Learn the basics of back to school events in this guide.

Back to School Events – Nonprofit Catalog

As summer draws to a close and the curtains open on the school year, both students and staff are eager to reconnect with one another. Hosting a back to school event creates an ideal opportunity to gather everyone together and raise school funds to support another productive year.

Back to school events can come in many forms, so there is plenty of flexibility to choose the most suitable event for your goals and budget. When it comes to planning one, prioritize offering an enjoyable experience for attendees and maximizing fundraising efforts for your school.

What are back to school events?

Back to school events are social functions usually held at the beginning of a school year to celebrate students’ return from the summer break. These can be tailored to the student population, exclusive to school staff, or even open to the local community. To have everything ready by the time students start their classes, back to school events require prior planning and preparation.

There is a wide range of exciting events suitable for schools of all sizes and students of all ages. By taking the time to align your planning committee on your objectives and budget, you can narrow down the list to find a back to school fundraiser idea that works for your school.

How do I organize a back to school event?

Since back to school events tend to be larger scale and involve attendees from diverse backgrounds and interests, it’s important to think ahead to ensure you plan an engaging and successful event. By agreeing on a concrete plan, you can kick off the new school year on a positive and productive note.

Use these following steps as a guide for hosting a successful back to school event:

This image lists the steps for organizing a back to school event discussed in the content below.
  1. Establish a planning committee. There is an abundance of fundraising event ideas to wrap up the summer break and usher in the school year. To efficiently sift through these, it’s crucial to establish a planning committee dedicated to managing the event from start to finish. Gather feedback from school board members and staff to determine what options work best for your school.
  2. Set event goals and priorities. Your committee should gather and review your school’s fundraising objectives. This information will be helpful in deciding which type of event to host. You should also keep these priorities in mind as you move forward with arrangements and planning.
  3. Determine your resources. As you get a more solid idea of the location and type of event you’re arranging, start thinking about potential associated costs. How much time and resources can your school devote to a successful back to school event? Set a budget and use it to stay on track as you move toward your goals.
  4. Spread the word. A significant step in preparing for any event involves making sure that people know about it. The more people you reach, the greater your attendance rate will be. Use methods such as email communications, flyers, and social media to get students, staff, parents, and community members excited about the upcoming function. This is also an opportune time to seek out any volunteers to help out on event day.
  5. Host your event. Once everything is planned and ready to go, it’s time to host your event. Be sure to use this occasion to cultivate school spirit, connect with parents, and encourage attendees to support your school.

Hosting a successful back to school event can be beneficial for both your school and event attendees alike. All it takes is some thoughtful planning to get started.

What are popular event fundraising ideas?

With so many possibilities, it can get a little time-consuming to look into all the event ideas your school could consider. Learning more about popular back to school fundraising events can provide a helpful jumping-off point.

Offer students and parents some fun and enjoyable ways to show their school spirit with these following ideas:

  • Raffles
  • Book Fairs and Readathons
  • Movie Night
  • Game Night
  • Trivia Night
  • School Carnival
  • Fun Run or Walkathon

You can even incentivize attendance and participation from invited guests by organizing games and prizes at your event.

A memorable back to school event can provide an added boost of enthusiasm for students as they begin their fall semester. Ensure a positive and productive start to the school year for both your school and your students with one of these engaging ideas.

Additional Resources

Nonprofit Catalog – Read up on more nonprofit essentials by exploring our Nonprofit Catalog.

Why is Read Across America Important? – Read Across America Week is another ideal time for raising money for students’ education and encouraging them to learn. This article will help you get started with hosting a Read-a-Thon.

Nonprofit Event Planning – Thoughtful planning is essential for providing a solid foundation for any event. Learn more about effective event planning in this guide.