The 6–7 trend is everywhere right now — fun, random, and instantly recognizable to students. A 6–7 Club is an easy way to join the conversation and bring new energy to your fundraiser. Kids will love being part of something that feels current and fun!

What Is the 6–7 Club?

The idea is simple. Students earn a spot in the 6–7 Club by reaching a goal tied to your fundraiser. It could be 6 or 7 donations, 6 or 7 shares, or even $67 raised. Make it fit your school’s event — it’s flexible, fun, and easy for kids to recognize.

6–7 Club Ideas for Different Fundraisers

• For a Fun Run, make it the 6–7 Laps Club — anyone who runs 6 or 7 laps gets their name added to a “Club Wall.”
• For a Read-Athon, try a 6–7 Books Club for students who finish 6 or 7 titles during the event.
• Dance-Athon: Start a 6–7 Songs Club for students who dance through 6 or 7 songs or complete 6–7 dance challenges.
• Fit-Athon: Use a 6–7 Circuits Club or 6–7 Reps Challenge for students who hit those activity milestones.

You can also put a creative spin on donations. Create a 6–7 Donations Club for students who bring in 6 or 7 donations. Or start a $67 Club for those who hit that dollar amount. Some schools even turn it into a nationwide challenge — the 6–7 States Club — for students who collect donations from 6 or 7 different states. It’s a fun way to keep motivation high. Kids love seeing their names added to the club list!

How to Promote Your 6–7 Club

Keep it visible and fun! Post a leaderboard or “Club Wall” where new members’ names are added each day. Use morning announcements — “Who’s joining the 6–7 Club today?” — to build excitement and give shoutouts to students or classes that join.

Here are a few more easy ways to spread the word and keep the momentum going:

• Feature it on your event page: If you’re running your fundraiser through FundHub, include a short blurb about the 6–7 Club right on your event dashboard so families know how to join. Not using FundHub yet? Check it out here to see how easy it makes tracking goals, shares, and student progress.
• Include it in daily or weekly announcements: Have students or teachers call out new members or celebrate when a class reaches a milestone and joins the club!
• Add it to your school newsletter: Create a small “6–7 Club Corner” section that lists new members or gives an update on how close you are to your goal.
• Decorate a hallway display: Make a “Club Wall” or interactive board where each class adds stickers, stars, or photos when students join.
• Share it on social media: Use posts like “New members alert! Who’s joining the 6–7 Club next?” along with student or class shoutouts.
• Announce weekly highlights: Celebrate classrooms or grades that hit 6–7 milestones with small prizes or fun recognition.
• Make it visual: Print “6–7 Club” certificates, design badges, or create digital graphics students can share with pride.

The goal is to make joining the 6–7 Club feel exciting, visible, and easy to understand — something students want to be part of and parents love to support.

Reward and Challenge Ideas

Keep rewards simple and free. Hand out stickers, certificates, or mini “membership cards.” Host a quick “6–7 Club” dance break and play—you guessed it—6 or 7 songs. You could even make it a class challenge, like:

• Raising $67 or $670 beyond the goal
• Getting 6 or 7 new donations on the 6th or 7th
• Reaching 67% registration school-wide
• Collecting 67 shares or 6–7 states over a weekend

The 6–7 Club is all about celebrating progress in a way that feels current and fun for students while keeping families engaged.

Looking for more trend-driven ideas to increase fundraising participation? Talk to your Get Movin’ Fundraising Coach — they’re always ready with fresh, school-tested strategies that make fundraising both exciting and successful.

Learn From the Fun Run + Athon Experts!

The 6–7 trend connects instantly with students — it’s something they already recognize and find funny or exciting. It gives your fundraiser a fresh tie-in, while also encouraging participation and healthy competition.

Whether it’s a Fun Run, Read-Athon, Dance-Athon, or Cash Drive, the 6–7 Club adds a layer of energy and recognition that students love — and it doesn’t cost a thing to implement.

Ready to keep the creativity going? Power your next -Athon fundraiser with FundHub for more event ideas, tools, and resources that make running a fun, high-energy fundraiser easier than ever.

The post Create a 6–7 Club for Your Fundraiser appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

What’s the secret to a school fundraiser that keeps students engaged and excited, from kickoff all the way to the finish line? 

A clear, measurable challenge to beat. 

For lots of schools using FundHub, that challenge is the 50 State Challenge.  

In this blog, we’re explaining exactly how your PTO/A board can use this idea to inject enthusiasm (and a little friendly competition!) into your next school fundraiser, while simultaneously keeping students involved at every step. 

What Is the 50 State Challenge? 

The 50 State Challenge is exactly what it sounds like: students collect at least one donation from every U.S. state before your school fundraiser wraps up! 

The challenge transforms school fundraising into a shared adventure that reaches grandparents in Florida, cousins in Oregon, and family friends scattered across the country. 

You might be wondering, “How could my school keep track of so many nationwide donations?!” Great news! When your school hosts your fundraiser on FundHub, tracking progress is just a click away. The online donation platform features a real-time donation map that lights up each time a new state sends a donation, so students can watch their school’s success spread across the country in real time. 

Why It Works: Fundraising with a Shared Mission

The 50 State Challenge works because it gives students, staff, and family members a fun way to measure fundraising success in something other than dollars. Instead of focusing only on the amount donated, schools create a visual story of progress that everyone can understand and participate in! 

Riverview Elementary proved how powerful visual reminders can be when they raised $23,995 using the 50 State Challenge, and kept an incredible 96% profit! How did they promote this challenge? With a DIY hallway map that allowed all students to keep track of which states contributed, and which ones were still up for grabs.  

The best part? You don’t need to create your donation map from scratch. With FundHub’s predesigned templates and real-time tools, it’s easier than ever to track progress and provide donation updates, moment by moment. 

The 50 State Challenge is also a great motivator for student families. Parents love sharing the challenge with relatives across the country, which helps spread awareness and support way beyond the school’s local community. Students get to track the states they’ve helped unlock, teachers cheer them on, and the whole school gets to celebrate when a new ‘state’ donates! 

50 State Challenge Success Stories: Real Schools, Real Results 

Schools of all sizes have used the 50 State Challenge to reach record-breaking fundraising totals. 

Alta Vista Elementary set a goal of $50,000 and ended up raising $56,795, keeping 100% of in-school donations and 95% of online donations through FundHub. Their PTA credited the challenge for helping them raise $20,000 more than the previous year! 

Rosemeade Elementary opted for a Cash Drive-style fundraiser, which worked wonderfully with the 50 State challenge layout. Excited students rallied together to strategically pull in donations from all 50 states, blowing past their fundraising goal of $18,000 and raising $19,545!  

Find more examples below, including strategies for promoting the challenge that you can bring to your next fundraiser!

Make It Manageable: Breaking the Map into Regions 

If 50 states feels like a big number, take a note from Holy Redeemer School. They divided the U.S. map into regions (West, Midwest, South, and East) and had a mini celebration each time the school ‘filled in’ a region. 

By helping students focus on a smaller area of the map first, it made the challenge feel achievable while still keeping everyone motivated to complete the whole 50 state map.  

