The school year may be winding down, but the best time to start planning your fall fundraiser is now. Whether you're a PTA parent, teacher, or school staff member, setting yourself up for a strong start in the fall means less stress and more success. The summer months give you the space to plan, organize, and get excited about the possibilities for supporting your students.
Here’s how to get ahead with smart, simple steps that will lead to a strong fall fundraising season.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Before jumping into the fun stuff, get clear on how much your school needs to raise. Are you supporting field trips, classroom supplies, or a new playground? Outline your budget based on school needs and past fundraising performance.
Tip: Talk to teachers and staff before summer starts so you have their input on what would help the school most next year.
2. Define Clear Goals
A fundraising goal gives everyone something to rally around. Be specific. Instead of “raise money for the school,” aim for something like “raise $5,000 by October to fund library upgrades.”
Smaller milestones can help too. If you're running multiple fundraisers, assign goals to each one and track them with a visual thermometer or progress board that students and families can see.
3. Choose Your Fundraisers Wisely
Make it fun, simple, and profitable. That’s the winning formula. At Scentco Fundraising, we specialize in creative products that are made to sell themselves.
For Fall 2025, here are two exciting product additions:
• Fart Monsters: These plush toys are scented and silly, with a built-in whoopee cushion that makes kids (and adults) laugh every time. The secure packaging keeps them fresh and fun until students get home.
• Gel-A-Dough: A unique, reusable dough that’s mess-free and scented. It’s perfect for classrooms, playtime, and stress relief.
You can also count on our top sellers like Smencils and Smens, which are always a hit thanks to their yummy scents, fun designs, and affordable price points.
Looking to mix it up? Try these additional fundraiser ideas:
• Bake sales – Always a classic, especially when paired with a school event.
• Fun runs or walk-a-thons – Healthy, active, and great for community involvement.
• Read-a-thons – Encourage literacy and raise money at the same time.
• Silent auctions – Ask local businesses for donations and host in-person or online.
• Themed dress-up days – Collect small donations for pajama day, crazy hat day, or costume contests.
Pair one of these with your Scentco fundraiser or run them throughout the year to keep things fresh and engaging for your school community.
4. Recruit Volunteers Early
Now is the best time to gather your fundraising team. Send a simple interest form to parents before the school year ends or include it in summer communication. Ask teachers for suggestions on reliable helpers or room parents who might be willing to lend a hand.
Roles to fill:
• Order coordinator
• Communications helper
• Booth/table setup
• Money collector or treasurer
You don’t need a huge team, just a few dependable volunteers to keep things moving and organized.
5. Organize Your Materials Over the Summer
Use the quieter summer months to get your materials in order. Request product samples, collect Order Taker flyers, and map out your selling timeline.
Need help getting started? Scentco makes it easy. We provide:
• Product samples
• Free Order Taker forms
• Tally sheets
• Free Shipping to a school or business address
Everything you need will be ready to go before school starts.
6. Promote It Right
Create buzz before the school year begins. If your school has a summer newsletter or social media page, post teasers about your fundraiser. Include product photos, fun videos, or even testimonials from last year’s sale.
Once school is back in session, use posters, take-home flyers, and teacher announcements to keep the energy high.
7. Support the Students and the School
The best fundraisers are more than just about money, they bring the school community together. Offer incentives like class pizza parties or small prizes for top sellers. Celebrate the success with thank you notes or a fun end-of-sale event.
Fundraising is a powerful way to show students they are supported and valued. When done well, it can fund real improvements and create lasting memories.
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