Maximize Your Fundraising: 14 Ways to Support Your Music Program

1. Partner with Community Businesses for Event Sponsorships

Local businesses are often eager to support school programs, and event sponsorships offer a win-win opportunity. Businesses get valuable exposure while your program secures much-needed funds.

Sponsorships can take many forms, such as:

Banners & Signage – Display sponsor logos on event banners, gym walls, or performance backdrops.

Program Ads – Sell ad space in concert programs, playbills, or event flyers.

Trophy & Award Sponsorships – Allow businesses to sponsor specific awards at competitions.

Shout-Outs & Social Media Features – Recognize sponsors in announcements, newsletters, or on social media.

For example, a local bakery might sponsor your spring concert, gaining visibility in front of hundreds of families while helping cover event costs. With myblueboard, tracking their sponsorship and providing receipts is seamless!

The Benefits

Sponsorships create lasting relationships between local businesses and your school community. They offer long-term value since businesses appreciate the visibility and goodwill that come with supporting local programs.

Common Challenge

A common roadblock is streamlining the sponsorship process—many organizations struggle with collecting sponsor details, organizing payments, and keeping track of different sponsorship levels.

How myblueboard can help

Collect Info at Checkout – Add data fields to your online shop checkout so sponsors can enter details like business name, logo/photo uploads, and special requests before completing their payment.

Tiered Sponsorship Packages – Offer multiple sponsorship levels (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze) at different price points, all clearly laid out in your mybb shop.

Automated Payment & Tracking – Keep all sponsorship payments in one place with detailed reporting and automatic emailed receipts.

By making it easy for businesses to support your program, you increase the likelihood of long-term partnerships and repeat sponsors for future events!

2. Celebrate Your Students with Parent Shout-Outs

Give parents, family members, and friends a special way to recognize their students with a heartfelt shout-out!

Shout-Out Ideas
Program Ads – Parents can purchase space in concert or recital programs to include a message and photo.

Digital Slideshow Features – Showcase messages on a rotating screen before events.

Social Media or Website Recognition – Share shout-outs on your program’s social media or website.

Event Announcements  – Offer a limited number of live shout-outs during intermissions or game breaks.

Why This Works

Parent shout-outs are a fun and meaningful way for families to celebrate their students while supporting your program. These personalized messages create a sense of community and involvement, while also giving students a special moment to shine.

Common Challenge

Managing shout-outs can be tricky—collecting payments, gathering messages and images, and ensuring everything is submitted on time can quickly become overwhelming.

How myblueboard Can Help

Multiple Package Options  – Offer different pricing tiers (e.g., small text-only messages vs. full-page ads with images).

Automated Payment & Confirmation  – Parents can complete their purchase online and receive a confirmation email, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication.

Easier Organization – Keep all orders and submissions in one place, making it simple to compile shout-outs for your program or event.

By simplifying the process, more families will participate, leading to a more meaningful experience for students and a successful fundraiser for your program!

3. Sell Custom Spirit Wear & Event Merchandise

Why It Works
Custom merchandise is an easy way to raise funds while strengthening community pride. Students, parents, and supporters love repping their program with branded apparel, accessories, and keepsakes. Popular items like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, water bottles, and stickers make great year-round fundraisers.

Common Challenge
Managing merchandise sales can be tricky, especially with multiple sizes, colors, and styles. While pre-orders help reduce upfront costs, manually tracking orders can quickly become overwhelming.

How myblueboard Can Help
With myblueboard, you can simplify the entire process by setting up an online shop that makes ordering easy and efficient.

• Offer pre-orders or sell in-stock items
• Customize your shop with different product variants (sizes, colors, designs)
• Accept online and in-person payments seamlessly
• Track inventory
• Generate automatic receipts and order confirmations instantly
• Set up limited-time sales or exclusive event merchandise drops

Whether you're selling items for a big concert, a competition, or a general fundraiser, myblueboard gives you the tools to streamline sales and maximize your fundraising success.

4. Sell Custom Calendars

Create and sell custom calendars featuring your program’s events, student achievements, or themed designs that showcase your group. These calendars are not only practical for families and supporters but also serve as a year-round reminder of your program’s impact.

Calendar Ideas

Events & Performances – Highlight concerts, competitions, and important dates.

Student Spotlights – Feature student photos and achievements each month.

Custom Artwork – Showcase student-created artwork or photography.

Themed Designs –  Celebrate school spirit, historical music figures, or fun group traditions.

Why This Works

Calendars are an easy sell because they’re both useful and sentimental. Parents, relatives, and community members appreciate a functional product that also celebrates your program. Plus, they keep your group top-of-mind all year long while providing a steady fundraising stream.

Common Challenge

Managing pre-orders, tracking payments, and ensuring accurate delivery can be time-consuming, especially with bulk orders.

How myblueboard Can Help

• Collect Info at Check Out– Collect requests or special messages directly through your shop.
• Tiered Pricing Options – Offer discounts for bulk purchases or premium versions with extra customization.
• Automated Receipts & Notifications  – Keep buyers informed with automatic confirmations and delivery updates via email or mobile notifications.