It’s a simple but smart way to make the challenge more digestible for students while aiming for the full 50-state finish line! 

50 State Challenge Fundraising Incentives That Keep Students Engaged 

The best part of the 50 State Challenge is how easy it is to build creative, school-wide incentives around it. Schools that complete the challenge have found some unforgettable ways to celebrate. 

At Homestead Elementary, the principal became a human sundae once the final state came in–and even followed up by shaving his head!  

Gulf Breeze Elementary took a slightly different route and had their principal kiss a pig, which quickly became an unforgettable story among students and staff.  

And at Chandler Oaks Elementary, students earned the right to turn their principal into a human taco when the 50 States map was complete. Their celebration video even became one of the year’s most-viewed social posts! 

Each school’s version of an incentive looked a little different, but they all shared the same energy and excitement. When every new state lights up, the anticipation builds…but you don’t have to wait for the final donation to roll out rewards (literally)! At Scarbourough Academy, students were surprised with a rolling cart of delicious snacks and treats every time a student successfully captured a donation from a new state. This sweet idea kept classrooms energized and eager to pull in more funds for weeks on end. 

How to Set Up Your 50 State Challenge on FundHub 

Setting up your challenge on FundHub takes just a few steps: 

1. Launch your fundraiser. Once your fundraiser is live, FundHub automatically tracks which states your donations are coming from. 
2. Announce the challenge. Use FundHub’s predesigned flyers, posters, and social media graphics to share your goal. Every design can be customized with your school name and event details. 
3. Keep your map visible. The real-time donation map updates instantly, showing which states have joined and which are still waiting. You can also print a large version for your hallway so students can color in each state as it’s unlocked! 
4. Celebrate progress. Each time a new state receives a donation, make a school announcement or post an update online. Recognition keeps the excitement going and motivates families to continue sharing. 

The $1,000 Grant Opportunity 

In case you needed one more reason to join the challenge: for every ten schools that complete the 50 State Challenge on FundHub each year, one is randomly selected to win a $1,000 grant. It’s a fun way to reward schools that go the distance. The pride of completing the challenge is already huge, but the chance to earn an extra $1,000 makes it even more rewarding. Marshall Elementary, Tonawanda Elementary, John Wetten, and Julington Creek have all earned recognition as 50 State Challenge Winners in recent years. Could your school be next?! 

Ready to Raise Donations from All 50 States??

The 50 State Challenge turns a typical fundraiser into a nationwide adventure by connecting your school community, giving families a clear goal, and making every new donation feel like part of something bigger. 

If your PTO/A group is ready to take your next fundraiser to the next level, FundHub is the simplest way to get started. The built-in map, predesigned templates, and real-time tracking tools make it easy to organize and fun to follow. 

Your school could be next on the map…so get started, get sharing, and get ready to celebrate when all 50 states are filled in! 

The post The 50 State Challenge: A Nationwide Fundraising Adventure appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

December Fundraising Ideas for Schools: Fun Runs to Holiday Shops

December is one of the best times of year to bring your school community together — full of joy, energy, and opportunities to give back. Between the twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and end-of-semester excitement, schools can harness that festive spirit to fund the programs that matter most.

Whether you’re organizing a holiday-themed Fun Run, a Winter Olympics challenge, or your school’s annual Holiday Shop, there are plenty of creative ways to combine fun and fundraising — especially when you’re using FundHub to track donations, manage incentives, and reach supporters near and far.

Festive Fundraiser Themes to Light Up December

Holiday-themed fundraisers are a great way to keep students active and engaged when winter sets in. Here are a few crowd-favorite themes schools love to host during December.

Winter Wonderland Walk-Athon

Turn your track or gym into a sparkling scene of lights and snowflakes. Add soft holiday music and encourage festive outfits like scarves, hats, and light-up accessories. Use FundHub to set individual and classroom donation goals, track progress in real time, and reward milestones with winter-themed incentives — from fuzzy socks to classroom hot cocoa parties!

Winter Olympics Challenge

Bring the excitement of the Winter Games to your school!

For active events:

Set up winter-inspired stations like a snowball toss, sled relay, or “curling” with beanbags. Use your gym space for obstacle courses and relay races. One school using FundHub hosted “Music in the Halls” as a movement incentive — when donation goals were met, upbeat songs played between classes. Another transformed their hallways into a playful obstacle adventure with hallway limbo, DIY balance beams, and even “Pin the Mustache on the Principal.” FundHub made it easy to track donations by class and celebrate every milestone along the way.

For a Read-Athon twist:

Turn reading goals into “Olympic events.” Each book, chapter, or reading milestone earns a medal or point for the student’s “country” (classroom or grade). FundHub can track total minutes read and classroom standings — just like a real medal count! Top readers can “advance to the podium” and earn fun prizes like snowflake medals or a class movie day.

Real School Spotlight — Millcreek Elementary’s Winter Sports Read-Athon
Millcreek Elementary took this idea to another level with their Winter Sports Read-Athon, giving students an unforgettable Olympic-themed experience. As a celebration for hitting their fundraising goal, students were surprised with limousine rides from the school to the County Ice Center, where they skated with Derek Parra, a U.S. speed skater and gold medalist from the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Derek won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 5000m events — and shared stories of perseverance and teamwork that inspired every kid on the ice.

The best part? Local businesses donated the limousine rides, ice time, and skate rentals, while Derek Parra and the Utah Olympic Oval generously donated their time. It was a perfect example of how community partnerships, creativity, and FundHub’s simple donation management can come together to create a truly magical experience for students.

Frosty Fun Run

Bundle up for this cool schoolwide event! Students dress in fun, weather-appropriate costumes — think snowmen, elves, or reindeer — and complete their laps to festive tunes. End the event with a hot chocolate party for everyone.

With FundHub, families can donate online before and during the run, classrooms can compete for top fundraiser spots, and you can share your success on the live event dashboard. A Frosty Fun Run isn’t just a fitness event — it’s a memory-maker that builds excitement right before winter break.

Jingle Jog (Warm-Weather Edition)

If your school’s December feels more like sunshine than snow, a Jingle Jog with foam is the perfect way to celebrate the season without the cold!

Imagine students racing or dancing through clouds of bubbly foam as festive music plays and bright garlands decorate the course. Santa hats, elf ears, or even reindeer antlers paired with sunglasses make for perfect holiday photo ops. The foam adds that magical “snow” effect without a single flake — just pure fun and laughter.

Use FundHub to bring this event to life and make it easy for families to get involved:

• Create an online donation page where supporters can contribute and watch progress build in real time.
• Set milestone incentives that fit the weather — like popsicle parties, festive outdoor picnics, or a school-wide foam finale for hitting your goal.
• Show live leaderboards to spark friendly competition between classrooms or grades.

The Jingle Jog is an ideal warm-weather alternative that keeps the holiday cheer alive. It’s easy to host, great for photos, and perfect for communities that want to pair fun, movement, and fundraising under blue skies. With FundHub managing donations, incentives, and updates, your sunny “snow day” practically runs itself.

