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.

Sponsorship tools, templates, and timing tips to help you raise more (and stress less)

As May chaos winds down and summer creeps in, many of you—new and returning PTO/A leaders—are already looking ahead to next school year. And one of the top questions we hear? “How do I get local business sponsors to support my school?”

Good news: you’re asking at exactly the right time. Most businesses set aside a limited budget for community sponsorships each year. If you wait until fall, you’ll be competing with every school, sports team, and nonprofit in your town. Reach out now, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before those funds are gone.

To help you get started, we pulled together everything you need in one place

A Customizable Business Sponsor Letter Template

Whether you’re hosting a Fun Run, Read-Athon, Dance-Athon, or another schoolwide event, local sponsors are a powerful way to boost donations and build community involvement.

This editable Canva letter makes it easy to start the conversation with local businesses. Page 1 includes a few quick tips, and Page 2 is ready for you to customize with your school info.

What’s in the Business Sponsor Request Letter?

The letter makes a strong case to potential sponsors by highlighting:

• How they’ll promote their business while supporting the local community
• What they’ll get in return—like logo placement on shirts, mentions on donation pages, and social media shoutouts
• Clear examples of how funds raised will benefit your school

It also invites them to select from tiered sponsorship levels—so they can choose how they’d like to be involved.

Watch the Webinar: Sponsorships, Grants & Employer Matching Made Easy

Looking for real-world examples, tips on how to pitch, or creative ideas to grow your sponsor list?

This short, practical webinar recording walks through:

• How to package your sponsor benefits
• Where to find matching gift opportunities
• How to build long-term relationships with local partners

FundHub: The Donation Platform with Built-In Business Sponsor Tools

If your school is using FundHub, you already have powerful sponsor features at your fingertips, including:

• Online + cash/check sponsor tracking tools
• Easy ways to highlight sponsors on your donation pages
• 100+ resources including sponsor-focused articles and templates
• Bonus ideas like Adopt-a-Classroom and local influencer involvement

Book a Live Demo to see how schools are raising more and keeping 95–97% of what they raise—with sponsor tools built right in.

We hope these tools make your planning easier, your fundraising stronger, and your summer just a little more relaxed.

The post PTO/A Business Sponsors appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

Managing school fundraiser finances

Managing school fundraiser finances comes with a lot of responsibility—it’s more than just collecting donations. You track expenses, record everything properly, ensure compliance with IRS regulations, and keep all the paperwork organized. As the Group Treasurer for your PTO, booster club, or parent organization, you know how vital it is to stay organized. If you’re new to the role, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—understanding financial literacy and using the right tools can make a huge difference.

Fundraising has evolved over the years, and so have the tools to help. Platforms like FundHub simplify what might seem like an overwhelming job—making it easier to track donations, manage receipts, handle tax compliance, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned Treasurer or just learning the ropes, combining financial knowledge with smart software can transform how you manage school fundraisers.

Let’s break down what a Group Treasurer does, why financial literacy is so important, and how using tools like FundHub can streamline your job!

The Role of a Group Treasurer: More Than Just Balancing the Books

The Group Treasurer is often the unsung hero of a successful fundraiser. You’re not just counting money—you’re responsible for ensuring every dollar is properly accounted for and that your school or group is complying with the law. Here are some of the key tasks you handle:

• Managing the Budget: Every fundraiser needs a plan, and it’s your job to create and manage the budget. You’ll outline expected income and expenses, track how the fundraiser is performing, and make sure that funds are being allocated correctly. Staying on top of the budget is critical to meeting your goals.
  
