Modernizing Fundraising in Schools: Embracing Crowdfunding and Technology

Modernized fundraising has arrived, bringing new opportunities for K-12 schools. By integrating fundraising technology with district asset management plans, schools can streamline the giving process and boost engagement, ultimately enhancing student outcomes.

End-to-end asset management system down to the penny

The Importance of Fundraising in Schools

Fundraising plays a crucial role in K-12 education, providing essential financial resources to supplement school budgets. These funds enrich curricula, acquire new educational technology, maintain and improve infrastructure, and support extracurricular activities. Additionally, fundraising activities foster a sense of community and shared purpose, increasing school engagement and promoting a sense of belonging. Moreover, school fundraisers offer practical experiences in project management, teamwork, and financial literacy for students.

Expanding Reach with Digital Tools

With around 310 million smartphone users in the US, digital interactions and social media have made sharing information easier than ever. Through QR codes or links, donations can quickly support classroom projects, school sites, or district-wide initiatives. Effective documentation, tracking, and reporting of fundraising activities ensure that donations are quickly allocated and put to use, benefiting students and educators.

Promoting fundraising initiatives that involve teacher-driven efforts and classroom participation fosters community engagement throughout the year, transcending the school calendar and enhancing visibility and participation.

Selecting the Right Fundraising Platform

The challenge lies in finding trustworthy and ethical fundraising initiatives that comply with district regulations and ensure accountability. A tech-integrated platform designed for schools and district-specific needs is crucial. Modern donors and PTAs seek convenient, adaptable methods for supporting schools, and a dedicated fundraising platform can bridge the gap by offering the necessary accountability and ease of use.

Tracking Donations and Reporting for Greater Impact

Gone are the days of paperwork, catalog browsing, and cash envelopes. Modern fundraising platforms offer comprehensive tracking and intuitive reporting, ensuring every cent is accounted for and used as intended. Accurate tracking allows for a clear financial overview, enabling informed decisions about fund allocation. Proper allocation directs resources to areas of greatest need, enhancing educational programs, infrastructure, and extracurricular activities.

Key capabilities to consider in a fundraising platform include:

• Modern, intuitive interface: Easy-to-navigate applications simplify setting up and donating to fundraising campaigns.
• Comprehensive tracking and reporting: Real-time measurement and analysis of donations inform financial and district strategy.
• Robust approval processes and workflows: Added oversight ensures district compliance and alignment with impact objectives.

The Follett Destiny® Fundraising Manager

The Livingtree platform, now Follett Destiny® Fundraising Manager, is purposefully built for educational settings and district deployment. Follett Software integrated the Fundraising Manager into its K-12 educational suite to provide more visibility for district administrators to track and account for every penny. With an intuitive interface, parents and donors can easily contribute to classroom and school fundraisers.

For more information on driving greater district impact with Follett Software, contact us.

Watch the webinar here. 

P.S. To learn more about this acquisition, read here.