What is the School Holiday Shop?

A unique pop-up shop set up within school premises, this allows students to step into the role of thoughtful shoppers, selecting gifts for family and friends. It’s not just about the funds, but the whole experience it offers.

A school Holiday Shop is a long-standing tradition — students love picking out gifts for family and friends, and parent groups love the excitement it brings to the halls. But when you connect your Holiday Shop to your FundHub fundraiser, it becomes much more than a week of shopping — it becomes the culmination of your entire December campaign.

Instead of running a Holiday Shop as a separate event, make it the reward and wrap-up for your FundHub fundraiser. This approach keeps all your momentum in one place, builds excitement leading up to the shop, and helps your school raise significantly more.

How It Works

1. Launch your main FundHub fundraiser first.
   Whether it’s a Frosty Fun Run, Read-Athon, or Winter Olympics Challenge, let students raise donations through FundHub during the first part of December.
2. Tie shop perks directly to FundHub incentives.
   FundHub automatically tracks donations and milestones, so you can reward fundraising success with Holiday Shop privileges:
   • Students who raise $25 get early shopping access.
   • Students who raise $50 earn a $5 shop credit.
   • Top classes get a bonus shopping time slot or extra spending credit.
3. Host the Holiday Shop as the grand finale.
   The shop becomes a reward experience for students’ hard work. They see a direct connection between their efforts and the fun of shopping — reinforcing the purpose of fundraising while keeping it engaging.

Why It Works So Well

• It motivates students. When kids know their fundraising earns them shop perks, participation naturally increases.
• It keeps everything in one system. FundHub tracks all donations, credits, and incentives, so you don’t have to manage separate spreadsheets.
• It drives higher totals. Schools that integrate their shop into their FundHub campaign consistently report stronger results than those that run both independently.

Go Further with FundHub!

When your Holiday Shop ties into your FundHub fundraiser, it becomes more than a seasonal activity. Students see the excitement of earning rewards. Teachers see the impact of the funds raised. Your parent group ends the year proud, organized, and successful.

With FundHub, your December holiday event breaks free from the school’s physical boundaries. Now, you have the power to collect online donations from anywhere in the world. This global outreach can significantly amplify the support for your themed fundraisers, be it a Snowy Sprint, Winter Wonderland Walk-a-thon, Festive Fun Run, or Jingle Bell Jog!

The post December School Fundraisers + Holiday Shops appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Creating a Fall Fundraiser that Delivers

Turkey Trot season is here! Schools across the country are gearing up to host these popular November events, raising funds and school spirit while keeping students active. A Turkey Trot can be more than just a Fun Run—it’s a way to engage your entire school and meet your fundraising goals. Whether you’re hosting your first trot or looking to enhance an established event, we’ve got you covered with essential tips and ways to make your Turkey Trot even MORE fun! 

The Essentials for a Successful Turkey Trot 

Before you break out your turkey costume, here are five things you need to know to lay the groundwork for an unforgettable event. 

1. Set a Clear Goal: Define how much you want to raise and what the funds will support—this keeps students and families motivated. 
2. Use a Registration and Donation Platform: With FundHub, schools get an all-in-one toolbox for fundraising. Families can easily register students online, share personalized donation pages, and track progress in real time. Plus, the Online Donation Map adds an extra layer of excitement by showing support coming in from all over the county.  
3.  Promote the Event Effectively: Share event details in newsletters, on social media, and with flyers. FundHub gives schools a ready-to-go Event Toolbox and Dynamic Flyers, so you can create custom event materials without starting from scratch.  
4. Offer Incentives and Prizes: Drive participation with fun challenges and exciting rewards. Themed prizes or extra recess can work wonders! Or, get your admin involved—have your principal dress in a turkey costume as a reward for reaching your school-wide donation goal. 
5. Plan for Safety: Make sure your route is clearly marked, volunteers know their places, and everyone is aware of the day’s schedule.  

6 Ways to Make Your Turkey Trot Even More Fun and Profitable 

Students? Check. School spirit? Check. Taking your Turkey Trot from fun to fantastic? Keep reading!  

1. Get the Principal Involved in a Big Way

At Desert Vista Elementary, the principal dressed up in an inflatable turkey costume and greeted students at drop-off and pick-up. It created buzz among students and parents and participation skyrocketed! 

2. Create a Fun Incentive: Pumpkin + whipped cream Pie in the Face

At Crosswind Elementary, if students met their goal, the principal would get a pie in the face during the awards ceremony. This creative incentive built enthusiasm and helped them surpass their fundraising goal. Their kick-off video was a hit with families, and they quickly raised enough to fund all PTA programs! 

3. Host a Student Logo Design Contest

Mokapu Elementary has been hosting their Turkey Trot with FundHub since 2019 and has consistently met or exceeded their goals. One year, they boosted excitement by running a student logo design contest for the event. This not only increased engagement but also gave students a sense of ownership and personal involvement with the event!

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Put a Unique Spin on Your Turkey Trot 

Want to take your Turkey Trot to another galaxy? St. John Vianney School’s Trot Wars turned their fundraiser into a cosmic adventure full of teamwork, competition, and fun. Students were divided into themed teams: The First Order (Red), Mandalorians (Green), Jedi Order (Blue), and Droids (Yellow). Then, in a hilarious twist, school teachers, staff, and parish members joined as The Galactic Republic (Orange)! 

Over six weeks, students completed “planet challenges” to earn Intergalactic Passport Stamps, leading up to the big Turkey Trot finale. Epic prizes added extra motivation: think Star Wars droids, LEGO Millennium Falcon sets, and even Principal for a Day! 

5. Involve Local Businesses for Community Support

Engage local businesses to sponsor your event or donate prizes. Offer sponsorship packages with logo placement on T-shirts, banners, or social posts. Sponsorships are especially valuable during the holiday season, right before Black Friday and holiday shopping. 

With FundHub, you can feature your sponsors on a dedicated section of the school webpage with clickable links to their businesses, making it easy for families to engage with the businesses that support your event!

6. Day-of Donation Push: “Final Lap Challenge”

Did you know the day of your event is a huge day for bringing in donations? By providing live updates, you can significantly increase the amount of donations raised on the day of your event!

1. Real-Time Goal Updates: Announce fundraising progress on social media throughout the event to build excitement. Include your community webpage link for people to donate right to your school without donating to an individual student!
2. Mini Challenges: Offer a fun incentive like, “Raise $500 more, and the principal will finish the race in a turkey costume!” Or, if we get 20 more social share today, then we will have a pie eating contest between the teachers!
3. Social Media Sharing: Encourage attendees to post live updates with the donation link for their students or classroom!

These quick strategies create urgency, engage participants, and ensure a final donation surge before the event ends!

Make This Year’s Turkey Trot Unforgettable

Whether you’re hosting a Turkey Trot or some version of this classic event, your school’s fall fundraiser can be fun AND profitable when you plan with purpose. With the right tools, clear goals, and creative ideas, PTOs can engage students and their families while raising funds and making a difference.  

