Readathons are one of the most popular school fundraisers because they are fun, educational, easy to run, and cost-effective. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to raise even more money from your Readathon and ensure that it is as effective and impactful as possible.
Set Clear and Tangible Goals
When announcing your Readathon, include an ambitious, yet achievable fundraising target that the students can work toward. Explain how the money will be used and why it is important. Ideally, the tangible result of the goal will be something that the students are passionate about and really want to see fulfilled. Here is an example:
“We are hoping to raise $10,000 to transform a section of our school library into a ‘Discovery Zone’—a space with interactive activities like virtual reality learning stations, a robotics corner, and hands-on STEM kits for students to explore during free periods”
This goal checks all the boxes:
- Clear target: $10,000
- Tangible outcome: A ‘Discovery Zone’
- Exciting details that will galvanize support: Virtual reality, robotics, and STEM kits
When students and parents are excited about the goal, they are more likely to spread the word and feel responsible for achieving it.
Offer Enticing Rewards
Rewards can incentivize participation and build excitement, but only if students believe that the rewards are achievable and appealing. Here is an example:
“Any class that collectively reads at least 100 hours will earn a pizza party and have their class name added to a special ‘Library Hall of Fame’ plaque displayed in the library. Plus, any student who raises at least $50 will get to choose a new book for the library, with their name written inside as a donor.”
These rewards are:
- Achievable: 100 hours is only a few hours per student.
- Low-cost: Pizza party, a plaque, and book labels.
- Team-oriented: The class works together for the 100-hour challenge.
For more ideas, check out our tips for Readathon rewards that can boost participation.
Communicate Regularly Across Mediums
Even with the perfect goals and rewards, students and parents need to stay informed for your event to succeed. To help ensure that as many students and parents participate as possible, use various promotional methods – emails, posters, flyers, and more.
As your event progresses, maintain consistent promotion to highlight progress and encourage continued effort. For example:
“With one week down and one week to go, the 4th graders have already read over 70 hours (!) and are well on their way to earning their pizza party and a spot in our ‘Library Hall of Fame’. The 5th graders are not far behind with 64 hours, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders are almost halfway there. We’ve also raised more than $6,000, but still have a ways to go to fund our ‘Discovery Zone’. Your challenge today: create a 1-minute video explaining why you are reading and how people can support you. Share it with at least three friends or family members, and together, we’ll reach out goal!”
This example reminds students of their progress, motivates them to keep going, and provides a specific action step to boost participation.
Follow-up and Show Appreciation
As your event is wrapping up, there are two crucial steps to take to ensure future success:
- Say thank you: Express gratitude to students, parents, and volunteers, regardless of whether the fundraising goal was met.
- Ask for feedback: Gather suggestions for improvement.
If some students didn’t earn the rewards that they were hoping for, or if the school didn’t reach its goal, it is important to reassure everyone that their hard work wasn’t in vain. Celebrate their efforts and thank them for their contribution. For example:
“Thank you for making our Readathon such a success! Together, we read over 500 hours and raised $8,000—amazing accomplishments we can all be proud of. We’d love your feedback to make next year’s event even better!”
By showing appreciation and encouraging constructive feedback, you can build momentum for an even better fundraiser next year.
Make Fundraising Fun and Educational
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