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Boost Your School Committee’s Budget Thanks to Gift Card Fundraising

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As fall rolls in, students are back to school and parent-teacher committees are gearing up for another year of fundraising. If you’re on the lookout for a simple and effective fundraising solution, your search ends here! Since 2004, FundScrip has been a trusted choice for Canadians, raising over $30 million for various causes. This fundraising option has gained popularity among schools for its streamlined process and ease of adoption by supporters. Instead of burdening friends, family, and colleagues with overpriced items they may not need, supporters can contribute to your school’s budget by simply changing their payment method to use gift cards for their everyday expenses like groceries, gas and dining. Each purchase automatically generates a donation for your school, and the best part? It’s all easily managed online, with speedy shipping options, convenient campaign pages, and top-notch fulfillment services for both individual and group orders. If you’re unsure about where to begin, follow these simple steps!


Step 1: Request Your Free Information Kit

Before you present the idea to your school committee, it’s best to understand the ins and outs of FundScrip fundraising. Quickly fill out our form to receive a free information kit, and one of our fundraising coaches will reach out to explore how FundScrip can benefit your group. In the meantime, you’ll receive a program overview, a FundScrip brochure, and a list of participating retailers. You’ll dive deeper into program types (online or paper), distribution options, shipping choices, and participating retailers with their corresponding donation percentages.


Step 2: Share Your Fundraising Idea

Now, it’s your time to shine! Once you grasp how FundScrip works, request a slot at the next school committee meeting. If an agenda is being prepared, as is typically the case, advocate for fundraising to be included as a discussion topic and take the lead. Armed with handy tools from your information kit, such as a brochure, you’ll be well prepared to address any questions that arise. And don’t fret — if a query isn’t covered in the documentation, our coaches are ready to assist. Reach out to us, and we’ll respond promptly!


Step 3: Create Your Group

Once your idea receives approval, set up your group account! As an administrator, you’ll gain access to a user-friendly dashboard brimming with useful tools and resources. You can place group orders, print paper order forms, invite supporters, review donation reports, and more. Additionally, you’ll have the option to create a campaign page, an invaluable tool for promoting your fundraiser online and via email if desired.


Step 4: Launch Your Campaign

Now that you’re all set, it’s time to spread the word about your fundraiser. Rally parents, teachers, and the community to join in. There are numerous avenues to convey your message, including the school newspaper or newsletter, parent-teacher communications sent home with students, your school’s Facebook page (if applicable), posters displayed throughout the school, and promotion at in-person school activities. Consistency is key — keep the conversation alive to guide people toward adjusting their payment methods for daily expenses. After they embrace this change, they’ll continue supporting your cause. Don’t hesitate to give it a strong push initially to ensure your message resonates, and then maintain engagement through regular communications. Experiment to see what works best for your school committee, whether it’s planning a monthly group order, encouraging individual supporters to place orders themselves, or a combination of both. The possibilities are endless!


With FundScrip, your school committee can boost its budget while providing supporters with a convenient way to contribute. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful fundraising campaign that benefits your school and its community. Start today and watch your school’s fundraiser soar!