Explore FundHub today and see how our all-in-one online platform, complete with personalized coaching, dynamic flyers and easy donation tracking, can help your school raise more with less stress! 

The post Let’s Talk Turkey Trots appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Creative Ways to Engage Students and Crush Your Donation Goals 

PTO/A leaders want students to feel engaged during school fundraisers. The challenge? Keeping their attention once the novelty wears off! 

Gamification—the process of taking an everyday task and adding exciting elements like goals, rewards, challenges—is one of the most effective ways to build excitement and get your students cheering for each other instead of just counting dollars. 

For school fundraisers, it’s about transforming the “asking for donations” spiel into something that feels like an adventure, complete with awesome challenges, achievements, and celebrations at every milestone. 

Here’s how to use fun themes to make your next fundraiser feel like a school-wide adventure and keep students excited, from day one to the finish line. 

How to Gamify Your next School Fundraiser!

When students see a fundraising goal as a challenge they can win, participation goes sky-high. Instead of just tracking donations, try setting levels that build momentum: a classroom celebration for hitting $1,000, a school-wide reward for crossing $10,000, or a mystery challenge unlocked halfway through. 

Here are some more ideas for celebrating your progress as you level up toward your overall goal:

• Digital Badges and Certificates: Recognize both individual and group achievements by awarding digital badges for different levels of contributions. For instance, the “Superstar Fundraiser” badge we have on FundHub is prominently displayed on student webpages for those who have reached the above and beyond “superstar” donation amount.
• Tangible Rewards: Depending on the age of the participants and the nature of the event, consider incorporating tangible rewards such as custom wristbands, stickers, or special privileges (like extra recess time for a class that reaches its goal first). These rewards can serve as constant reminders of their contributions and success. On FundHub, we have online incentive trackers to make this process super easy for event organizers. 

The more students understand how their efforts are paying off, the more students stay invested. Use visuals (a donation thermometer, a class leaderboard, or even printed progress charts in hallways) to remind everyone how far they’ve come. Visual charts, whether printed or digital, show students and families the different levels and rewards they can achieve on the way to your overall school donation goal! 

Bring the Fun to Life with a Game-based Fundraiser Theme

A great theme is what turns an ordinary school fundraiser into an event students actually want to join. The best themes are ones kids already recognize, like Super Mario, Candy Land, or Sonic the Hedgehog. By using a familiar world, your event immediately becomes more memorable because students connect with the fundraiser on a personal level. Once they see themselves as part of that story, their imagination does the rest. 

Here are five iconic themes your school can borrow and make your own! 

Super Mario World: Level-Up Your Next Fundraiser

This classic video game character from the 80’s is still a favorite with kids and teens, so why not get the whole school involved with a Mario-themed fundraiser?! In Mario Kart, every coin, every level, and every flagpole marks progress. Use that same energy to inspire your school’s reward incentives! 

Each class can become a ‘team’ on its own adventure through the Mario world. Every donation collected helps them ‘level up’ and move closer to the finish line. When students reach a milestone, they earn a power-up: small rewards like extra recess or themed stickers. 

At Oxford Prep, students tracked progress on a giant racetrack-style poster, where a Mario-inspired icon moved forward as donations came in.  

When the school hits its big goal, celebrate with a ‘Victory Day’ where teachers dress up as Mario characters, and the halls transform into a Mario Kart-style obstacle course! Eagle Creek did something similar when they celebrated hitting their annual Read-Athon goal, and students loved seeing their admin dressed head-to-toe in a colorful costume while racing a go-kart around the hallways.  

Another great idea? Host a Mario Kart party, complete with TV sets brought in so students can play the game with teachers (who can dress up as the characters, too!). 

Sonic the Hedgehog: Speed + Energy = Friendly Competition 

Sonic’s world is all about fast-paced action and collecting rings, and that vibrant energy is perfect for a fundraiser designed to get kids moving! 

Right from the start, set the tone as something exciting and upbeat, like this school did with their ‘Speeding into Reading’ Sonic-themed kickoff video!  

For this theme, each classroom has its own Sonic character, and every donation adds rings to their grand total. Set up visual trackers showing which class is speeding ahead, which ones are close behind, and who’s about to reach the next checkpoint. 

Add in mini challenges to keep the momentum high. Think ‘Fast-Track Friday’ or ‘Turbo Tuesday’, where any class that earns five donations in one day earns a small prize! 

Disney Magic: Dream Big and Celebrate Together

Disney themes work because they combine imagination, teamwork, and joy–three ingredients every great fundraiser needs. 

Frame your fundraising event as a school-wide journey through the world of Disney. Classrooms can feature themed decorations (Cinderella’s Castle for one class, the Lion King’s Pride Lands for another). Teachers could even let their classroom cast votes for which popular Disney landscape they want to represent! 

Set class-level goals that unlock magical rewards. When a class hits its target, they earn a “Magic Moment”: think a Disney movie break or themed snack cart visit. 

At Heath Elementary, a Disney Dash Fun Run kept the energy high and the theme front and center. Play classic Disney music along the course and hand out themed stickers or medals as staff cheers students on! 

For the big finale, plan a “Happily Ever After” celebration where students and teachers dress as their favorite Disney characters. Heath Elementary rewarded superstar students with a character lunch featuring Moana’s Maui, giving top fundraisers a memory straight out of a Disney story. 

Pokemon: Catch Every Goal at Your School Fundraiser 

When Eagle Point Elementary wanted a fresh take on their Read-Athon fundraiser, they caught the perfect idea: a Pokémon theme. Students went on a full-blown adventure to “catch” goals and earn rewards along the way! 

To bring this theme to life, classrooms become their own team of Trainers, working together to level up by tracking reading minutes and donations. At Eagle Creek, the top-earning class of the week earned a special visitor: a stuffed Pikachu trophy that spent the week in their classroom. Don’t forget to involve teachers, too! Staff can dress as Gym Leaders and cheer on their “teams” as they move closer to the schoolwide goal. Fun incentives can include dressing up the principal as Pikachu for a day, gathering students for a Pokémon-themed movie night, or hosting an outdoor “Pokémon battle” where classrooms show off their moves for fun prizes. 

LEGO: Build a School Fundraiser Students Never Forget

CTA Goodman Elementary turned their fundraiser into a full-on LEGO adventure! Instead of just tracking donations, students literally built their progress: each class added colorful paper “bricks” to their classroom door, stacking them higher each day as donations came in. The goal? To complete a giant LEGO creation by the time fundraising was over. 

To keep excitement going, staff organized lunchtime building challenges where students teamed up to create designs. These quick, creative competitions kept motivation alive and reminded students that every contribution helped them “build” something bigger together. 

When the final goal was reached, top-earning students earned tickets to LEGOLAND, giving them a reward that tied perfectly back to the theme. 

3 Ways to Keep the Excitement Level High for Your Fundraiser

Themes and visuals draw students in, but consistent engagement keeps them engaged. Here are a few ways to keep your fundraising campaign cruising towards your final fundraising goal. 

