Most school fundraisers follow a predictable formula:
- Invest in a product to sell.
- Ask parents and students to sort orders and do the legwork.
- Raise a few thousand dollars, if you’re lucky.
But in 2025, that formula isn’t cutting it anymore. To break out of this cycle, schools need to think like startups. That means being innovative, data-driven, and bold enough to try something new.
What Does It Mean to Think Like a Startup?
Startups don’t succeed by sticking to the status quo. They:
- Take Smart Risks: They’re not afraid to try new methods, even if it means a few failures along the way.
- Embrace Technology: They use digital tools to scale quickly.
- Iterate Rapidly: They learn from what works, and what doesn’t.
- Focus on Community: They build strong connections with their audience.
If schools adopt this mindset, fundraising results could skyrocket.
How to Apply Startup Thinking to School Fundraising
1. Test and Learn
- Don’t stick to one fundraising method just because it’s familiar.
- Experiment with digital-first campaigns that leverage social media.
- Use A/B testing to find out which messaging resonates best by using Brightraiser’s AI-powered assistant. Why not try this on various social channels to determine which messaging is most effective?
2. Leverage Technology
- Use a platform like Brightraiser to manage your campaign, track donations, and engage supporters.
- Digital tools make it easy to set goals, track progress, and report outcomes.
- Utilize your resources to distribute your messages across various social channels.
3. Create a Compelling Story
- Startups know that stories sell. Tell a story about how the funds will directly impact students.
- Make it personal: Highlight real students or teachers who will benefit.
- Consistently share your stories across all social media platforms
4. Engage Your Community Early
- Startups build excitement before they launch.
- Create a pre-launch campaign that builds anticipation.
- Involve parents, teachers, and students from the start to create ownership.
Why Brightraiser Is Built for the Startup Mindset
- Data-Driven Decisions: Track what works and what doesn’t.
- Mobile-First Experience: Engage people where they are, on their phones.
- Community-Centric Campaigns: Use storytelling tools to build emotional connections.
- Effortlessy Promote Your Campaign: With pre-made templates, images, and posts.
💡 Schools using Brightraiser are raising more because they’re innovating like startups.
🎉 Think Big. Act Smart. Raise More.
Don’t settle for the same old fundraiser. Start thinking like a startup and watch your results grow exponentially.