Teachers have enough mugs. Help them get something they or their classroom really needs by starting a GoFundMe on their behalf. You can share the fundraiser with other parents and community members- joining together to make a bigger impact for that teacher.
Ideas for fundraising for on behalf of the teacher in your life:
- End of year thank you gifts: let the teacher choose how they will spend the thank you fund, ensuring they love their gift
- Fulfilling a classroom need: help your child’s teacher enrich their classroom by starting a GoFundMe for a specific need such as computers, a class pet, or a field trip.
- Supportinga teacher lounge fund: show your appreciation by raising money for specialty snacks and treats to fill the teacher’s lounge
- Benefit the teacher’s favorite charity: you can start a fundraiser for the teacher’s favorite nonprofit, such as a local animal shelter, then surprise the teacher by showing them the impact
1. Set a Clear & Specific Goal
Focus on a specific need to make your fundraiser more compelling. For example:
✅ “Help Mrs. Garcia Get a Classroom Library!”
✅ “Let’s Say Thank You to Mr. Lee For a Great Year”
✅ “Send Ms. Adams’ 3rd Graders on a Field Trip”
This helps donors see the impact their contributions will make.
2. Tell a Heartfelt & Personal Story
People donate when they connect emotionally. Share:
- Why your child’s teacher deserves this support
- How the fundraiser will improve the classroom
- Personal stories (e.g., “Mrs. Garcia always buys books for her students with her own money!”)
Example:
“Mrs. Garcia’s love for reading is contagious! Every year, she builds a classroom library with her own money so kids can discover their love for books. Let’s help her expand the collection with her new favorite books!”
3. Add Engaging Photos & Videos
A great photo or video makes a huge difference! Ideas for your fundraiser include:
📸 A picture of the teacher with their class [NOTE be sure you have permission before posting photos of students]
📸 A snapshot of the classroom or needed supplies
📹 A short video (doesn’t need to be fancy!) explaining why you started the fundraiser
4. Share, Share, Share!
To get donations, you need visibility! Share your fundraiser:
📢 By printing out a QR code that links to your fundraiser and passing out to parents
📢 In school parent groups or PTA emails
📢 With family & friends via text, email, Facebook, and group chats
Encourage parents and students to spread the word.
5. Keep Donors Updated
Regular updates to your fundraiser keep momentum going. Post things like:
🔹 “We’ve raised $200—almost halfway there!”
🔹 “Thank you to our amazing donors! Mrs. Garcia is so grateful!”
🔹 A picture of the classroom after getting the supplies
6. Express Gratitude & Acknowledge Donors
After reaching your goal, thank everyone who donated publicly. Ideas include:
💌 A thank-you ‘update’ on your GoFundMe [learn more about thank you’s]
📸 A picture or video of you and/or the kids surprising the teacher with the fundraiser