1. Create Class Challenges: Small bursts of competition help sustain excitement in schools. Try quick, low-effort challenges: the first class to reach 50% of their goal wins a themed trophy, or the next class to get ten online donations gets a fun classroom privilege. These little victories build momentum toward the big end goal. 
2. Celebrate the Milestones: Don’t save all your fun for the finale! Every milestone deserves a little celebration: a photo shout-out on social media (with parent’s permission, or course), or a special school announcement over the loudspeaker for classrooms who go the extra mile. Recognition feels good, costs nothing, and keeps student motivation strong. 
3. Let Students Take the Lead: Encourage student-led updates and creativity, especially when working with middle schoolers. Students can create posters, record iPhone videos, or design characters tied to your fundraising theme. When students feel ownership, they become natural ambassadors for the cause, so give them a way to contribute! 

Level Up Your School Fundraiser with Get Movin’ 

At Get Movin’ Fundraising, we help schools make fundraisers successful AND unforgettable. Our online donation platform, FundHub, makes it simple to add themes, track donations, and celebrate milestones in a way that motivates students and supports organizers. Ready to discover how your next fundraiser can feel less like a campaign and more like a school-wide adventure? Schedule for FREE FundHub demo today! 

The post Gamification for School Fundraising appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

8 Creative School Fundraiser Rewards Students (and Staff!) Will Love

Fundraising doesn’t have to be serious business—sometimes the best way to drive donations and engagement is through laughter! 

Whether it’s launching your principal into a dunk tank, watching a teacher kiss a pig, or seeing the entire staff dressed up as characters from your favorite movie, funny incentives bring the FUN to school fundraising. These moments become core memories for students, viral-worthy posts for social media, and the talk of the carpool line for weeks. 

Plus, they work. Schools using laugh-out-loud rewards often see a major uptick in participation and donations, especially when kids know they’re getting a chance to see their favorite grownups do something silly in the name of a good cause.  

Ready to make your next school fundraiser unforgettable? Check out these hilarious (and highly successful!) fundraising rewards used by real schools we’ve partnered with, along with practical tips to pull them off at your own school! 

Alien Kickball? Beam Us Up: Arlington Elementary’s Fun Run Was Out of This World! 

Talk about a galaxy of fun: Arlington Elementary went all-out for their Color Fun Run after excited students raised over $92,000! 

Teachers and staff truly made the experience out-of-this-world, combining elements of a Fun Run with bubbles, staff dressed as aliens, a kickball game, and even a pizza picnic party! Kids loved the opportunity to laugh and play alongside their teachers while parents cheered everyone on. 

Tips for Coordinating Your Own Students vs. Staff Incentive: 

• Build hype early: The key to a great incentive event is making sure students and families know exactly what they’re working toward. Be specific about the reward! When everyone understands how to earn it, participation and excitement go through the roof. 

• Choose an awesome theme: Pick something unexpected and creative, like a staff vs. students kickball game featuring teachers in inflatable alien costumes! Wacky themes get students involved and give staff a chance to show off their silly side. 

• Communicate clearly: Before the big day, let families and students know how the incentive works, what they can expect during the event, and what they should wear.  

• Time it right: Arlington planned for their incentive event to take place during their Fun Run, so all students could enjoy the celebration together. Scheduling rewards in a way that’s convenient for school families keeps energy high and gives every student a chance to feel part of the fun. 

Dunk Tank Fun: Cullen Elementary’s Red, White, and Blue Walk-Athon

Who says school staff can’t take the plunge for a good cause? Cullen Elementary proved that a little water goes a long way in rallying students to raise big!  

During their Red, White, and Blue Walk-Athon, they turned fundraising into a splash-tacular event by letting the top-earning classes dunk their PTA President and school counselors. The result? Over $46,000 raised, with 95% profit kept from online donations and 100% from cash/check donations by using FundHub. Now that’s a win worth getting soaked for!

Pro Tips for Pulling Off a Dunk Tank Incentive:

• Partner with a local vendor early to reserve your dunk tank—especially in warm-weather seasons when they’re in high demand.
• Recruit volunteers (think principal, popular teachers, coaches, or even your mascot if you’re ok with the costume getting wet).
• Create milestone incentives: Let classes know exactly what donation goal unlocks the chance to dunk a staff member.
• Hype it up on social media and morning announcements with countdowns, teaser videos, and reminders of who’s on the dunk list!
• Make it part of your celebration event so everyone can cheer, laugh, and celebrate together.

This fundraiser prize idea doesn’t just make a splash—it makes memories, builds momentum, and fuels donations! 

Mario Kart Race Through the School: Eagle Point Read-Athon

Eagle Point Elementary took their Read-Athon to the next level — Mario Kart level.

To celebrate their fifth successful Read-Athon, the school pulled off a hilarious and highly motivating stunt. After reaching their $40,000 goal, the admin team suited up as Mario and Luigi and raced scooters through the halls. Students and staff loved every second.

They weren’t the only ones getting creative. When Gullet Elementary passed their $100,000 goal — raising over $104,000 — the principal kept his promise. He dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and rollerbladed through the school.

These rewards brought incredible energy to the final stretch and gave students a shared memory they’ll be talking about for weeks.

Pro Tips for a School-Wide Race Incentive:

• Keep it simple and safe: Use scooters, trikes, or even inflatable costumes to keep the race manageable, either indoors or outdoors. 
• Choose a theme that fits your school’s vibe: Mario Kart, Star Wars, superheroes, etc. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun! 
• Build hype with teaser videos or flyers, revealing what the race will look like and who’s racing (bonus points for letting kids vote on costume options). 
• Design checkpoints or obstacles with fun visuals—think cones, stars, flags, or cardboard “power-ups”. 
• Film the race and share it with families and on social media. Better yet, use the footage to build hype for next year’s fundraiser! 

This laugh-out-loud fundraiser incentive showed students their efforts had a direct impact…and that even principals will get a little goofy! 

Pie the Principal (or Teacher!): Banks Primary & Hood-Case Elementary

At Banks Primary County School, top fundraisers were treated to an unforgettable Pie the Teacher Assembly! The highest earners from each grade got to deliver a sweet whipped cream pie—right to the face—in front of their cheering classmates.

The event was a crowd favorite. It celebrated student success and created a school-wide buzz that had everyone talking.
Staff joined in with big smiles and ponchos, while families followed along through photos and video.
It was the perfect way to recognize top fundraisers and remind everyone that every dollar counts.

At Hood-Case Elementary, the Color Run got an extra burst of excitement when students earned the chance to pie their principal. Goggles on, the principal took pies to the face in front of the whole school. Laughter, high-fives, and unforgettable memories followed. The challenge was tied to a fundraising milestone, motivating students to meet — and beat — their goals.

Pro Tips for a Pie-tastic Fundraising Reward:

• Keep it simple and safe: Use whipped cream in foil pie tins or compostable plates—no crusts needed!
• Protect your pie-ees: Ponchos and swim goggles go a long way for comfort (and cleanup).
• Tie pies to donation milestones: Reward top individual fundraisers, top-earning classes, or unlock a school-wide pie party once a goal is hit.
• Make it an assembly or livestream it so everyone can join in the fun, whether in person or online.
• Capture the moment: Share the photos and videos on your fundraiser page, school socials, or next year’s campaign kickoff—it builds excitement and gives your event a fun, recognizable identity.