• Tracking Donations: Accurate tracking of donations is essential for transparency, financial accountability, and legal compliance. Whether donations come in through cash, checks, ACH transfers, or digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay, they need to be carefully logged and reported. For each donation, you should record:
  • Donor’s name and contact information
  • Donation amount
  • Payment method (cash, check, ACH, digital wallet)
  • Date received
  • Purpose of donation (e.g., specific project, general fund)
    
• Issuing Receipts: When a donor contributes $250 or more in a single donation, the IRS mandates that your organization provides a written acknowledgment, or receipt, for the donor to claim a tax deduction. If you fail to issue this receipt, the donor risks losing their tax benefits, and your organization may face scrutiny for non-compliance with IRS regulations.
  • Providing these receipts not only protects the donor but also demonstrates your organization’s transparency and professionalism. It ensures compliance with the IRS while building trust with your supporters, showing that your organization operates with integrity and follows all legal guidelines.
  • What to Include in a Receipt: To meet IRS requirements and maintain good standing, your receipt must include:
    • Organization’s name and full address
    • 501(c)(3) number (Tax-exempt status identifier)
    • Total donation amount
    • You must include a statement indicating whether any goods or services were provided in exchange for the donation.
      

IRS Compliance

Nonprofits, including school fundraising groups, are required to file annual tax returns with the IRS. Whether you file a Form 990-N, 990-EZ, or full Form 990 depends on your group’s income level, but an EIN is needed for all filings. This EIN ensures that your group’s tax returns and finances are associated with the right entity. The Federal EIN is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your nonprofit organization. It functions much like a social security number for individuals or a tax ID for businesses, serving as your organization’s official identity for tax reporting, banking, finances, and other legal and financial activities.

How FundHub Makes managing finances Easier

Let’s talk about how tools like FundHub can simplify your role as a Group Treasurer. FundHub is designed specifically for school fundraisers, offering solutions that eliminate the manual work in financial management. Here’s how it helps:

• Real-Time Donation Tracking: Stop waiting for updates. With FundHub’s Event Dashboard, you can track donations and finances in real time, keeping you fully informed of your fundraiser’s progress and whether you’re meeting your goals.
• ACH Transfers and Flexible Payments: Managing checks and cash slows things down, but FundHub makes it easy with ACH transfers and digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet. This speeds up donations and keeps tracking simple.
• Employer Match Programs: FundHub makes it easy to double donations through employer match programs. It identifies potential matches and guides donors through the process, helping you maximize your school’s fundraising efforts.
• Effortless Compliance: FundHub manages IRS compliance by organizing donations, issuing receipts, and creating necessary reports, so you can stay focused on fundraising without worrying about missing documentation.

FundHub’s real-time tracking, automated receipts, and flexible payment options help simplify the financial process, so you can focus on what matters—raising funds for your school and having fun!

Ready to simplify your fundraising efforts? Schedule a demo and see how FundHub can transform the way you manage finances for your next fundraiser!

The post Financial Literacy and School Fundraising appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education in many ways, and to help schools adapt, Congress provided billions in federal relief through the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) Fund. These funds served as a financial cushion during COVID and even in the years after, but as we approach 2025, that support is coming to an end. School districts, administrators, and parent group leaders now will be transitioning away from this federal funding – but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the programs and services that ESSER made possible!

With ESSER funds set to expire, the focus is shifting to finding new ways to support schools. Whether through profitable fundraising, local sponsors, or even applying to grants, there are ways to bridge the gap. Let’s break down what ESSER funding is, how it has supported schools, and how schools can prepare for its end while exploring creative solutions to keep essential programs running!

What Is ESSER Funding?

ESSER funding, part of several COVID-era relief packages, was created to help K-12 schools manage the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Here’s a quick overview of the three rounds of ESSER funding:

1. ESSER I: Passed as part of the CARES Act in March 2020, it allocated around $13.2 billion for schools to address immediate needs during the pandemic.
2. ESSER II: Provided through the CRRSA Act (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) in December 2020, this round offered $54.3 billion to support continued adaptation.
3. ESSER III (ARP ESSER): The largest installment, included in the American Rescue Plan of March 2021, delivered $122 billion to help schools address learning loss, reopen safely, and support student well-being.

These funds enabled schools to quickly adjust to new demands, such as upgrading technology for remote learning, improving air quality in buildings, and expanding mental health resources. ESSER funding provided much-needed relief in the short-term and in the long-term. Now, several years later, this financial aid is ending and it’s time for schools to rethink their approach to funding!

