraisers and make sure your fundraiser is unique.
Rotate volunteers. Parents and teachers should not be responsible for more than one fundraiser a year. Their time is too valuable to get caught up in organizing multiple fundraisers. Line up a healthy reserve of volunteers at the beginning of the school year and rotate their fundraising volunteer activities.

Most importantly, never lose sight of the school's purpose. Students are there to learn, teachers are there to teach, and parents are there to support the overall education process. Fundraising should never detract from these core principles.