Why Some Schools Raise More Money Than Others 

Every year, more than 1000 K-12 schools host Fun Run fundraisers—and while every event brings smiles, fresh air, and school spirit, not every school raises the same amount of money. Some surpass their goals with ease, while others struggle to reach even a fraction of their targets.

At first glance, it might seem like demographics or socioeconomic differences are the main reason. And yes, those factors play a role. But after helping thousands of schools host successful Fun Run fundraisers at MyFunRun.com, we’ve seen a clear pattern emerge: the biggest determinant of success isn’t the wealth of the community—it’s the enthusiasm, coordination, and commitment of the school community itself.

The most successful schools treat the Fun Run not as an obligation, but as a celebration—a unifying event that brings together students, teachers, staff, and parents around a shared goal.

1. It Starts at the Top: Leadership Sets the Tone

When the principal and school leadership are visibly excited about the fundraiser, everyone else follows their lead.

The schools that consistently raise the most are those where the principal is fully engaged—from announcing the event in assemblies to participating in the run itself. When students see their principal getting involved—especially when they’re willing to be silly or take on a fun “challenge” if the school reaches its goal—it instantly boosts motivation.

Teachers and support staff are equally important. When they promote the event in classrooms, remind students to reach out for donations, and celebrate progress each day, it reinforces that the fundraiser matters to the whole school—not just the fundraising committee.

In short: leadership enthusiasm equals community enthusiasm.

2. The Kickoff Assembly: Setting the Stage for Success

Every successful campaign starts with energy. A kickoff assembly is the moment to set the tone, inspire excitement, and communicate the “why.”

At these assemblies, top-performing schools do more than simply announce the event—they make it memorable. There’s upbeat music, banners, and teachers getting involved. Most importantly, they clearly explain what the funds are for: maybe it’s new playground equipment, classroom technology, or sports uniforms. When students understand how their effort directly benefits them and their school, they feel a personal connection to the cause.

An effective kickoff isn’t about just launching a fundraiser—it’s about launching motivation.

3. Keep the Momentum Going: The Two-Week Campaign

After the excitement of the kickoff fades, the next challenge is maintaining momentum. The schools that raise the most understand that fundraising is a two-week journey, not a one-day event.

They keep the excitement alive by:
•    Giving daily or weekly updates on how close the school is to its goal
•    Announcing top classes or students during morning announcements
•    Sending fun reminder emails to parents
•    Displaying colorful progress charts in hallways or online
•    Encouraging friendly competitions between grades or classrooms

This constant engagement reminds students (and parents) that the Fun Run is ongoing—and that every donation makes a difference.

The reality is, people are busy. Without reminders, even well-meaning parents can forget to share the donation link. Consistent communication helps turn good intentions into real contributions.

4. Motivation Matters: Creative Rewards That Work

Prizes are powerful motivators—but they don’t always have to be expensive. The best schools mix traditional prizes with fun, non-monetary rewards that spark excitement and laughter.

Sure, small prizes like gift cards or school merchandise are appreciated—but what really drives participation are the creative experiences that make fundraising feel like a game. Here are a few fan favorites we’ve seen succeed time and time again:

•    Duct-taping the principal to a wall
•    Dunking teachers in a water tank
•    “Sleep-in” or pajama days for hitting milestones
•    School-wide dance parties
•    Pie-in-the-face challenges for staff
•    Lunch with the principal or a “teacher swap day”

These lighthearted incentives create buzz and keep students talking about the event long after it’s over. The key is to make rewards visible and communal, so everyone feels part of the celebration when goals are met.

5. Communication Is Key: Engaging Parents and the Community

The schools that raise the most money don’t just engage students—they engage everyone connected to the school.

Parents, grandparents, local businesses, and community members are all potential supporters. The most effective schools use multiple communication channels to reach them: emails, flyers, social media posts, and even personalized student pages (which MyFunRun.com provides). They make sharing donation links easy and emphasize that even small contributions add up.

The message should always come back to impact—what this fundraiser means for the kids, the classrooms, and the community.

6. Celebrate the Results (and the Effort)

Once the run is over, the most successful schools don’t simply count the money and move on—they celebrate.

They hold assemblies or fun gatherings to announce the total raised, recognize top fundraisers, and thank the entire community for participating. This reinforces the sense of pride and accomplishment—and it lays the foundation for next year’s success. When students see that their efforts truly made a difference, they’re even more eager to get involved again.

7. The MyFunRun Difference

At MyFunRun.com, we’ve powered thousands of Fun Run fundraisers and seen firsthand how leadership, communication, and creativity make all the difference. Our online platform is designed to make fundraising simple, transparent, and fun, with tools for student pages, real-time progress tracking, automated donation receipts, and reporting.

But the software is only half the story—the other half is your school’s spirit. When your principal, teachers, and students all rally behind the cause, amazing things happen.

Final Thoughts

A successful Fun Run isn’t about luck—it’s about leadership, energy, and engagement. Schools that treat their fundraiser like a true community celebration raise more money, have more fun, and build stronger connections along the way.

Whether your school is large or small, urban or rural, wealthy or modest, the same principle holds true: when everyone gets behind the run, everyone wins.

At MyFunRun.com, we’re proud to support schools that bring their communities together for something bigger than fundraising—fun, fitness, and shared purpose.