Beyond the Classroom: Using Art Fundraisers to Benefit Local Causes

Fundraiser programs can be a fantastic help for schools looking to boost their budget for new initiatives. But sometimes it’s nice to pay it forward! If your school community is passionate about supporting local causes, why not use a fundraiser to create a positive impact that extends beyond the classroom?

Teaching Compassion and Promoting the Arts

With an art class fundraiser, teachers and students can use their creative skills to raise funds for any good cause! Whether it’s a local group you want to support—like a parks fund or the food pantry down the road—or an international nonprofit, like the Red Cross, an art class fundraiser can be an effective and fun way to foster community spirit. So really, your program can stretch beyond just about raising funds. Since students are working toward a common goal, they’ll be learning valuable life lessons that extend outside of the classroom. It’s ultimately about developing compassion and embracing social responsibility.

For schools with robust art programs, fundraisers are excellent opportunities to showcase your students’ talents. This can also promote a love for the arts within your community as a whole. If you decide to cast a wider net with your program by getting other supporters involved (in addition to the students’ families), then your fundraiser might even inspire people to pursue new art projects of their own!

What’s the Right Non-Profit for Your School?

Partnering with the right art fundraiser program is the first step. Our team at Art to Remember can help make your process streamlined from start to finish! But you also need to make sure you’re choosing the right non-profit or other cause to support. Ideally the organization will resonate with your school’s mission and values. That way, the cause will become even more meaningful and relevant to your students, parents, and staff.

Some questions to ask yourself might be whether the non-profit’s goals and activities align with the educational and ethical values of your school. Just as an example, maybe your school emphasizes environmental education. Partnering with a local conservation group could be a smart way to connect your art fundraiser to the school’s broader curriculum.

When thinking through your options, it’s smart to consider both established organizations and underutilized programs. Established non-profits might have more resources and recognition, making it easier to garner support. On the other hand, newer or smaller organizations might be able to benefit even more from the increased visibility and support your program can provide.

Another helpful pointer is to ask students, staff, and families for recommendations can be an easy way to increase interest in the fundraiser before the art projects even get underway. So don’t be shy. Conducting a quick online poll on social media or using your school’s newsletter to request ideas through submission can help you find the perfect fit!

Create a Lasting Impact with Community Engagement

When art teachers run fundraisers for their own classroom, the program’s success often hinges on parent involvement. But when you’re looking to make an impact beyond the classroom, there’s nothing better than exploring community engagement on a wider scale.

By partnering with local businesses and tapping into the outreach capabilities of your chosen non-profit, you can extend your fundraising efforts beyond the immediate school community. Local businesses can help spread the word in a variety of ways. They can display student artwork or even share order forms to sell art keepsakes. In return, they’ll gain positive publicity and the chance to support a good cause.

There’s also the non-profit’s outreach team. Tapping into their existing supporter base can introduce your fundraiser to a new audience and increase the potential for donations and support from others who might not be directly connected to the school.

No matter how big you want to go with your fundraiser, Art to Remember is here to help with every step. From the general organization with your program messaging, to the art lessons and even certain art project supplies, plus a unique ordering process and meaningful keepsakes, we want to make every art fundraiser a real success. Let’s start the conversation and see how we can partner up! Send us a message to learn more!