How Schools Can Make Up for the End of ESSER Funding

While the expiration of ESSER funds will create challenges, there are several strategies that schools can use to fill the gap without sacrificing essential programs:

1. Tap into State and Local Grants

As ESSER funds end, state and local grants can be a valuable alternative for funding. Many states have grant programs that focus on areas like STEM education, after-school programs, and mental health services. Districts and parent groups can collaborate to apply for these grants, especially those that align with programs previously supported by ESSER funds.

• Community Foundations: Local foundations often have grants available for educational initiatives. These can be a good fit for smaller projects, like creating a reading nook or funding a music program.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Some businesses and community organizations are willing to partner with schools to support initiatives that benefit the local community, such as workforce readiness programs or environmental projects.

2. Ramp Up Fundraising Efforts

With school budgets tightening, fundraising will become more important than ever!

Think about events like Fun Runs, Read-Athons, or a Glow-in-the-Dark Dance-Athon to not only raise money but also create an awesome event for your entire school!!

• Raise More with Online Platforms: A mobile donation platform can help schools reach more donors, making it easy for parents and community members to contribute. By keeping 95-97% of the profits, schools can make the most of every dollar raised when they use FundHub!
• Focus on School-wide Engagement: Events that bring families, teachers, and even community members together, like Color Runs with local business sponsors or an Obstacle Course Fit-Athon with local food trucks, not only raise funds but strengthen the school’s relationship with the community. This creates a base of ongoing support that can be utilized for donations, matching funds, and more promotion.

3. Leverage Your Parent Group Power!

Parent groups like PTOs, PTAs, HSAs, or even Booster Clubs, have always played a key role in supporting students, teams, and teachers. As federal aid ends, your group can feel empowered to help fill the gap.

• Support Grant Applications: PTOs/PTAs can collaborate with school staff to identify individual teacher grant opportunities and support the application process. This can be particularly valuable for projects like classroom resources or technology upgrades.
• Offer Low-Cost Incentives: When fundraising, focus on experience-based incentives like Principal for a Day or extra recess time that motivate students and boost engagement without requiring a big investment.
• Advocate for Funding: Parent groups can be a powerful voice in advocating for more state or local support. Working with school boards and legislators to emphasize the need for continued funding can make a difference.

4. Tip for Parent Group Leaders: Advocate for Smart Spending as ESSER Ends

With ESSER funding winding down, it’s important for parent group leaders to engage with school administrators in budget discussions. Encourage a focus on core programs that directly support student success, such as tutoring, counseling, and technology. These programs are crucial for maintaining student well-being, even as budgets tighten.

You can also suggest trimming operational costs by identifying opportunities to streamline processes or renegotiate vendor contracts. This can free up more funds for programs that directly benefit students. By being active participants in these discussions, parent groups can help guide their schools toward a sustainable future!

Why FundHub Is the Most Sustainable Investment

One of the smartest investments your group can make is in a proven fundraising platform like FundHub. With FundHub, parent groups can typically double their profit through online donations while keeping 95-97% of the funds raised.

The platform’s user-friendly design makes it easy to manage campaigns, engage families, and reach donors, all while maximizing the funds that go directly to the school.

In a time when every dollar counts, FundHub provides the tools you need to run a successful, low-cost fundraising campaign that keeps more money in your school’s pocket!

The post ESSER Funding Alternatives appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

How to Raise Big Without Spending Big!

When you’re trying to raise donations for your school, the last thing you want is for event costs to eat into your profits. Fundraising is about maximizing donations for your school, but if too much of what you raise goes back into running the event itself, it can feel like taking two steps forward and one step back. If you have a tight budget, then every dollar counts, especially when it’s raised through the hard work of students, parents, and volunteers.

That’s why it’s so important to find ways to host successful events that keep upfront costs low. By using a mobile donation platform that doubles as a complete event planning tool, your school can keep 95-97% of the profits while managing every aspect of the fundraiser in one place.

Ready to make your next fundraiser a hit without breaking the bank? Here are 7 budget-friendly tips that will help your school meet its goals without overspending.

#1: Do It Yourself!

Why give away 50% of your hard-earned donations to an outside company when you can manage the event yourself? Running your own Athon-style event (Fun Run, Walk-Athon, Dance-Athon, etc.) allows you to keep more of the money raised.

