Ways to Raise Funds for a New School Sign
Schools sometimes ask us for pointers on the most effective ways to raise money for their signs. Having been in the business for so long, we're happy to give an inside look at the methods that have yielded the most success!
Business Sponsorship
The best fundraising tool for your sign is your sign! Think about where your school is located and what types of consumers see your sign every day, as your sign can be used as an advertising tool for local businesses. Approach these businesses explaining that sign advertising is the least expensive, yet most effective form of advertising - often at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising. There are a few different ways to advertise with your new sign:
On the LED Display
LED signs can be used to show business advertising along with your school messaging. Because these messages are temporary and under your control, they can be removed when the terms of the sponsorship and the sign funding is complete.
Example: Your school sells advertising space on your sign for $1,000 per sponsorship. If this advertisement is shown 30 times a day over a period of 6 months, the cost to the business will be $0.19 per impression!.
On the Sign Pedestal
Vinyl lettering or logos can be applied to the sign pedestal to identify your sponsor. Because this addition is meant for permanent display, this method is best used with a benefactor who has provided most or all of the funding for the new school sign.
Example: Show an artistic rendering of the sign to the business with "Your Name Here", and explain that their business name will be seen for a decade or more from everyone driving by.
On Sponsor Panels
Your new sign can be built with a separate, backlit sponsor panel cabinet to identify local businesses or brands. Because the panels are replaceable, they can be up for renewal every school year - making your sign a continuous revenue generator.
Example: Offer this space for $2500 per year. If the business declines to renew in the future, offer the space to another sponsor at the same recurring charge plus the price of new panels.
Example School Sponsorship Flyer (Word .docx)
Food Nights
Many restaurants offer fundraising nights for schools in their area, which allows them to raise money for a good cause while bringing in new business. Usually all that is required is to promote the event through social media or flyers (or the sign itself if already installed). When participants eat at the restaurant, a percentage of their total bill will be given to the school.
Example: Restaurants typically offer 10% of each bill to be given back to the school, so if you have 200 families that spend an average of $50, that's $1000 towards a new school sign!
Grants
Many school districts have an Education Foundation with which your school can apply for a grant. We have found that the strongest selling point for winning a grant is explaining how vital communication with parents, students and the community is for your school. Study after study has shown that a school sign is the most effective form of communication and that is critical to the success of every child's education.
Online Giving
Collect funds through crowdsourcing websites! Each of the following companies specifically partner with schools to meet fundraising objectives. You are given a unique link that you can use in your social media or print publications, which makes it easy for people to donate 24/7 from anywhere!
Buy Out
We often hear from PTO / PTA representatives that parents want to participate in fundraisers but are too busy. One great way to overcome this obstacle is a buy-out program. For any fundraising activity your school runs, offer parents the opportunity to donate a lump sum instead of participating.
Example: By offering parents the option to donate $20 instead of multiple hours of their time, they will feel they have contributed to the school with no effort. If 200 students choose this, that's $4,000 before the fundraiser even begins!
Class Donations
Alumni groups are often happy to fund all or part of a new sign. With former students often easily accessible through Facebook groups, pairing this with an online giving channel is a powerful fundraising tool.
Student Involvement
Older students are often involved in the planning and execution of a new school sign, from Senior class projects to Eagle Scout projects. Having students spearhead these initiatives helps them to build valuable life skills and experiences.
How to Get Started
1. Design your sign. Work with your sign consultant to determine the proper model, size, mounting and placement of your new sign. This will give you a final fundraising goal amount.
2. Finalize your artwork. Our talented Art Department will create a stunning design with your school's name and logo. A final artistic rendering will be provided to you for your use in fundraising efforts.
3. Create fundraising material. Parents and the community are often not aware of the school's goal. Place posters around your campus showing everyone what the new sign will look like as well as how to donate.
Remember, signs are meant to be seen! Use your sign's artistic rendering to build excitement for the project!