Using Printed Materials to Maximize Fundraising Income for Schools

Making student service real to donors
Archbishop Murphy High School, a coeducational Catholic college-preparatory school in Everett, Wash., got creative by using its annual report to honor donors and raise money for the school. The report included photos of the students in the many services they contribute to the community, along with descriptive captions and a donation envelope in the report’s center.

“From international relief, to food and clothing drives, to working at retirement homes and summer camps, our students are actively giving back to the community,” says Patti Means, Archbishop Murphy High School’s director of communications. “While honoring donors in the report, we wanted to show them what their generosity is helping to make possible, both in the lives of our students and in the lives of those they touch.”

As a convenience to donors, Means wanted to place the school’s existing donation envelope in the report’s center, so those wanting to contribute to the following year’s activities could do so more easily.

Besides the annual report, the school also has used a similar tactic for a boys’ basketball team poster. The poster includes a large color team photo, the team’s schedule and advertisements from local businesses, which essentially cover the cost of the poster.

“With the down economy, schools need to fundraise more creatively so they can give their best to students and the community,” concludes Means.

Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, Calif.