Your Role: Support System & Contact Network Coordinator
As a parent, you’re your student’s biggest advocate and support system. Your involvement directly impacts their fundraising success and your family’s financial savings.
๐ PRE-CAMPAIGN PHASE
Understanding the Investment
- Understand the “why” behind fundraising
- Discuss campaign goals and expectations with your student
- Explain how successful fundraising helps the entire program
Strategic Planning & Research
- Research Company Matching Programs: When building out the contact list, identify which potential donors work for companies that will match donations
- Help your student understand that the more contacts they have, the more incentives they can earn
- Review family network together (relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers)
Contact List Development (Most Important Pre-Campaign Task!)
Help your student create comprehensive contact list (aim for 25+ people)
Target Categories:
- Extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins)
- Family friends and neighbors
- Your coworkers and professional contacts
- Former teachers, coaches, mentors
- Community connections (church, clubs, organizations)
Platform Setup
- Assist with setting up their fundraising profile/backstage (if needed)
- Add a quality photo that shows your student in action
- Input contacts into system for automated reminders
- Privacy Note: Contacts entered are for this fundraiser only and will NEVER be sold or shared. Contact information is deleted entirely after the fundraiser ends.
Pre-Campaign Outreach (Critical Step!)
- Pre-contact family/friends to let them know campaign is coming
- Let contacts know when they can expect to hear from your student
- Ask about company matching opportunities upfront
- Research employers of potential donors for matching programs
Pre-Campaign Conversation Starters
For Family & Close Friends: “Hi! I wanted to give you a heads up that [Student name] will be reaching out soon about our [program] fundraiser. The money raised directly reduces our family fees while improving the program for all students. Just wanted you to know it’s coming!”
For Professional Contacts: “I wanted to let you know that my daughter/son will be contacting you soon about a fundraiser for [program name]. It helps reduce costs for all families. Also, does your company have a donation matching program I should know about?”
๐ฏ DURING CAMPAIGN PHASE
Active Campaign Support
- Read over student script supplied by Director and personalize if needed
- Check BackStage donation status regularly (requires participant account login)
- Send thank you emails/texts to those who have donated
- Celebrate small wins and progress milestones
Amplifying Their Reach
- Share their fundraising link on your social media platforms
- Post compelling content: photo of student in action + message + link
- Send updates to your extended network
- Leverage your professional and community connections
- Promote monthly donor club for 11x impact
Follow-Up Coordination
- Help track which contacts have responded vs. need follow-up
- Support follow-up calls for pending contacts
- Help track progress toward individual and team goals
- Ask every donor: “Does your company match charitable donations?”
Problem-Solving Support
- Help troubleshoot platform issues
- Email support@rapidfundraising.com if you need assistance
- Provide encouragement during challenging moments
- Connect with booster leaders if additional support needed
Daily Monitoring
- Check fundraising dashboard in BackStage daily with your student
- Track team/section standings and friendly competition
- Monitor key metrics: contacts reached, response rate, average donation, monthly conversions
Campaign Conversation Starters (For Follow-ups)
For Family & Close Friends: “[Student name] is participating in our [program] fundraiser. The money raised directly reduces our family fees while improving the program for all students. Would you consider supporting them?”
For Professional Contacts: “My daughter/son is involved in [program name] and they’re participating in a fundraiser that helps reduce costs for all families. I’m reaching out to see if you’d be interested in supporting their efforts – and to ask if your company has a donation matching program?”
For Community Connections: “[Student name] has been dedicated to [program] for [X years]. They’re working to raise funds that help keep the program accessible for all families. Any support you could provide would be greatly appreciated.”
๐ POST-CAMPAIGN PHASE
Thank You & Recognition
- Assist with thank you messages to all donors
- Help with follow-up for company matching submissions
- Participate in campaign events and recognition ceremonies
- Celebrate team and individual achievements
Impact Assessment
- Review total funds raised and family fee savings
- Analyze what strategies worked best for future campaigns
- Document successful approaches for next year
- Share lessons learned with other families
Ongoing Relationship Management
- Maintain relationships with monthly donor club members
- Keep supporters updated on program achievements throughout the year
- Prepare foundation for next year’s campaign
๐จ Troubleshooting Support
If Your Student Gets Discouraged:
- Remind them that participation matters more than results
- Help them focus on contacts who haven’t been reached yet
- Celebrate small wins and progress made
- Connect with other families for support and encouragement
If Technology Issues Arise:
- Contact support@rapidfundraising.com for platform support
- Help troubleshoot basic issues together
- Don’t let technical problems stop outreach efforts
- Use alternative methods (phone, text) if needed
๐ Contact Resources
- Platform/Technical Issues: support@rapidfundraising.com
- Strategy Questions: Other experienced parents
- Student Motivation: Directors and program leadership
- General Support: Parent volunteer coordinators
๐ฏ Remember the Bigger Picture
Campaign Success = Family Success
- Successful fundraising = lower program fees for your family
- Community fundraising = stronger program for all students
- Monthly donors = ongoing support that builds year over year
- Better equipment, enhanced opportunities, and stronger community support
Your involvement is crucial to your student’s success. The time you invest in supporting their fundraising efforts directly translates to program improvements and family savings!