3 Biggest Crowdfunding Traps Schools and Sports Teams need to Avoid

3 Biggest Crowdfunding Traps Schools and Sports Teams need to Avoid

The future of fundraising is online. Not everything, of course -- a snack bar isn’t going to benefit (much) from posting on Facebook.  But the benefits and efficiencies of using email, text, social media and various online platforms (like FanAngel) makes it a foregone conclusions that more and more funds will be raised digitally.

If you’re a booster parent or team coach, then you know all too well the vast amounts of time you’re losing to fundraising. That’s time lost forever--time you could have spent with your family, friends or athletes.  That’s why it’s so important to understand and navigate some common traps that many fall prey.

The appeal to leveraging the Internet to amplify your efforts is a clear motivator for some. But many have tried it and failed. Others have tried with some success, but have no idea they likely left money on the table. This post exposes three major crowdfunding traps that are common. The post also explains how FanAngel circumvents these pitfalls, ultimately saving you precious money, time and energy.

6 Marketing Tips for School & Team Fundraising -- Silicon Valley Style

6 Marketing Tips for School & Team Fundraising -- Silicon Valley Style

Last weekend I attended a high school music fundraiser and it was one of the BEST Fundraisers I’ve ever attended. The event had four fantastic bands from Los Angeles that each drove 3 hours to get here.  Between sets, student played solos/duets on a side stage.  The talent was phenomenal!  These bands were early versions of Green Day or The Cult, who play major LA clubs like The Voodoo Lounge and Whisky A Go-Go!  And here they were, volunteering their time to help our local High School Band!

There was only one problem -- hardly anyone showed up.  In fact, I didn’t even show up. Why?  Because I had no idea it was so legit.  I expected the same old local bands, playing the same old local music fest.

Luckily my wife texted me with, "Get down here now!" And when I did, the place was mostly empty. Maybe 125 people.  

Who knew?  Precisely – WHO KNEW?!

HS/Youth -- Restaurant Fundraiser Night: Mom & Pop vs. Chipotle/Applebee’s

HS/Youth -- Restaurant Fundraiser Night: Mom & Pop vs. Chipotle/Applebee’s

Everyone’s gotta eat!  That’s the basic premise behind the Restaurant Fundraiser Nights.  Think about it, the restaurant makes the food, does the dishes, has plenty of parking; all you have to do is get people there: a true turnkey opportunity. What could be easier?

Fence Banners and Beyond

Fence Banners and Beyond

Last week, I was leaving the gym after my daughter’s high school basketball game. As I walked, I overheard a family trying to figure out where they were going to go for pizza. My ears immediately perked up when I heard the family talk about a restaurant that was one of the team’s sponsors.  Just a few days prior, the restaurant gave away a few free pizzas and t-shirts as part of a game sponsorship. Sure enough, the family made their decision for the sponsoring restaurant.  Was this a result of the restaurant's generous sponsorship?  Was the wall banner and game giveaway paying off?  One example is not proof, but it’s something worth exploring.

Confessions From a CEO

Confessions From a CEO

I'll be totally honest with you. I hate fundraising.  I hate when my son brings home a pledge sheet for the jog-a-thon or the candy-bar/magazine/wrapping-paper sales drive. And then he wants to canvas the neighborhood and call every relative just so he can win movie passes to a theater that’s over an hour away.  Or when I'm supposed to take my high school daughter around to local businesses asking for auction items or selling outfield banner.  And the spaghetti feed, barbecue, crab feed...ok, I actually kind of like those, they can be really fun...but I hate the auction gift baskets or that whale watching gift certificates (true story) which is still in my drawer after FIVE YEARS!!!