The playbook.

The proven process behind every successful campaign.

When everyone follows the same process, momentum becomes inevitable. This is everything we've learned from a decade of fundraising with fine arts programs.

Calculate your fundraising potential

The three principles

Follow the process and watch it work.

01

Make it personal

People give to people, not campaigns. Put a face on it and the numbers change.

How it works

Every student is featured by name and photo. Parents warm up contacts before kickoff so the ask lands.

02

Nudge, don't nag

People want to give. They just forget. Smart reminders work embarrassingly well.

How it works

Contacts go in, reminders go out. The system does the nudging so students don't have to.

03

Make it fun

Engagement drives results. When students are having fun, they stay in it. When they stay in it, donations follow.

How it works

Leaderboards track progress. Weekly incentives keep momentum. Directors do silly things. Everyone celebrates at the end.

The three phases

Every successful campaign follows this rhythm.

Phase 1: Prepare

Set the stage for 90%+ participation

  • Communicate the "why"
  • Set goals and incentives
  • Build customized site via wizard
  • Students build 25+ contacts
  • Parents pre-notify everyone
Phase 2: Launch

Make it an event — the fun IS the fundraising

  • Host a kickoff event
  • Students make calls using the script
  • Incentives and team competitions fuel the energy
  • Donations roll in live on the big screen
  • Directors deliver on their wild commitments
Phase 3: Finish Strong

Recognize great work at the finale

  • Host a closing event to celebrate and award incentives
  • Daily recognition at rehearsal
  • Follow up with non-responders
  • Send thank-you messages
  • Check for company matching

Your role in the process

Everyone has a part to play. Find yours.

Campaign Leadership

Directors & fundraising leaders working together

Your energy and preparation make everything possible.

Prepare

Connect Campaigns Only

For high-school-aged participants and above

  • Share QR code for student account setup (in setup wizard)
  • Dedicate rehearsal time for account setup (director)
  • Setup Pledge Tracker/Reporter (in setup wizard)
Launch
  • Be the MC—your energy sets the tone (director)
  • Track participation by team (use kickoff or pledge reporter)
  • Display live results on the big screen—make it a show!
  • Print calling scripts for express campaigns (connect campaigns have the script built into BackStage)
  • Make it fun: competitions, music, energy!
  • Coordinate incentive distribution (leader)
  • Celebrate every donation loudly as it comes in
Finish Strong
  • Start every rehearsal with recognition (director)
  • Check dashboard daily—know your numbers
  • Recognize top teams and individuals
  • Deliver incentives with energy
  • Send updates between director & leader
  • Coordinate finale celebration
  • Share results with the program
  • Document lessons learned

If you're excited, they will be too.

Your energy and logistics make participation possible.

Parent FAQ

Parent / Guardian

Your network is their biggest asset

The most important things are simple and don't take much time.

Prepare
  • Use the contact worksheet to brainstorm 25+ contacts
  • Extended family, family friends, neighbors
  • Your coworkers and community connections
  • Identify company matching opportunities
  • Pre-notify your contacts before kickoff

Sample pre-notify message:

"Hey! [Student] will be reaching out on [Day] about their band fundraiser. The money goes directly to reducing fees and building a stronger program. Just wanted to give you a heads up!"

Launch
  • Review the script with your student
  • Be available to help during kickoff
  • Share their fundraising link on social media
  • Send the link to professional contacts
  • Promote Monthly Subscriptions ($25/mo = $300 annual)
  • Celebrate early donations together
Finish Strong
  • Check BackStage dashboard together
  • Help track who needs follow-up
  • Send thank-you messages to donors
  • Ask every donor about company matching
  • Help submit matching gift requests
  • Attend the finale celebration

25+

Contacts

11x

Monthly Sub Impact

100%

Pre-Notify

Successful fundraising = lower fees + stronger program

Your participation directly benefits your student.

Parent FAQ

Student / Participant

You're the heart of this campaign

More contacts = more incentives. Build your list, earn your rewards.

Prepare
  • Use the contact worksheet to build your list (25+) with parents' help
  • Scan QR code to create account
  • Add your picture and personalize your story
  • Enter contacts into BackStage
  • Practice the script so it feels natural
Grandparents Aunts & Uncles Family Friends Neighbors
Launch
  • Be present and engaged for the entire kickoff
  • Make phone calls—they work way better!
  • Use the script—it works!
  • Start with closest contacts first (they're easiest)
  • Compete with your team for incentives
  • Ask about company matching
  • Promote Monthly Subscriptions ($25/mo = $300 credit)

Phone Calls > Texts > Emails

Calls get way better results. Don't be shy!

Finish Strong
  • Check your BackStage dashboard
  • Follow up with non-responders
  • Send thank-you messages
  • Keep working toward weekly incentives
  • Help your teammates
  • Show up for the finale!

Ways to Win:

Contacts Entered Donations Received Total Raised Team Competitions Participation

You've Got This!

Build your list. Make your calls. Earn your incentives.

Tools to help you plan

Interactive tools and printable resources to set your campaign up for success.

Ready to run the process?

Free to start. No contracts. Setup takes five minutes.

Start your fundraiser