Social media is a great fundraising tool for teachers who need to raise donations for school supplies. Two thirds of our top fundraising teachers on AdoptAClassroom.org used social media and/or email to ask for donations. We’ve received helpful social media tips from teachers who have successfully raised donations on AdoptAClassroom.org, so we’re sharing them with you!
Whether you have a large social media following or you’re just getting started, these social media tips will help you reach new donors and increase the likelihood that someone will donate to your classroom profile page on AdoptAClassroom.org.
1. Pre-Plan Your Social Media Fundraising Strategy
Before you start asking for donations on social media, make sure you have a plan. To maximize donations and build your fundraising strategy, answer each of the below questions.
Who do I know who can share my posts?
To reach new donors who you may have never even met before, contact your friends, family, and anyone who donates to your AdoptAClassroom.org classroom profile page, to see if they would be willing to share your fundraising posts to help spread the word. When you start asking for donations on social media, you can also tell your followers that if they don’t have the funds to donate, they can still help by sharing your post.
When should I start fundraising on social media?
The best time to fundraise on social media is during a special time of year or in response to an increased need. We recommend limiting your fundraising posts to a few times a year so you don’t fatigue your donors. We also recommend including your AdoptAClassroom.org profile page link in your social media profile so it is easy to find. See how to share your classroom profile page link directly to social media here.
Special Occasions
Plan to fundraise around special occasions and events, like holidays, your birthday, back-to-school season, Teacher Appreciation Week, AdoptAClassroom.org classroom donation matches, or fundraising days like Giving Tuesday. These special occasions are the perfect time of year to ask for donations to your classroom because people will be more likely to donate.
In Response to an Increased Need
Do you have an increased need for classroom donations because of COVID-19, a local natural disaster, budget cuts, or another event that negatively impacted your classroom? Start using social media to fundraise right away so you can quickly reach those who want to help.
Which social media platforms should I post on?
There’s a variety of social media websites to choose from, and each platform requires a different fundraising strategy. Read our social media tips here for how you can utilize Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so you can choose the platform/s that work best for you.
– Grecia, Kindergarten Teacher in San Francisco, CA
“I reach most of my donors through Facebook and Instagram. I post a link to my classroom fundraising page about 3-5 times per year: at the beginning of the school year, on my birthday, during Teacher Appreciation Week, and on holidays, to ask for money for my classroom in lieu of gifts.”
2. Create a Fundraising Timeline
Your social media fundraising timeline should be a schedule designed to provide structure and create urgency for donors. We recommend setting a short fundraising timeline of around three days, so potential donors understand that you need their support now.
A specific timeline will help you plan your fundraising strategy in advance. For the most effective strategy be sure to carve out time to:
- Write all or most of your social posts ahead of time
- Coordinate with supporters who will help you reach your goal by spreading the word during your timeline
- Update your AdoptAClassroom.org classroom profile page with your current needs
If at the end of your set timeline you don’t meet your fundraising goal, you can choose to extend your timeline to try and raise more money. You can also spend the donations you do receive as soon as you receive them, or save them until you have the exact amount you need. Remember, you have one full year to spend each donation you receive. See our terms of use for more details.
3. Pre-Write your Fundraising Posts
Plan most of your social media fundraising posts ahead of time so that you have time to craft your story. Tell specific stories about your students (without using names) to show the need, and consider sharing photos or video. Make sure your posts are personal and that you speak directly to your audience. Read our tips on how to craft your story here.
Example Fundraising Ask
Tip: Make sure to post the correct link to your AdoptAClassroom.org classroom profile page so donors can donate. Read our guide for teachers on how to find the link to your profile page here.
4. Include a Photo/Video in Your Social Media Post
Far too often, classroom fundraising posts fall flat because they didn’t stand out. Include a photo or video in your post to increase the attention it receives.
Photos
Photos from your classroom showing the need for supplies, or busy learners working hard, are a great way to grab your audiences’ attention and get them invested in helping you. Taking photos of your students and protecting their privacy can be tricky. Here is a guide for teachers on how to take photos while protecting students’ privacy.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking photos, we’ve created fundraising images that you can download and include in your social media posts. Check out our fundraising images here.
Example Photo
Video
You don’t need a polished or expertly edited video to get the attention of potential donors. Use your phone or laptop’s webcam to film a short video where you talk about why you need donations for school supplies. A video will help you connect with people on a more personal level. When people see and hear you explaining the need and asking for support, they may be more motivated to give.
Example Video
5. Post Fundraising Updates
After you’ve raised some donations, post updates on social media to let your audience know you’re closer to reaching your goal. If someone sees that their donation is helping you reach your goal, they might be even more willing to help in the future.
Example Update
6. Thank Your Donors
Don’t forget to thank your donors for their generous support! Social media makes it easy to give your classroom supporters a meaningful, heartfelt thank you. With social media, you can write a thank you post, upload a video of you thanking your donors, give thanks directly on each donor’s social media profile page, or send them a private message showing your gratitude.
Example Thank You
Looking for more fundraising advice and social media tips? Read our comprehensive fundraising guide for teachers for even more tips, examples, and templates to help you fundraise for school supplies on AdoptAClassroom.org.