By simplifying the ordering and payment process, myblueboard allows you to focus on designing an amazing calendar and promoting it—without getting bogged down in administrative tasks!

8. Host a Themed Music Night or Concert in the Park

A live performance is always a great way to bring people together, but adding a theme can make it even more special! Whether it’s a "Jazz Under the Stars" night, a throwback concert, or a Broadway-themed performance, creating a unique atmosphere will draw a larger crowd.

Make it extra memorable by inviting alumni or guest musicians and incorporating extra fundraising elements like raffles, donation drives, or exclusive event merchandise.

Why This Works

• Engages the Community – Local music lovers will be excited to attend a one-of-a-kind event.
• Multiple Revenue Streams – Sell tickets, offer concessions, and run raffles or silent auctions.
• Builds Program Visibility – Showcasing student talent attracts more support and future participants.

Common Challenge

Managing ticket sales, sponsorships, and event logistics in one streamlined place can be overwhelming. Many programs struggle with tracking pre-sale tickets, handling at-the-door payments, managing merchandise sales, and organizing sponsors—all while ensuring a smooth event experience.

How myblueboard Can Help

Streamlined Ticketing – Sell tickets in advance through your online shop, making check-in a breeze.

Sponsorship Packages – Allow local businesses to sponsor parts of the event (e.g., “This concert is sponsored by XYZ Music Store!”).

VIP & Add-Ons – Offer reserved seating, concessions, and merchandise as separate shop items so attendees can purchase everything in one place.
Real-Time Tracking – Manage sales and attendance from your dashboard to keep everything organized.

9. Host a School Festival or Fair

A school festival or fair is a fantastic way to bring students, families, and local businesses together for a day of fun, entertainment, and fundraising. With carnival games, food vendors, live performances, and interactive booths, this event offers multiple opportunities to generate revenue while fostering school spirit.

Ways to Raise Funds

• Admission Tickets - Charge an entry fee or sell ticket bundles for games and attractions.
• Concessions - Offer food, drinks, and treats to maximize profits.
• Games & Activities - Charge per game, sell unlimited wristbands, or host premium attractions.
• Live Performances - Sell tickets or accept donations for school band, choir, orchestra, or drama performances.
• Vendor Booths - Rent booth space to local businesses or artisans.
• Raffles & Auctions - Host prize raffles or a silent auction for additional fundraising.
• Merchandise Sales - Sell custom spirit wear, event t-shirts, and school-branded items.

Why It Works

• Appeals to all ages, ensuring strong attendance.
• Generates revenue from multiple streams (tickets, concessions, raffles, sponsorships, and more).
• Strengthens community involvement by engaging students, parents, and local businesses.
• Can become a beloved annual tradition that grows over time.

How myblueboard Can Help

Event Ticketing - Sell admission and activity tickets online for a smoother check-in process.

Custom Forms - Make volunteer sign-ups fast and easy.

Digital Payments - Accept online payments in advance and track in-person sales seamlessly.

Promotion & Communication - Send announcements, reminders, and updates via email and instant mobile alerts.

Sales & Revenue Tracking - Monitor ticket sales, food purchases, and fundraising totals in real time.

Sponsorship Management - Offer tiered sponsorship packages with built-in registration and payment options.

With the right tools, planning a school festival or fair becomes stress-free, allowing you to focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your community!

10. Candy for a Cause: A Fun & Easy Fundraiser

Student-led candy sales are a simple yet effective way to raise funds. They allow students to actively participate in fundraising while offering an affordable, high-demand product. Whether selling door-to-door, at school events, or online, candy sales are easy to manage and can generate significant profits with minimal upfront costs.

Common Challenge

Tracking inventory, collecting payments, and organizing orders can quickly become overwhelming—especially with high sales volume. Managing distribution, applying student credits, and keeping accurate records can also be challenging when tracking individual earnings.

myblueboard's all-in-one platform simplifies candy sales by helping you

• Set up an online shop with clear product listings and pricing.
• Let buyers specify the student they’re supporting for easy individual sales tracking.
• Track inventory in real time to prevent overselling popular items.
• Accept digital payments for a hassle-free purchasing experience.
• Generate sales reports to monitor fundraising progress.
• Organize orders for smooth distribution and pickup.
• Apply student credits effortlessly by tracking and allocating earnings per student.

With the right tools, your candy sale can run smoothly, reduce manual work, and maximize fundraising success—so you can focus on achieving your goals!

11. Local Business Discount Card Program

Partnering with local businesses to offer a discount card program is a win-win for your community and your fundraiser. Supporters receive exclusive deals at participating businesses, while your program generates high-return revenue with minimal upfront costs. Whether you sell the cards at events, online, or through school programs, it’s a practical and appealing way to raise funds.

Why This Works

• Mutual Support - Boosts local businesses while benefiting your program.
• High Demand - People love saving money at their favorite local spots.
• Low-Cost, High-Return - Minimal production costs with strong profit potential.
• Flexible Sales Channels - Sell online, at events, or through student-driven efforts.

