#PackYourBag: Teacher Crowdfunding for Back to School

It’s August, and here at AdoptAClassroom.org that means one thing – Back to School season!

Back to School isn’t just for parents and students, teachers everywhere are making lists of their own. From furniture and books to craft supplies and dry erase markers, getting a classroom ready for the school year is a big job. It’s also an expensive one; teachers like you repeatedly tell us that Back to School is when they spend the most money on their classrooms.

In this special edition of Pack Your Bag, we’ve put together some creative ways for you to raise some extra funds for your classroom as school gets back in session:

 

Make Giving Easy

Try adding your classroom page link to your signature line. It’s a great reminder for everyone you email on a regular basis without a direct ask.

Meeting in person? Login to your teacher dashboard to download our offline donation flyer to let parents, friends, family or local businesses know how they can help support you!

 

Tell Your Network

Back to School season is a great time to let your network know about your crowdfunding campaign. A Facebook post or a couple of tweets can go a long way in bringing donors to your page. It’s as simple as sharing the link and telling your story.

Also, don’t just post once. Keep asking throughout the year with updates on your classroom to help your followers better understand the need.

Here are a few sample posts to get you started, but feel free to make it your own (donors respond to authenticity!):

 Facebook

It’s Back to School season and I need help getting my classroom ready for the school year. I created a page on AdoptAClassroom.org  to raise money for supplies and materials my students need. 100% of your donation will go directly to my classroom today, so give now! [Link to your classroom profile]

Twitter

It’s #Back2School, and I’m fundraising on @Adopt_Classroom to buy important classroom supplies and materials. Chip in here: [Link to your classroom profile]

 (Consider adding your list of needed supplies or pictures of your classroom to demonstrate the need for support)

 

Share Your Story In Person

Many schools host an open house or other event that gives parents the chance to meet teachers at the beginning of the year. Share your story with them and let them know how they can help. A few dollars from each parent can go a long way in funding your classroom.

Having the funds to properly equip your classroom is essential to starting the school year right. Let us know how your crowdfunding campaign is going in the comments below. For more tips, ideas and examples, check out our Fundraising Guide for Teachers.