Recently, many private schools have seen a decrease in attendance numbers and that is causing a financial crunch in their budget. In investigating the cause of the decline, schools are finding that the main source of the problem is that the withdrawing family’s budget cannot support a private education any longer. Some schools have tried to offer a solution by creating a financial aid program. But how can your private school afford a financial aid program when its attendance, and therefore its revenues, are already down?
One way to fund this program is to have an ideas for silent auction annual charity auction that includes a live and silent auction. A benefit auction is an effective and fun way to raise money for the school. It can even prevent some students from having to withdraw due to financial hardships. All of the proceeds of the fundraising event will go to fund the financial aid program!
The fundraising auction should include a silent auction, a live auction, and an “emotional appeal” or “cash call”. When doing the emotional appeal, take time to talk about the good things that are happening in the school. You could even have a story about some of the recipients of last year’s financial aid. Remind the guests of the reasons they are sending their children to the private school and how blessed they are to have the ability to do so. Many families whose children attend private school have the means to assist other children, especially their children’s classmates, who may need their help.
The current economic times are affecting every sector of business. It would be heartbreaking to lose families at your school, whose heartfelt desire is to keep their children there.