Write-a-check Student Fundraiser

Fundraising letters are the fuel behind this school fundraising ideas. The idea of this write-a-check student fundraiser is brilliant and has worked in many school for years. It can be used for any age but is particularly effective for younger children (mostly because their spelling and word choices are sometimes priceless!)

How It Works

The write-a-check student fundraiser idea is that every student writes to at least 5-10 people (grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors,) requesting a donation. That’s it! To make it turnkey for the parents, you can create a template for each child to complete as well as an envelope for the name and address.

Incentives can be used to see what class turns in all of their letters first (maybe an extra recess or other goody). A parent committee that oversees the process in addition to acknowledgment and tax letters is critical.

Other fun things to do are to track (via a thermometer poster) the progress of the fundraiser. The class that raises the most money can win a prize (maybe a pizza or ice cream party).

For middle school and high school students it is a great opportunity for them to utilize their emerging writing skills to describe the importance of the program in which money is being raised or why they appreciate their school/team. Incentive prizes can be age appropriate ranging from homework passes to prizes from local businesses. Track progress on the school’s website or with posters in prominent places around campus.

If there are concerns for students who may not have anyone to write to, classmates can “share” addresses and write a p.s. on the note to indicate that they are helping a friend.

I have personal experience of this type of fundraiser making over $25,000 at an elementary school and over $100,000 at a high school (Both of these cases were in Portland, Oregon). In the case of the high school (which is where I worked at the time in charge of fundraising),there were 1,100 students.

In Summary

Often times people tire of buying some type of useless trinket or candy just to support a loved one. Remember, people give to people. What could be more compelling than a student's letter for an important project for their school? Sometimes, you just need to ask! You’ll be amazed at the results.

Check out student fundraising letter samples in our *FREE TOOLS* section. It's easy and ITS FREE!

Make sure to check out Tips for a Response Card/Response Device to accompany the fundraising letter.