Timing is everything especially when it comes to school fundraising. Planning your fundraiser around key moments in the school year can help boost participation, maximize profits, and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of the best times to fundraise, along with tips for choosing the right product or event at each stage of the school year.
Fall: The Fundraising Power Season (August – November)
Fall is hands down the most popular and effective time to run a school fundraiser. Families are back in routine, students are excited, and PTAs/PTOs are planning budgets for the year.
Why It Works:
• Fresh school year energy
• Parents are more engaged early in the year
• Ample time to raise funds before winter holidays
Best Fundraisers for Fall:
• Smencils and Smens product sales, check out our full list of products here
• Fall-themed events (harvest festivals, pumpkin patches)
• Catalog fundraisers
Key Dates to Consider:
• Back-to-School Night (August/September): Great time to launch and introduce fundraising plans
• National PTA Week (mid-September): Tie in with PTA involvement
• Halloween (October 31): Themed incentives or product sales
• Thanksgiving Break (late November): End fundraisers before this to ensure delivery
💡 Start planning in August and launch your fundraiser by mid-September. End before Thanksgiving break.
Winter: Holiday Hustle (December – January)
Though it's a shorter season, winter can be great for quick-hit fundraisers, especially when tied to holiday gifting or New Year goals.
Why It Works:
• Holiday gift-giving mindset
• End-of-year generosity
• Opportunity to fund mid-year projects or trips
Best Fundraisers for Winter:
• Holiday-themed Smencils and bundles
• Gift wrap and ornament sales
• Online donation drives or digital campaigns
Key Dates to Consider:
• Holiday Season (early to mid-December): Perfect for seasonal gifts
• Winter Break (late December - early January): Avoid this period for active fundraising
• New Year (January 1): Launch "New Year, New Goals" themed campaigns
💡 Launch early December and wrap before winter break. Alternatively, run a refresh campaign in mid-January when school resumes.
Spring: Second Wind (February – April)
Spring is the second-most popular season for fundraising, perfect for supplementing budgets or supporting year-end events and field trips.
Why It Works:
• Warmer weather means more event options
• Teachers and parents are more willing to engage again
• Great for meeting final budget needs
Best Fundraisers for Spring:
• Smencils with spring scents or themed sets
• Walk-a-thons, jog-a-thons, or fun runs
• Raffle baskets and silent auctions
Key Dates to Consider:
• Valentine's Day (February 14): Run themed sales or events
• Spring Break (March/April): Avoid planning during this time
• Earth Day (April 22): Tie into eco-friendly or green product sales
• Testing Season: Avoid major testing weeks for maximum focus
💡 Start promotion in late February. End before spring break for best results.
Summer Prep: Planning Ahead (May – June)
Fundraising isn’t just about active campaigns. Summer is the perfect time to reflect, evaluate, and plan for next year.
Why It Works:
• Less busy than the rest of the year
• Opportunity to reserve top dates with vendors
• Get ahead before the fall rush
Best Uses of Summer:
• Review past fundraiser performance
• Schedule fall campaigns with partners
• Order samples and create marketing materials
Key Dates to Consider:
• Teacher Appreciation Week (early May): A great time to thank staff and get feedback
• End-of-Year Celebrations: Capture student and parent excitement for next year
💡 Meet with your PTA/PTO team before school ends to lay the groundwork for a strong fall launch.
Final Thoughts: Fundraising Year-Round
While fall and spring are the top seasons for fundraising, opportunities exist all year. The key is choosing the right time and format based on your school’s calendar, your audience, and your fundraising goals.
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