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It’s not uncommon for school club fundraisers to start off strong and then lose momentum halfway through. One week the fundraiser is buzzing, and the next, it’s mostly quiet. The truth is, many school group fundraising efforts stall before they ever hit their goal. This is especially common in the winter months when attention shifts, breaks disrupt routines, and the weather keeps people indoors.
When that energy fades, it can be tough to restart, especially if your group doesn’t have a plan in place. But the problem isn’t that people don’t want to help. It usually comes down to a few practical issues that are easy to overlook. We’ve seen the common places where school fundraisers get stuck, and we’ve learned that simple changes to how you plan, communicate, and motivate your team can make a big difference. At Team Butter, school groups raise money by selling premium products through personalized online stores, earning 50% profit on every sale while we handle shipping directly to supporters.
Lack of a Clear Plan from the Start
Some clubs and teams launch into fundraising before figuring out the steps or who’s going to do what. That first rush of excitement can make it tempting to go fast without much structure. But once the initial interest wears off, volunteers are left wondering what to do next or who to follow up with.
A good plan doesn’t need to be fancy. Think of it like prepping for a game. Everyone has a role, and the goal is clear. A few basics go a long way:
• Make a simple list of who’s responsible for what so no one has to guess
• Assign small, defined tasks instead of leaving everything to one person
• Set a calendar so people know when to send reminders or check in
Groups that take a few minutes to plan upfront avoid burnout and confusion later.
Not Setting Specific, Visible Goals
It’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t know what you’re working toward. Saying “we’re raising money” won’t keep supporters interested for long. People like knowing exactly where their help is going, especially when it’s connected to something they can picture.
When school fundraisers have a fuzzy finish line or no updates, people lose interest. On the other hand, when goals are tied to real things, like warm-ups for the soccer team or flights for a band competition, every sale feels more personal.
Making that goal visible matters too. You can help by:
• Showing progress with a visual tracker
• Posting weekly updates on how close you are
• Reminding people what the group will be able to do if the goal is met
Small reminders help everyone feel part of something that’s moving forward.
Too Much Pressure on Too Few People
We’ve seen it happen often. A few well-meaning parents or teachers carry most of the job, and by week two or three, they’re worn out. Without more hands in the mix, the energy fades fast. That’s when updates stop, tasks fall behind, and goals start to feel out of reach.
Spreading the work around keeps energy up and prevents early burnout. It doesn’t take a big team, just a few people each doing one part. Try including older students who want to lead or earn service hours. Many are more than happy to help once asked.
Here are a few ways to shift the load:
• Ask three or four people to take one task each, like reminders or updates
• Let students handle some responsibility like writing messages or making quick videos
• Keep check-ins friendly and short so people don’t feel overwhelmed
When the work feels doable, more people stay involved from start to finish.
Not Making It Easy to Share and Shop
Supporters want to help, but if they have to hunt for links or figure out how to order, they might move on. The easier the fundraiser is to share, the more likely people are to buy something or pass it along to others.
We’ve noticed that when school group fundraising includes simple sharing tools, it keeps traction much longer. Everyone involved needs easy ways to get the word out. With Team Butter’s mobile-friendly virtual fundraising platform, schools can run everything 100% online without order forms, payment collection, or inventory to manage, which makes it much easier for busy families to participate.
That includes:
• A ready-made text or message that parents and players can send
• A picture or digital graphic to post on social media
• Straightforward instructions to help people buy with just a few clicks
When families understand how to pitch in, and it only takes a minute, they’ll do it without needing extra reminders.
Not Keeping Momentum Alive Midway
The first week of a fundraiser usually sees the biggest response. People are excited, they’re sharing, and they’re watching progress climb. But after that, things can slow down if the group doesn’t stay connected.
This is the moment where many school fundraisers fade out before the goal is reached. That drop doesn’t mean people have stopped caring. They just need a gentle nudge or something new to notice.
A few ways to bring energy back include:
• A quick mid-fundraiser check-in to thank those who’ve helped so far
• Shining a light on the group’s progress by sharing numbers or highlighting new orders
• Posting fun photos and short messages that give the fundraiser a personal touch
Keeping things active doesn’t mean doing a lot. It just means showing up so people remember the goal is still in motion.
Your Next Fundraiser Can Finish Strong
Finishing strong doesn’t take magic, it just takes a little teamwork and planning. When fundraising feels simple and people know what their role is, they’re more likely to stick with it. If the sharing process is easy and the goal feels personal, your club has what it needs to make real progress.
Every team, choir, cheer squad, or school group can keep their fundraiser going from start to finish. A few clear steps and shared jobs can help everyone feel involved without making things harder during busy months like winter break. School group fundraising works best when it’s built to last straight to the goal line.
Ready to keep your group’s fundraiser on track and stress-free? Whether you’re supporting cheer, volleyball, choir, or band, our proven tools help your team stay organized, share responsibilities, and connect with supporters with ease. We’ve designed solutions to make school group fundraising simpler, no matter where your club is located. At Team Butter, we believe every kid deserves the opportunity to participate. Reach out to get started today.
