For many students, a school trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But before they can board the bus or plane, there’s often one major hurdle: paying for it. The right fundraising strategy can make travel more accessible while getting students, families and the community invested in the experience before you even leave.
Engage Your Community
Start by getting the word out. Connect with local businesses, civic organizations and community groups, and explain where students are going, what they’ll learn and why the trip matters.
Photos and testimonials from past trips can be especially effective, giving potential donors a firsthand look at the value of travel. Building these relationships can also lead to repeat corporate sponsors.
Get the Goods
Product fundraisers remain popular because supporters get something in return. Consider useful or consumable items such as candy, chocolate, popcorn, pizza kits, candles, wreaths or poinsettias. Student-made crafts can also add a personal touch.
Double Good is a convenient option that takes much of the work online. Students create virtual storefronts and share them with supporters, while a variety of popcorn flavors are made fresh and shipped directly to customers anywhere in the U.S. The fundraising period can be completed in just a few days, and Double Good also supports children with special needs through its foundation (hence the name).
Another option is the Mattress Fundraiser from Custom Fundraising Solutions. The school or group advertises the event in the community while CFS handles the sales, logistics and delivery. There’s no need for students to collect orders or manage inventory.
Make It an Event
Turn fundraising into something students and families actually look forward to. Car washes, restaurant nights, bake sales, raffles, trivia nights and talent shows can all bring people together while raising money.
A silent auction featuring donations from local businesses is another possibility. Or host a secondhand sale using clothing, books, household goods and other items donated by families.
For something more active, consider a color or fun run. MyFunRun offers an online fundraising platform with tools for managing donations, participants and sponsors, making it possible to turn a schoolwide event into a fundraiser without having to build the infrastructure yourself.
Give Back While Raising Money
Service projects can also help students earn funds while contributing to their community. Groups might work at a local festival, organize a cleanup, rake leaves, shovel snow or help with other community projects in exchange for donations.
Get Ahead
Whatever approach you choose, start early. Many schools begin planning trips a year—or even two—in advance. More lead time means more opportunities for students to fundraise and gives families additional time to make payments.
Clearly communicate the total cost, fundraising expectations and payment deadlines from the beginning. If possible, consider payment plans to make the financial commitment more manageable.
And don’t forget to check with your school district before getting started. There may be restrictions on certain fundraising activities, vendors or payment methods.