Both Banks Primary and Hood-Case Elementary proved that a good laugh can be the perfect recipe for record-breaking results!

Silly String the Staff: Northlake Hills Elementary’s First FundHub Color Run

Northlake Hills Elementary hosted their first-ever Color Run with FundHub, and it was a wild success! They surpassed their original goal and were well on their way to doubling what they had raised through catalog sales in previous years.

Their fundraiser prize idea? Students covering their teachers in silly string whenever their class reached its donation goal—an easy, joyful incentive that kept energy high and donations rolling in. 

Tips for a Successful Silly String Fundraising Reward

• Buy in Bulk: Stock up on silly string early—look for multi-packs online or check with party supply stores.
• Pick the Right Spot: Designate a safe, outdoor area like the blacktop or grassy field. It makes cleanup easier.
• Set Clear Goals: Tie the reward to specific fundraising milestones—either per student, per class, or school-wide. Announce progress often to keep motivation high.
• Protect Your Staff: Have ponchos, goggles, or even shower caps ready for teachers and staff. Make it fun for them too!
• Capture the Moment: Invite parents to take photos or have someone record the action. These moments are gold for social media and next year’s promotion!
• Build Hype: Use announcements, countdowns, and posters to build excitement. Let students know who they’ll get to spray and when.
• Plan Cleanup: Have trash bags, paper towels, and access to water on hand.

Principals are the G.o.a.t

Who says fundraising can’t get a little wild? At Republic Middle School, students smashed their $20,000 goal, bringing in an amazing $27,000, and got to watch their principal kiss a pig (and even shave his head!) at a celebratory assembly!  

Over at Eisenhower Elementary [picture] and again at Spout Springs School of Enrichment, students got to witness the unforgettable sight of their principals smooching a goat! It’s proof that a little creativity and a LOT of laughter can turn fundraising into something students can’t wait to be part of again. 

Tips for Pulling Off a “Kiss the Animal” Fundraising Reward

• Get your principal on board early: The magic only works if they’re genuinely game for some messy fun, so confirm their comfort level and what type of animal they’re willing to smooch! 

• Partner with a trusted local farm or petting zoo: Reach out to a nearby farm that’s experienced with school visits and ensure the animal is friendly, well-handled, and up to date on health checks. 

• Keep it safe (and sanitary): Designate a calm space for the big moment, have hand sanitizer ready, and remind everyone that the kiss is more of a “gentle smooch” than a Hollywood moment. 

• Build excitement along the way: Announce progress updates (“We’re $500 away from the big kiss!”) to keep students engaged and donations rolling in. 

• Make the reveal a celebration: Plan a fun assembly or outdoor event where everyone can cheer, snap photos, and enjoy the payoff together. 

• Add a few backup ideas, just in case!: In the event your chosen animal can’t make it (weather, logistics, etc.), have a backup plan, like a “pie in the face” moment or a silly costume day for the principal. 

Principal Food Transformations: Riverview Elementary

At Riverview Elementary, fundraising rewards gets deliciously ridiculous. Their annual tradition? Turning their principal into a human taco, a sundae, or even a Caesar salad—all in front of the entire school!

This hilarious event has become a community favorite, drawing families, staff, and local supporters each year. Not only does it bring massive laughs, but it also fuels impressive fundraising results and school spirit like nothing else.

More Funny Food-Inspired Incentive Ideas:

• Human Sundae – Students add chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry hat!
• Walking Taco Principal: Have your principal sit in a kiddie pool while students take turns covering them in cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips. 
• Caesar Salad Staff – Complete with a toga, croutons, and parmesan rain.
• Cotton Candy Hairdo – Stick cotton candy on a volunteer’s hairnet-covered head.

Principal Works from the Roof: Switzer PTO’s FunD Run

Switzer PTO turned heads—and raised the roof—by making their principal work from the school rooftop after crushing their FunD Run goal. With the help of FundHub, they raised an incredible $41,700, and the entire school got to see their principal take his laptop (and a whole lot of school spirit) to new heights.

Instead of a sleepover – which is another great idea! – this version of the challenge had the principal conducting business as usual—meetings, announcements, and even lunch—all from the rooftop. It created a buzz of excitement throughout the school and gave families a fun reason to keep donating.

How to Make Your “Principal on the Roof” Challenge Happen:

• Set the incentive: Pick a big but achievable goal (e.g., total donation goal reach) to unlock the rooftop reward. Announce it early to build momentum. 
• Track progress with FundHub: Use FundHub to track donations in real time and keep the school community engaged. 
• Promote the challenge: Generate buzz with teaser videos, email newsletters, daily announcements, and countdown posts on social media. 
• Pick a time that works for your team: Laketown opted for an after-school roof reading reward, but your team might decide to have your principal camp out during the day! Whether it’s during or after school hours, choose the time that works best for your staff’s schedule.  
• Document the fun: Live-stream the principal setting up shop or post short clips throughout the day—working, waving to kids, or reading rooftop shoutouts. 

Make Your Next Fundraiser Hilariously Successful

Big incentives don’t just raise more money. They build school spirit, spark joy, and create memories that last for years.

From silly string showdowns to rooftop adventures to principals dressed as tacos, these laugh-out-loud rewards turn fundraising into something students will never forget.

Looking for a way to take YOUR school fundraiser to the next level? Our online donation platform, FundHub, gives you built-in donation tracking, visual goal displays, and easy-to-share updates to keep students and families engaged, from kickoff to the final celebration. 

Ready to raise more (and have fun doing it)? Schedule your FREE FundHub demo at the link below! 

The post Hilarious Student Fundraising Rewards appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Fun Fall Read-Athon Ideas for Schools & Parent Groups

Yes, it’s true — a School Read-Athon is traditionally a springtime favorite. But here’s the secret more and more schools are discovering: fall is actually one of the best seasons to host one! Between fresh back-to-school energy, Scholastic book fairs, and the natural coziness of autumn, it’s the perfect time to build a fundraiser that families will love.

If you’re a PTO, PTA, or parent group leader looking for an engaging way to raise funds and support literacy, a Fall Read-Athon might just be your golden ticket.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time for a Read-Athon

When you’re planning your school’s fundraising calendar, fall often feels crowded: Fun Runs, spirit wear sales, and holiday events are competing for attention. That’s exactly why a Read-Athon works so well — it’s flexible, inclusive, and can tie into the season in ways other events can’t.

A fall Read-Athon helps schools:

• Build reading routines early. Hosting in September or October sets the tone for the whole school year.
• Pair with book fairs. Scholastic fairs are already happening — a Read-Athon makes the perfect companion event.
• Engage every student. Reading is an activity all students can enjoy, whether they read independently or are read to by parents, grandparents, or siblings.
• Celebrate the season. Kids (and families!) love a theme. Lean into fall’s cozy, festive energy.