All it takes is a bit of planning, a team of dedicated volunteers, and a reliable online platform to manage digital donations.

With Get Movin’, you don’t have to go it alone. You get a personal coach who is a former PTO/A volunteer, bringing both experience and empathy to the table. They understand the challenges and goals of parent-led fundraisers and can guide you through the process with tips and insights from someone who’s been there before.

Parents and community members care about transparency—they want to know their donations are going directly to the school’s needs, not administrative costs. A DIY approach, supported by an experienced coach, ensures that the majority of what’s raised stays with your school while giving you the tools and guidance to make your event a success!

With a little creativity, you can put together a fun and professional-looking track without overspending:

• DIY Boundaries: Use inexpensive materials like wooden 2x2s and staple stringed flags to create a vibrant, easy-to-set-up track. These materials can be found at any local hardware store and give your event a polished look.
• Use What’s Already Available: Schools often have a lot of what you need already. Check with your PE teacher to borrow cones, flags, and other markers that can define your course.
• Traffic Cones: Cones are a versatile way to outline your track. They can be arranged in a large rectangle or oval to create a course that’s perfect for students to walk or run around. Since cones are reusable, they’re a great investment for annual events.

Why does this matter? A well-marked course helps keep students safe and organized, ensuring a smooth event that parents and kids will remember. And when you’re not spending big on setup, more of the funds raised go directly to your school!

#3: Be Your Own DJ

Music is key to keeping the energy high during a fundraising event, but that doesn’t mean you need to hire a professional DJ. Why not create your own 40-minute playlist? With a phone, a speaker, and an aux cable or Bluetooth connection, you can set the tone for the event without any extra cost.

Plus, when you make the playlist yourself, you can tailor the music to your students’ favorite tunes, making the event feel more personalized and fun. Reuse the playlist for different groups of students as they take their turns on the course. This simple tip saves money while keeping the event lively, ensuring kids stay excited and engaged. By the way, when you use FundHub, you get access to our pre-made Fun Run and Read-Athon playlists on Spotify!

#4: Use Spirit Signs

Involving families in the fundraising process is a great way to build community, and Spirit Signs are an easy way to do that while staying within budget:

• Sell half a blank posterboard for $5 to families during the donation period.
• Families decorate the posterboard together at home, adding their own creative touch.
• The decorated signs are displayed around the event course!

#5: Use Free, Experience-Based Incentives

Kids love incentives, but they don’t always have to be expensive. Instead of splurging on electronics or merchandise, think about experience-based rewards that create lasting memories without a big price tag. These types of incentives keep students motivated and make the fundraising process even more fun:

• Principal for a Day: The top student fundraiser gets to be the “Principal for a Day,” offering a fun, behind-the-scenes experience that makes them feel special.
• Slime the Principal / Teacher: If the school reaches its donation goal, students get to slime the principal—a classic activity that never fails to get kids excited.
• Pie the Principal: A timeless favorite that’s easy to set up and always a hit with students. A good alternative is a dunk tank!
• Class Dance Party: The class that raises the most money gets a dance party during recess or lunch, complete with their favorite tunes.
• VIP Lunch Table: Top fundraisers get to eat lunch at a special table with a friend, complete with decorations and maybe even a visit from the principal. You could event get it catered by a local restaurant or fast food franchise!
• Extra Recess: Hit the school’s goal and everyone wins an extra recess! Simple but effective, kids will love the chance to play a bit longer.

These incentives are not only affordable but create moments that kids will talk about for weeks, making your event memorable without stretching the budget. For even more ideas, check out our downloadable list of 100+ incentive ideas to keep your students engaged and excited!

#6: Use Digital Promotions

Printing and distributing flyers can get expensive fast, especially when you factor in the time it takes to create and distribute them. Instead, promote your event digitally. Over 50% of donations come from social media, so make sure you’re using our FREE social media templates accessible on FundHub!

Going digital means you reach more people without the added cost of paper, ink, or volunteer hours. And with custom graphics or videos, you can make your posts look professional and engaging. It’s a win-win: save money and reach more donors where they’re already spending their time online.

