One of the most important things about a fundraising campaign is to have a goal. Goals can inspire action, help us meet deadlines and of course be more successful. When your school group reaches its goal be sure to plan something special to celebrate. Your group has worked hard and everyone who participated, teachers, students, parents and community members should be thanked and appriciated for their efforts.

A school in Hancock, Maryland celebrated the end of their drive by completing the thermometer type goal poster they’d created. In fact they asked a business who contributed the final $500 donation to help:

To celebrate the end of the drive, Robison asked bank CEO/President Jeff Shank and Hancock Community Office branch manager Angie Hager to paint in the remaining funds space on the Panther Playground Fund slide in front of the school.

This made for a great photo op and publicity for both the school and the bank!  This would be a great idea for any school or other group who’s recently finished a fundraiser.

Go ahead and plan your goal celebration during the process of your fundraising planning.  Expect the best… expect your group to succeed, rather than saying “if we meet our goal.”

Here’s another idea…  how about when you first put up your goal placard to ask a local business to be the first to make a donation? Then  you can have a photo and story for the local newspaper to help kickoff your fundraising drive.   Then perhaps at your celebration you can recognize others who contributed.