Cozy Fall-Themed Read-Athon Ideas

Here are five tried-and-true fall Read-Athon themes, complete with real-life school examples to inspire your own event!

Fall Into a Good Book

Village Elementary Charter hosted “Fall Into Reading” and set simple but powerful goals: each student aimed to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes a day for 10 days. Parents and teachers logged minutes on FundHub, and the results were inspiring:

• $13,900+ raised
• 32,000+ minutes read
• Top readers got a pizza lunch with the principal
• $250+ earners spun a prize wheel stocked with local business donations (see below!)

This theme works beautifully in September or October. It’s easy to promote with fall imagery (leaves, cozy blankets, pumpkins) and simple to track with FundHub’s Activity Counter.

Spooktacular Stories

Calvin Smith Elementary leaned into Halloween with a Spooktacular Read-Athon that delivered major results:

• $23,600+ raised
• 37,400+ minutes read
• Top earners mummified the principal in toilet paper
• Top readers earned bags of new books
• A winning grade enjoyed a spooky movie + popcorn night

They even planned a pajama-and-blanket reading day where the whole school turned into one big cozy story time, check it out below. Halloween themes like this are a natural win in October. Add in costume contests and spooky decorations to make it extra memorable.

Fall Frenzy: Read or Run

Edward C. Killin Elementary combined two of the most popular fundraisers — the Fun Run and the Read-Athon — into one Fall Frenzy event. Students could choose to participate by reading, running, or both. Check out their promo below, which they combined with a Superhero theme!

This is a great way to engage students with different interests and abilities. Some kids thrive on movement, others love books, and giving both options ensures high participation and inclusivity for your event.

Gobble Up a Good Book

Point Fermin Elementary turned November into reading month with their Gobble Gobble Read-Athon. Their results were jaw-dropping:

• $38,000+ raised
• 197,678 minutes read (!!)
• Participation and donation supported by an awesome Read-Athon bingo game!

Hosting a Read-Athon in November is a fun alternative to a Turkey Trot. Pair it with a gratitude theme or encourage students to read books about family, thankfulness, and community. Check out the Point Fermin event video for more ideas!

Polar Express Read-Athon

Jack Elementary makes December magical with their annual Polar Express Read-Athon. The event has become a beloved tradition, raising over $20,000 each year and inspiring students to read 190,000+ minutes in just one month.

The extras are what set a December Read-Athon apart:

• Hot chocolate bar and visits from Santa
• Gift-wrapping station for book fair purchases
• Milestone prizes like Whoville visitors, the principal dressed as Elf on the Shelf, and even a spring foam party for meeting the overall goal (all examples from Jack Elementary!)
• Student-led “Conductor Club” holding signs at pickup to boost registrations (check out those helpful elves below!)

December is often short on fundraising days due to winter break. A Read-Athon is easy to manage, can run mostly at home, and keeps students engaged in the midst of holiday excitement.

Tracking Student Reading with FundHub

Running a Read-Athon doesn’t have to be complicated. With FundHub, your school gets:

• Activity Counter to log and track reading minutes in real time
• Chairperson Dashboard to monitor donations and participation at a glance
• Automated communication tools to keep parents engaged and updated
• Flexible prize tracking to reward readers for both minutes and donations

Use FundHub’s reports to spotlight top readers and classrooms. Recognition goes a long way in keeping momentum high!

Get Movin’ Fundraising has helped thousands of schools run successful Read-Athons. Whether you want to “Fall Into a Good Book” or host Spooktacular Storytime, we’ll equip you with the tools and support to make your event easy, fun, and profitable.

Schedule a Demo Today and see how FundHub can power your next Read-Athon.

The post From Spooky Stories to Polar Express: Fall Read-Athon Themes Students Love appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Get Movin’ Fundraising Joins the 2025 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies

Something big is happening in school fundraising — and this recognition proves it.

For the first time ever, Get Movin’ Fundraising has earned a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, coming in at No. 4,690 among America’s fastest-growing private companies. This list is the ultimate benchmark for entrepreneurial success, highlighting businesses that are shaking up their industries and driving change. Past honorees include names like Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, and Patagonia.

So what’s the trend? Schools everywhere are rethinking fundraising. PTO and PTA leaders are moving away from outdated, high-effort, low-return fundraisers and choosing events that are:

• Easier to run
• More engaging for families
• Far more profitable for their school communities

That shift is exactly what we’ve built FundHub to deliver.

In the past year alone, we’ve:
Helped raise over $63 million for schools nationwide
Partnered with 2,200+ parent groups
Averaged $28,000+ per fundraiser

“Making the Inc. 5000 is an incredible milestone for us. It’s proof that our mission — to help schools fundraise in healthy, meaningful ways that involve students and make life easier for parents — is resonating across the country. It is a true testament to the way we value our school partners in helping them be as successful as possible. Our passionate team is worthy of this honor and I am so proud of the company that we are today!” – Wendy Tibus, CEO + Founder

This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees stand out for growing in the face of economic uncertainty, rising costs, and constant change. As Inc. Editor-in-Chief Mike Hofman put it:

“They didn’t just weather the storm — they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”

We’re proud to be part of that story — and even more proud of the school leaders, parents, and students who make this movement possible.

Read the full story about our Inc. 5000 recognition

The post We Made the Inc. 5000! appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Start the Year Strong: How to Introduce Your PTO/A Board With Style

Back-to-school season isn’t just about sharpening pencils and stocking up on snacks—it’s a fresh start for your entire school community. It’s the perfect time to build excitement, set the tone for the year, and show families that your PTO or PTA is ready to make things happen. One of the best ways to do that? Introduce your board in a way that’s more than just names and titles. When families get to know the people behind the scenes—the planners, the budgeters, the cheerleaders, and the chaos-managers—they’re more likely to feel connected, engaged, and even inspired to join the fun. Whether you’re planning a post for social media, creating content for your email newsletter, or setting up an in-person display at Meet the Teacher Night, here are some playful, personality-packed ways to introduce your PTO/A board and start the year off strong.

PTO Superheroes Theme

Your board does a lot—so why not introduce them as the heroes they are?

Assign each member a superhero identity based on their role:

• Captain Calendar – keeping events on track
• Budget Boss – master of all things money
• The Fundraiser Flash – sprinting toward donation goals
• Snack Pack Leader – always stocked, always ready
• The Volunteer Whisperer – makes signups magically appear

Make it extra fun:
Go all out with superhero flair—grab dollar-store capes, paper masks, or even customize T-shirts with your school logo and each member’s superhero alias. Pose your board members in action shots: standing heroically with clipboards, wielding coffee mugs, or striking a “ready to plan” stance in front of the school.

You can post these as a carousel on Instagram, include them in your welcome-back email to families, or print them as posters to display at Meet the Teacher Night. Add speech bubbles or comic-book-style captions for even more fun. Feeling extra creative? Turn the photos into a video montage with superhero theme music and narration introducing each “hero” as they strike their pose—perfect for your school’s YouTube or Facebook page and in your email newsletter!

Match the Fact Game

Let families guess who’s who on your board based on quirky facts.

