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Raising money online has made fundraising easier in many ways, especially for school groups and student activities. In places like Michigan where winter hits hard, virtual fundraising can save teams from having to go door to door in the cold. In many online programs, supporters shop through a simple store link and get their orders shipped right to their door, so students do not have to handle forms or boxes at all. But even with those perks, something many school teams still run into is a drop in energy once the ball gets rolling.
We see it in cheer squads, volleyball teams, choirs, and more. Everyone starts out excited and ready to share, but somewhere along the way, things slow down. Virtual fundraising in Michigan is growing fast, but staying motivated through the entire campaign can still be a challenge. For team leaders and coaches, the tricky part is figuring out how to keep spirits up so the fundraiser finishes strong.
Why Motivation Drops Mid-Fundraiser
The shift to online fundraising can feel distant. Students might not feel the same level of connection when there is no physical table, no sign-up sheets passed around at halftime, and no group huddle to cheer each other on.
Here is where some of the drop-off usually comes from:
• Without face-to-face contact, students (and families) can feel disconnected from the goal
• Winter break slows things down, especially when teams take time off and routines change
• If teams do not set little goals along the way, the overall target might feel too far out to chase
These hurdles are common, especially during the colder months when everyone is busy and the weather makes it easier to lose focus. Keeping the momentum going means looking at how team leaders lead.
Coaches and Captains: The Role of Encouragement
The way a team leader shows up during a fundraiser matters a lot. Whether it is a coach, a captain, or a teacher running the effort, how they encourage their group can make all the difference.
Simple efforts from leaders can go a long way:
• Short weekly check-ins to share updates or call out progress keep everyone in the loop
• Quick reminders or shout-outs in group messages can make participants feel valued
• Celebrating early wins helps teams build confidence and makes it easier to keep going
When students feel like their coaches are in the fundraiser with them, not just assigning work, it keeps the energy up. Most groups that hang on to their motivation are doing little things like this each week.
Making the Fundraiser Feel “Real” for Participants
Online fundraising can sometimes feel invisible. Since products are not passed out in person and money is not handed over in real time, it does not always feel like something is actually happening.
We have found that it helps when teams do a few key things:
• Add personal touches to the fundraising page like team photos or why the fundraiser matters
• Talk often about what the money will help with, jerseys, travel, or concert gear
• Use simple progress bars or trackers so students and families can see what has been earned
When students feel like they are doing more than just sharing a link online, they are more likely to stay involved. Adding meaning and showing progress can bring the same kind of connection that in-person events used to build.
Finding the Right Support System Around the Team
Fundraisers always go better when there is a small group of helpers involved. Relying only on the coach or leader can lead to burnout pretty fast. Winter can already feel stretched between school, sports, and the holidays, so spreading the work makes a big difference.
Here is what helps:
• Ask parents or fans who enjoy behind-the-scenes work to take on small roles
• Divide up tasks like managing email reminders, posting on social media, or helping with reward tracking
• Choose products that are familiar and easy to talk about, like popcorn, cookie dough, pet treats, or fundraiser donations that also support service hours
When everyone pitches in, even just a little, it becomes something shared, and that naturally keeps motivation stronger across the team.
How Michigan Teams Stay On Track with Virtual Fundraising
We have watched many Michigan groups succeed with virtual fundraising, and a few things come up again and again. Online methods work best when they slide into the team’s existing schedule, not add more work on top of everything else. Tools that let each participant use a personal online store from a phone or tablet make it easy to share links during practice breaks, bus rides, or family time at home.
Here are a few ways Michigan teams are making this work:
• Choose platforms and pages that work well on phones so students and parents can take part anywhere
• Make it easy to post to social media or text out links, simple sharing means more involvement
• Use delivery options that ship straight to supporters so teams do not have to handle pickups or storage
The more flexible the fundraiser, the better it fits around winter practices, performances, and breaks. And when families from outside Michigan can support the effort through direct shipping, it often keeps things moving longer and stronger.
Staying Motivated All Winter Long
It would be nice if energy levels stayed high from day one through the final tally, but almost every team hits a lull. The good news is, staying on track does not take a complicated plan. It just takes a clear goal, shared updates, and a few reminders that every effort matters.
Winter may bring tougher schedules and more distractions, but with a little team planning and the right tools, online fundraising can still come out ahead. When kids feel like they are part of something real and supported by friends, teammates, and families, they are much more likely to stick with it, even when the weather tells them to hit pause.
At Team Butter, we make it easy for your cheer team, soccer squad, or school band to launch a winter fundraiser online and stay motivated throughout the season. We have helped countless Michigan groups share, sell, and succeed with direct-to-home shipping and flexible tools that simplify every step. Take a look at how virtual fundraising in Michigan works without the usual stress, and contact us if your group wants help getting started.
