Want to put your school's fundraising efforts into overdrive? Then you need the right tools at your fingertips. That includes fundraising software that can help you maximize the amount of money you raise for your school.
There are a lot of great reasons to use school fundraising software and there’s a good chance you’re already using technology to help you fundraise, but maybe what you’re using isn’t quite cutting it anymore or perhaps it’s cutting too deep into what you’ve raised. In that case, it’s time to start exploring. There are tons of options out there when it comes to school fundraising software platforms, but before you can figure out which one works best for your organization, you’ll want to figure what your needs really are.
School fundraising platforms that serve PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs have lots of different features. Some focus solely on delivering fundraisers while others offer a whole range of tools including member communications and an online store. Then there are the tools like website builders and email platforms that aren’t specifically designed for school fundraising but get used frequently.
As you dive into figuring out the best fundraising software for your group, grab some paper (old school or digital!) and start making a list. Think about the tools you use now, things you currently do manually that you’d like software for, and what other tools you could use to make running your organization more efficient.
Something else you’ll want to think about – If you’re currently using multiple tools to manage your organization, a software platform that incorporates all the tools you need into one can save you tons of time and eliminate having to pay for multiple subscriptions.
Now that you have your needs and wants list, it will be much easier to focus on the features that are most important to you. As you look at platforms, pay special attention to whether these features that are important to PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs are included:
In addition to the features of the school fundraiser software platforms you’re looking at, you’ll also need to consider pricing structure. How much are the platform and processing fees? Make sure you are keeping the highest amount possible of what you raise for your school since you’re putting in a ton of effort to raise it.
Another important consideration is how much training and support you’ll get from a school fundraising software platform and what format it is delivered in. Do you have access to workshops, online tutorials, step-by-step guides, and a customer support team? Are there other resources you can look to like thoughtful blog content, guides, and examples of best practices to help you succeed?
Ultimately, when you’re deciding which fundraising software to use for your PTA, PTO, or booster club, you want to think about all the components that go into successful fundraising and use a platform that offers all the tools you need to save time and money while having maximum impact.
The best fundraising software is going to help you reach a wider audience and keep them engaged, increase donations, and have a presence in your school community (online and offline!). As long as you prioritize your specific needs, thoroughly evaluate your options, and have access to guidance and resources when you need it most, you’ll unlock new levels of fundraising success.
