When you’re hosting a school fundraiser, no matter if it’s a product, service, or group event, it’s important to keep it simple.

Here are five easy steps guaranteed to keep your fundraiser simple and successful:

1) Plan in Advance: The earlier you start planning your school fundraiser, the better. Start the planning at the end of the year before or during the summer. Planning early allows you to host your fundraiser earlier in the year, which has been proven to raise more money than waiting later in the year.

2) Promote the Fundraiser:  Promote, promote, promote! Advertise around the school and community with flyers, posters and bulletin boards. Reach out to the community around as well as parents. Get teachers, administration and the principal involved. The more people know about the fundraiser, the more participants you will have.

3) Use Every Resource: Try using technology to market and get the word out about your school fundraiser. Write short, simple emails to parents, an informative blog entry or just a twitter update about the fundraiser to gain the support of not only parents, but the community as well. There are several ways technology can help take fundraising efforts over the top!

4) Use Reminders Throughout the Sale: Remember to keep everyone informed throughout the entire fundraiser. Send home reminders about deadlines, and remind students and parents when there are only a few days left to sell. Reminders can help get more participation for your fundraiser.

5) Have Fun: Keep it light and have fun! Have silly contests with fun rewards for participants. Making people happy and having a good time while fundraising will make everyone want to do it again! Have fun with it, and you will be successful!