#7: Use a Mobile Donation Platform

Perhaps the most effective way to save time and money is to use a mobile donation platform that also functions as an event planning tool. FundHub streamlines everything from setting up your event page to managing donations, tracking progress, and keeping everyone updated. It simplifies the work for volunteers and ensures 95-97% of the donations stay with your school.

Take the guesswork out of organizing and running the event, leaving you more time to focus on what matters most—engaging with students, families, and the community. And when your tools are simple to use, more parents and teachers will feel confident getting involved, which helps the whole event run smoother!

School Example: Rascal Run

Check out this amazing video from Charles Haskell Elementary in Edmond, OK, to see how they pulled off an incredible fundraiser with their Rascal Run. The best part? They kept costs low and still raised OVER $36,000 for their school!

The post 7 Budget-Friendly Fundraising Tips appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

A PTO/PTA Guide to Securing School Funding Through Educational, STEM, and Wellness Grants

Grants provide funding from government agencies, private companies, or nonprofits, awarded based on merit, need, or alignment with project goals. While the application process can take time, the rewards can be transformative. Combining grants with traditional fundraising ensures a steady flow of resources for daily needs while pursuing ambitious projects like STEM programs, outdoor learning centers, or that Gaga Pit the students have always wanted!

By combining annual fundraisers with grants at the local, state, and national levels, you create a powerful funding duo. Fundraisers cover everyday needs, while grants unlock opportunities for large-scale, impactful projects. Together, they help your school achieve both immediate goals and long-term dreams.

Finding the Right Grants for Your School

Start Local

Local grants are often less competitive and community-focused. Reach out to local businesses, foundations, and government agencies to find opportunities tailored to your area.

Explore State and National Grants

Look for larger funding opportunities at the state or national level. These can support everything from classroom technology to arts and music programs. Examples include:

• STEM grants for innovative teaching tools and labs.
• Health and wellness grants for physical and mental well-being programs.
• School improvement grants for playgrounds, gardens, or outdoor classrooms.

Focus by Category

Match grants to your specific needs. Is your school expanding arts programs, improving technology, or building outdoor spaces? Narrowing down your goals helps you find targeted funding opportunities.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Winning Grants

Grant writing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Breaking the process into clear steps ensures your application stands out. Here’s how to go from identifying a grant to submitting a polished proposal!

Step 1: Identify the Right Grant

• Start Basic:
  • Make a list of what your school needs, such as new technology, outdoor equipment, or teacher resources.
  • Research grants that align with those needs. Begin with local opportunities, then expand to state and national options.
  • Example: If your goal is to fund a school STEM lab, search for grants specific to education technology or STEM programs.
• Tip: Use grant search engines like Grants.gov, Candid, GrantWatch, or our very own School Grant Guide to save you time in this initial search!

Step 2: Plan Your Application

A solid plan is the foundation of a winning application!

• Set a Timeline: Work backward from the submission deadline. Allocate time for brainstorming, writing, reviews, and revisions.
  • Example: If the grant is due in two months, spend two weeks on research, one week drafting, and another two weeks revising.
• Assemble a Team: Include a project leader, a strong writer, and someone to oversee finances. This may end up being one person, but it’s good to know the different responsibilities ahead of time!
  • Example: A teacher familiar with the project can provide expertise, while a parent with writing experience can handle the narrative.
• Define the Project: Clearly outline the need and how the grant will address it.
  • Example: “We need $10,000 to create a STEM lab for 300 students, giving them hands-on experience with robotics and coding.”
• Gather Supporting Data: Collect statistics, testimonials, or survey results to demonstrate the project’s value.
• List the Benefits: Detail who will benefit and how. Include immediate and long-term outcomes.
• Develop a Budget: Break down how the funds will be used.
  • Example: “$5,000 for robotics kits, $3,000 for coding software, and $2,000 for teacher training.”

Step 3: Writing Your Inquiry Letter and Core Application

The inquiry letter (also known as a letter of intent or cover letter) is your first chance to capture the grantor’s attention and demonstrate why your project is worth their investment. Some grants will request this letter before allowing a full proposal.

