The Annual Fund is the Foundation of Your Fundraising
Funding the vision for your school requires the active involvement of your families. The Annual Fund is the foundation of your fundraising strategy because it:
- Develops the habit of giving by creating a consistent expectation each year
- Encourages undesignated giving to the mission & vision rather than to specific projects
- Keeps the fundraising database current for donor development
- Establishes a baseline for future asks in a capital campaign
A well-run annual fund will ALWAYS raise more money than what will be raised from candy sales, gift wrap sales, walk-a-thons, golf tournaments, etc. Having your students out selling items creates a consumer mentality in the school community that degrades the culture of generosity that you vitally need. It doesn't matter how long your school has been selling that product--many traditions need to be broken because they're not in the best interest of your students. If you can't convince the parent organization or booster club to work with you, shut them down! The tail can't be wagging the dog.
You can use an event like a walk-a-thon to compliment your annual fund--but it takes the right strategy and partner. The Boosterthon company (funrun.com), for example, combines exercise, character training, and fundraising in such a way that you can increase enthusiasm in your community while also expanding your donor database. It's important to emphasize in your communication, however, that gifts to the walk-a-thon should not replace the annual fund commitment.
