A focused giving effort, whether it’s a single day or a week-long campaign, can do more than raise money. It can energize a school community, boost participation, and build pride in your mission. When done well, it becomes a celebration of generosity that engages parents, alumni, faculty, and students alike.
Why It Works
Concentrated giving programs create a sense of urgency and clarity of purpose. They make it easier for donors to see progress and for schools to celebrate successes in real time. They can also complement your overall advancement plan, front-loading the annual fund or filling gaps later in the year.
Successful campaigns share a few core ingredients:
- Clear goals and a visible countdown.
- Thoughtful planning and communication.
- Volunteer involvement at every stage.
- Consistent, transparent reporting.
Planning Ahead
The best time to start is earlier than you think. Begin by choosing a date that doesn’t compete with other fundraisers or major events. Outline your goals (e.g., percentage participation, number of donors, dollars raised, and deadlines) and develop a written plan.
That plan should include timelines, draft messages, volunteer roles, and digital assets like videos or social media graphics. Schedule planning meetings and anticipate technical needs in advance of launch.
Building Momentum
Volunteer involvement is key. A campaign feels more authentic when community members are visible, names appear on letterhead, personal signatures are included on letters, parents are featured in emails, and short testimonies are shared on video or social media.
Branding also matters. Give your week a recognizable name and logo, and connect it to a specific, tangible case: new classroom technology, improved facilities, financial aid, or a faith-formation initiative. People give when they see exactly what their support will accomplish.
Make It Fun
Incentives don’t have to be elaborate. Ice cream parties, spirit days, dress-down passes, or a simple “pie in the face” challenge can create joyful motivation. Matching gifts can add momentum and double the impact.
Communicate Often
Once the campaign begins, communication should be constant. Share daily updates through email, social media, and your website. Post participation totals, recognize donors by name, and celebrate milestones along the way.
A real example: St. Vincent’s Academy in Savannah increased parent participation by 90% in a single year, raising $65,000 in one week - more than double the previous year’s total. Benedictine Military School and Epiphany Cathedral School saw similar success, achieving participation rates of 70% and higher.
Celebrate and Reflect
When the campaign closes, celebrate the results with your community. Thank donors personally, share outcomes publicly, and highlight what their generosity made possible. Then capture what worked and what could be improved for next time.
The goal isn’t just to raise money, it’s to build a culture of giving that strengthens your mission long after the final email is sent.
