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How to Promote a School Fundraiser (Marketing Tips That Actually Work)

Running a great fundraiser is one thing—getting people excited about it is another. Even the best product or event fundraiser won’t reach its potential without strong promotion. The key to bigger profits is simple: the more people who know about your fundraiser, the more support you’ll get.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to promote a school fundraiser—with step-by-step promotional strategies, real examples, and free tools from Midland Fundraising to make marketing effortless.

New here? Start with our How to Run a School Fundraiser
Also read: Fundraiser Money Policy: How to Handle Fundraising Money Safely


Why Fundraiser Promotion Matters

Promotion is the secret ingredient behind every successful fundraiser. Schools and groups that communicate consistently often see 30–40% higher participation. Why? Because clear, upbeat reminders keep your cause top of mind.

When supporters understand why you’re fundraising and how they can help, they’re far more likely to buy, donate, or share. That’s why Midland Fundraising gives every group ready-to-use marketing tools—from printed flyers to digital catalogs—so you can focus on results, not design.


Step 1: Start With a Clear Message

Before you post, print, or email anything, define your “why.” Supporters connect with stories, not sales pitches.

Quick tips:

  • Keep your message short and emotional.

    • Example: “Help our 5th graders get to camp!”

  • Always include the deadline and online order link.

  • Use a consistent tagline everywhere: “Every order helps our school reach its goal!”

Pro Tip: Create a one-sentence mission statement and repeat it on every flyer, email, and social post. Consistency builds trust.


Step 2: Use Multiple Channels to Promote Your Fundraiser

Parent sharing a school fundraiser on social media from smartphone

The best way to promote a school fundraiser is to reach people where they already are—online, in the community, and through the school.

a) School Communication

  • Include fundraiser updates in morning announcements, emails, and weekly newsletters.

  • Send home a take-home flyer before kickoff.

  • Ask teachers to remind students during class or post updates in Google Classroom.

b) Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the easiest and most effective ways to spread the word.

  • Post countdowns, progress updates, and short videos from students or staff.

  • Create a Facebook event for your kickoff or delivery day.

  • Encourage parents to share posts with friends and family.

Sample Facebook Post:

🎉 Our fundraiser starts today! Every order helps our students reach their goal. Order here: [link]
#SupportOurSchool #FundraiserGoals #MidlandFundraising


c) Print Materials

Even in the digital age, flyers and posters work.

  • Include key info: dates, deadlines, product highlights, and a QR code to your online store.

  • Hang posters near entrances, gyms, and offices.

  • Send a “reminder flyer” halfway through your sale.


d) Events & Word of Mouth

Kick off your fundraiser at an assembly, open house, or sports event.

  • Reward the first class or team to reach a sales milestone.

  • Ask student leaders to create quick videos or Reels to promote participation.


Quick Recap: 5 Easy Ways to Promote Your Fundraiser

  1. Announce early and often.

  2. Share clear, consistent messages.

  3. Use both print and digital marketing.

  4. Post progress updates and celebrate wins.

  5. Thank supporters at every step.


Step 3: Keep the Excitement Going

Momentum is everything. The key to sustained participation is communication.

How to keep it fun:

  • Post weekly progress updates (use a fundraising thermometer or star chart).

  • Highlight top classes or sellers.

  • Offer simple prizes for milestones—pizza parties, extra recess, or raffle entries.

  • Celebrate every success publicly.

Pro Tip: Parents love to see their child’s involvement—share quick shoutouts or progress photos (with permission).


Step 4: Use Digital Tools to Simplify Promotion

Illustration of a hand holding a tray with digital marketing icons, including a globe, megaphone, and social media profiles, symbolizing how technology simplifies promoting a school fundraiser.

Promoting your fundraiser doesn’t have to take hours. These free tools make it simple:

  • Canva: Design easy flyers and social posts.

  • Mailchimp: Send and schedule reminder emails.

  • Google Sheets: Track goals and share updates with staff.

Midland Fundraising makes it even easier:
Every program includes free digital flyers, social media graphics, and customizable email templates—so you can start promoting from day one.

Want to skip the marketing stress? Request your free fundraising catalog and get access to all our built-in coordinator tools.


Step 5: Avoid Common Promotion Mistakes

Even great fundraisers can fall short if promotion starts too late or stops too soon. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Waiting until the halfway point to start promoting.

  • Only relying on students to spread the word.

  • Forgetting reminder messages near the end.

  • Sending too much information at once.

Consistency—not perfection—wins every time.


Step 6: Wrap Up & Celebrate

Never end your fundraiser quietly! Recognition keeps people motivated for next time.

  • Share the final amount raised and photos of what it funded.

  • Thank families, volunteers, and teachers publicly.

  • Post a final “We Did It!” update with next year’s goal.

Example:

“Together we raised $7,200 for new playground equipment! Thank you to everyone who sold, shared, and supported. We couldn’t have done it without you!”


FAQ

Q: What is the best way to promote a school fundraiser?
A: Use a mix of flyers, email, and social media. Keep your message short, clear, and consistent across all channels.

Q: How early should we start promoting?
A: Start 2–3 weeks before kickoff to build awareness and excitement.

Q: How do we get parents involved?
A: Make it simple! Provide direct links, quick updates, and clear ways to help.

Q: What’s the most effective social platform?
A: Facebook is best for parents, while Instagram works great for visuals and stories.

Q: Can we promote multiple fundraisers at once?
A: Yes, just keep your messaging separate for each fundraiser to avoid confusion.