Step-by-step:

1. Collect a fun, unexpected fact from each board member (e.g., “Has seven cats,” “Once met Beyoncé,” “Owns more PTO T-shirts than shoes”).
2. Have another PTO member or your school principal read the facts aloud—or write them out with question marks in a graphic.
3. Ask families to match the fact to the right person before revealing each board member and their role.

Share on: Instagram Stories with polls, Facebook posts, or printed guessing sheets at an event.

Guess Who? Throwback Photos

Highlight the real people behind the roles with a fun “Then vs. Now” challenge.

How it works:

• Ask each board member to send in a baby photo or favorite childhood picture.
• Create a slideshow, Instagram carousel, or bulletin board that features all the photos side-by-side.
• Invite families to guess who’s who, then reveal current photos with their PTO role.

You could also include short quotes about their favorite school memory or why they joined the PTO. Extra tip: Make it a game—any parent who gets the most guesses correct wins a small prize like spirit wear, a coffee gift card, or early sign-up for an event! You’ll boost engagement and make the whole thing even more memorable.

Behind the Clipboard: Spotlight Series

Let families get to know your board members one at a time with a fun, quick Q&A. This series helps put friendly, familiar faces to each role—and shows there’s a real (and relatable!) person behind every budget, signup sheet, and Fun Run.

Feature ideas:

• Name + PTO/A Role
• Why they joined the PTO/A
• Favorite snack
• One fun fact
• A personal goal or favorite quote for the year

Best for: Weekly Instagram or Facebook posts, a feature in your email newsletter, or even your bulletin board during the first few weeks of school. You could also take it up a notch by filming short 15–30 second video interviews! Ask the same quick-fire questions in each one, and share as Reels, TikToks, or Stories to boost engagement and bring your board members’ personalities to life.

What’s In Their Bag?

This lighthearted series is super relatable—especially for parents who know the chaos of juggling calendars, coffee, and crayons all in one tote.

What to do: Ask each board member to snap a flat-lay photo or record a 15-second video of the real, unfiltered contents of their bag before a PTO/A meeting or school event. No staging required—half the fun is in the mess!

Use for: Weekly Reels or Stories on Instagram or Facebook. Record the fun and create a lasting place for people to see the board members in a “What’s in My Bag?” story highlight on social. Make it a recurring feature in your PTO/A newsletter or bulletin board – especially great for the first couple weeks of school.

Make it interactive:

• Turn it into a guessing game: “Whose bag is this?”
• Post a poll with fun options for families to choose from
• Invite reactions: “Which item surprised you most?” or “Which bag is most like yours?”

This is a simple, low-effort way to show personality, get parents engaged, and bring some fun to your feed—without adding more to your team’s already full plate during the back-to-school rush.

Introduce Your PTO/A Board: Start Strong, Stay Connected

Back-to-school season sets the tone for the rest of the year—and when your PTO/A starts with a little fun, families notice. Introduce your PTO/A board and do more than just put names to faces. These creative ideas help your board come alive in the eyes of your school community. Whether you’re donning superhero capes, sharing childhood photos, or showing off what’s in your bag, you’re building trust, approachability, and school spirit from day one.

And here’s the best part: These activities don’t take a huge amount of time or budget. They’re fun, flexible, and designed to work across all your channels—social media, email newsletters, bulletin boards, or even in-person events like Meet the Teacher Night or your first PTO/A meeting.

Want to take that momentum even further?

That’s where FundHub comes in. It’s the 5-star fundraising platform built specifically for school groups like yours—whether you’re planning a Fun Run, Read-Athon, Dance-Athon, or Bubble Bash. With custom student, class, and school webpages, real-time tracking, expert 1-on-1 coaching, and a mobile-friendly parent dashboard, FundHub helps your team run stress-free, high-profit fundraisers.

The post Fun Ways to Introduce Your Parent group appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

How to Get Business Sponsors for Your School: 20 Companies That Give Back

From donated supplies to matching gifts, many national brands actively support schools—you just need to know where to look. We’ve pulled together a free list of 20 business sponsors that offer support to K–12 schools through grants, sponsorships, donations, and employer match programs. These are recognizable, national companies with programs designed to give back to education—and your school could be next.

[Download the List of 20 Business Sponsors That Donate to Schools]

National Business Sponsors vs. Local Donors

Local businesses are a great place to start, especially for community-level support—but larger companies often have dedicated giving programs with bigger budgets and more resources. Think national retailers, banks, grocery store chains, and more.

Tip: Many of these brands have local branches or regional managers, which makes them the perfect “in” for your school.

The companies on our list support schools through:

• Community grants
• Event sponsorships
• In-kind donations or supplies
• Employee matching gift programs

Start by scanning the list and circling brands your families are already connected to—through work, shopping, or your school’s location.

How to Reach Out to a Business Sponsor (Even a Big One)

Big brands don’t mean big complications. Here’s how to approach them:

1. Visit your local branch or store manager. Ask if they offer school support, and if they can direct you to the right contact or online form for donations and sponsorships.
2. Look up their corporate giving guidelines. Most large businesses have a donation page or community giving section on their website.
3. Personalize your message. Include your event info, what you’re asking for, and how their support will help students. Keep it short, specific, and genuine. Most times, these programs will have their own forms or submission guidelines, so follow the rules when they are listed!

Why Local Branches Are a Smart Entry Point

Even if decisions are made at the corporate level, your local store or branch manager can advocate for your school. A few reasons to start local:

• They’re part of your community
• They may have a small local giving budget
• They can pass along your request to corporate contacts
• They might even join your event or promote it locally

Don’t Overlook Employee Match Programs

Many business sponsors offer employee matching gifts, where they’ll match a parent or teacher’s donation dollar-for-dollar. This is free money that often goes unclaimed!

Use your email newsletter, Facebook page, or event flyer to say:

“Check with your employer—many companies will match your donation to our school!”

Recognizing Your Business Sponsors Matters

When a brand supports your school, be sure to:

• Thank them publicly on social media
• Feature their logo on event flyers or banners
• Mention them in your school newsletter
• Send a thank-you note or photo from the event

A little gratitude goes a long way toward building a lasting relationship. Check out the video below for even more help in creating a sponsorship package!

Raise More with FundHub

Once you start bringing in business sponsors, FundHub can help you make the most of those partnerships with smart tools designed for school fundraisers:

Employer Match

Use FundHub’s employer match feature to double donations by encouraging parents and community members to check if their employers match charitable contributions.

Business Sponsor Showcase

Utilize FundHub’s tools to attract and manage local sponsors! You can even use the Premium Sponsor level for your most valuable sponsors. These top sponsors get:

• Prime placement at the top of your fundraising webpage
• A larger display area for their logo and website link
• Extra visibility that shows them how much their support matters

Community Webpage

The Community Share Webpage mirrors your School Webpage, providing an easy Donate button for broader supporters—ideal for schools connected to churches, homeschool networks, or other communities.

Take an online demo of FundHub to see how these features (and more) help manage your event, attract business sponsors, and raise the most donations possible.

[Schedule Your Demo Today!]

The post 20 Brands that donate to schools appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.