How to Structure Your Inquiry Letter

1. Opening Paragraph: Introduce Your School and Project. Briefly introduce your school or organization and the purpose of your application. Example: “Dear [Grantor Name], I’m writing on behalf of [Your School/Organization Name], a [type of school, e.g., Title I elementary school] dedicated to empowering students through hands-on learning experiences. We are seeking funding to create a STEM lab that will provide 300+ students with real-life experience with robotics and coding.”
2. Middle Paragraphs: Describe the Need and Your Solution. Explain the problem your project will address. Example: “Currently, our students lack access to essential STEM tools and technology, limiting their ability to engage in modern learning experiences.”
3. Present Your Solution: Describe how the grant will be used. Example: “With this grant, we plan to establish a fully equipped STEM lab, including robotics kits, coding software, and teacher training to ensure successful implementation.”
4. Closing Paragraph: Connect to the Grantor’s Mission and Request Support. Show how your project aligns with their goals. Example: “This initiative aligns with [Grantor Name]’s mission to advance educational equity and prepare students for future careers in technology.”
5. Request Next Steps: Politely request an opportunity to submit a full proposal. Example: “We would be honored to provide a detailed proposal outlining our goals, budget, and the impact this project will have on our students. Thank you for considering this request.”

Writing a Strong Application / Proposal

A strong application clearly outlines your project, demonstrates alignment with the grantor’s goals, and shows the potential impact of their support. Below is a short example you can use to help inspire and organize your own grant proposal!

Example Application for an Outdoor Classroom Project

Introduction:
“At Lincoln Elementary, we’re dreaming big—and with your help, we can make it happen. We’re seeking $15,000 to transform an unused corner of our school grounds into an outdoor classroom where 500 students can connect with nature, explore science hands-on, and unleash their creativity. This project fits perfectly with your mission to promote hands-on learning and environmental awareness, and we’re excited to bring this vision to life.”

The Need:
“Our school is missing something important: a space where students can step outside the classroom and into the world around them. Teachers want to bring science, art, and even reading lessons outdoors, but we don’t have the right setup. Research shows that outdoor learning boosts engagement and academic performance, and our students deserve the same opportunities as those with dedicated spaces. Right now, our grounds are just grass and potential—this project will turn that into a space for growth and discovery.”

The Solution:
“With this grant, we will transform an unused grassy area into a fully equipped outdoor classroom featuring:

• A covered pavilion where classes can meet, rain or shine.
• Raised garden beds for experiments and environmental lessons.
• Durable seating and workspaces for group projects and art activities.
• Native plants to create a living lab for pollinator and ecology studies.

This outdoor classroom will be a hub of creativity, exploration, and learning, making every subject—from STEM to art—more engaging for our students.”

Our Goals and How We’ll Measure Success:

• What We Want to Achieve:
  • Get 90% of our students participating in outdoor lessons within the first year.
  • Improve science test scores for grades 3–5.
  • Host four community events a year, like garden days and workshops.
• How We’ll Know It’s Working:
  • We’ll track how often teachers use the space and how many students are involved.
  • Surveys will capture feedback from students and teachers.
  • Test scores and lesson plans will show the academic impact.

The Budget:
“We’ve carefully planned how the grant funds will be used:

• $7,000 for the covered pavilion.
• $4,000 for seating, tables, and workspaces.
• $2,000 for garden materials like soil, tools, and plants.
• $2,000 for teacher training and educational materials.

Sustainability Plan:
“To ensure long-term success, we have partnered with local businesses for discounted maintenance supplies and enlisted our PTA to fundraise for ongoing needs. Teachers will receive training to integrate outdoor lessons into their regular curriculum, ensuring the space is fully utilized for years to come.”

Closing:
“By funding this project, you will help us create an outdoor learning space that will engage students, improve academic outcomes, and strengthen our community. Thank you for considering our application. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and bring this vision to life.”

30+ Grant Opportunities for Schools

Don’t miss out on this chance to access our Complete Guide to Grants for Parent Groups, Teachers, and School Administrators! Fill out the form to get your FREE download now.

The post How to Win School Grants! appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.