Classroom Fundraising Tips for the 2024-2025 School Year

Teachers and schools can always use more support. Teachers are spending on average $820 (or more) a year out of pocket for necessary classroom supplies. Teachers shouldn’t be forced to dip into their own pockets to ensure their students have the supplies they need for success. Thousands of teachers have started a GoFundMe to help fund their classrooms.

When it comes to classroom fundraising, you can raise funds for classroom materials, after-school programs, field trips, or anything else that helps students learn. Whether you’re fundraising for teachers, school supplies, an education program, or a student, we’re here to help you raise the funding you need. Use these classroom fundraising tips to help set your fundraiser up for success.

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5 tips for classroom and school supply fundraising

1. Tell your story with heart

In your fundraiser description, tell us why you’re raising funds and about the classroom you hope to support. What is special about the teacher or the students? What are you proud of and want people to know? How will these funds make an impact in the students’ lives?

The best education fundraisers share love for the students and teachers right in the description. Include as much heart and soul as possible, so donors get a real sense of what their donation will be supporting. For in-depth tips, read our blog on tips for how to write your fundraiser story.

Are you fundraising for a long-term need? You may want to consider listing your classroom’s monthly needs and asking donors to consider recurring donations.

2. Provide details about the need

Sharing more information about the types of supplies the students need, about how many you need, and about how much they cost can be helpful. You don’t need to explain every item, but mentioning a few can help set the scene. For example, your class might need new chapter books that cost about $12 each and you need 25 of them. This might help donors also decide how much they can donate. You can ask if they would consider, for example, donating enough for 2 books.

3. Include photos and video

Donors love to see photos and videos of students, teachers, and classrooms. If possible, include a simple video filmed on your phone that helps explain who you are and why you are raising funds will go a long way. If you have permission, include any photos or videos of students. Adding a personal touch can help more potential donors support for your fundraiser.

For tips on using video in your fundraiser, check our our video fundraising tips.

4. Spread the word

We’ve found that there is a lot of enthusiasm for education fundraisers. People are typically glad to have the opportunity to help a specific class or project. We know asking for help can be hard, so we put together these tips for sharing your fundraiser. Try sharing your fundraiser with community members, friends and family. Consider sharing on social media, via email, and in person.

Encourage your connections to share the fundraiser, even if they aren’t able to contribute themselves. You may be surprised by the people who want to donate to your fundraiser.

5. Say thanks

Thanking your donors is an important final step. Taking a few minutes to send personal thank-you messages goes a long way. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our post on ways to say thank you to donors.

Raise funds for classroom and school supplies

Ease a teacher’s stress by helping raise funds for their classroom. By crowdfunding for teachers, they can focus on giving their students the best education possible. If you’re a teacher, get extra financial support by fundraising for your own classroom as well. Ready to get started? Start your fundraiser today.

Start a fundraiser