Common Challenge

Coordinating with business partners, tracking card sales, collecting payments, and ensuring accurate record-keeping can be overwhelming—especially with multiple participants. Distributing cards efficiently to buyers also presents a logistical hurdle.

How myblueboard Can Help

Track Individual Sales -  Monitor sales by student to incentivize participation and distribute student credits.
Simplify Sales Channels - Sell cards through your online shop and record in-person cash/check payments.
Generate Real-Time Reports - Stay updated on sales progress and revenue at a glance.

Streamline Card Distribution - Organize buyer information for easy delivery and pickup.

By using the right tools, you’ll stay organized, streamline the entire process, and ensure your discount card fundraiser is a smooth and successful experience for everyone involved!

12. Host a Themed Fun Run or Walkathon

Themed fun runs and walkathons are an exciting and active way to raise funds while fostering community spirit. Whether it’s a 5K, an obstacle course, or a color run, these events attract participants of all ages and abilities, promoting health, wellness, and fun. Adding a unique theme encourages creativity, costumes, and higher participation—bringing friends, families, and supporters together for a memorable experience.

Why This Works

• Sponsorship Opportunities - Partner with local businesses to sponsor water stations, prizes, or race medals—providing them valuable exposure while raising extra funds.
• Personal Fundraising - Students can collect donations from friends, family, and colleagues.
• Merchandise Sales - Offer event-themed swag like t-shirts, hats, or water bottles to boost revenue.
• Raffles & On-Site Challenges - Increase engagement with raffles or mini-competitions for exciting prizes.

Common Challenge

Coordinating registration, participant tracking, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts can quickly become overwhelming. Race day logistics—from timing to merchandise distribution—also require careful management to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

How We Can Help

Seamless Registration - Set up online sign-ups and easily track participant information.
Digital & In-Person Payments - Collect entry fees, donations, and merchandise payments with ease.
Event Communication - Send email and instant mobile alerts to keep participants informed about event details, deadlines, and race-day instructions.
Manage Merchandise Sales -  Offer event swag through your online shop and track inventory effortlessly.
Real-Time Tracking - Monitor sponsorships, donations, and fundraising progress directly from your dashboard.

With the right tools, you can stay organized from start to finish, maximize fundraising efforts, and deliver a seamless, enjoyable event for your entire community.

13. Seasonal Plant & Flower Sales

Seasonal plant and flower sales are a fantastic way to raise funds while offering supporters something they genuinely want. Whether it’s poinsettias or wreaths for the holidays, spring flowers, or fall mums, these sales appeal to individuals, families, and businesses looking to beautify their homes or offices. With the right timing and product variety, plant sales can generate significant revenue and attract repeat customers year after year.

Why This Works

Pre-Sales & Bulk Orders - Allow supporters to pre-order, ensuring you only purchase what you need while maximizing profit. Offer bulk discounts to attract businesses or groups.

Direct Sales - Set up a booth at community events, farmers’ markets, or school functions to boost in-person sales.
Online Orders -  Make shopping easy with an online shop where supporters can browse options, place orders, and pay seamlessly.
Sponsorship Opportunities - Partner with local garden centers or nurseries to secure discounted plants in exchange for sponsorship recognition.
Delivery & Add-Ons - Increase sales by offering delivery services or complementary products like pots, soil, or gardening kits.

Common Challenge

Coordinating inventory management, tracking orders, collecting payments, and ensuring timely deliveries—especially during peak seasons—can be overwhelming. Keeping student or volunteer sellers organized and maintaining accurate records adds another layer of complexity.

How myblueboard Can Help

• Seamless Online Sales - Sell plants through your online shop with user-friendly product listings.
• Real-Time Inventory Tracking - Avoid overstocking or shortages.
• Send Reminders - Send pickup and delivery notifications via email or instant mobile alerts.
• Sponsorship Management - Offer sponsorship packages and track donations.

With the right tools, you can keep sales organized, improve efficiency, and maximize fundraising potential—ensuring your seasonal plant and flower sale is a blooming success!

14. Host a Trivia Night

A trivia night is a fun, interactive way to bring people together while raising funds for your program. Whether in-person or virtual, trivia events create friendly competition, high engagement, and a lively atmosphere, making them a great choice for fundraisers. With the right format, teams or individuals can compete for prizes, while your program generates revenue through entry fees, sponsorships, and donations.

Why This Works

• Entry Fees - Charge participants or teams an entry fee.
• Sponsorships - Partner with local businesses to sponsor trivia rounds, prizes, or questions in exchange for exposure.
• Raffles & Side Contests - Sell raffle tickets or run bonus challenges to increase participation and fundraising.
• Donations - Encourage attendees to contribute during the event, or set up donation-matching opportunities for a greater impact.

Common Challenge

Managing participant registration, sponsorships, raffles, and prize distribution—while also ensuring smooth event flow—can quickly become overwhelming. Coordinating payments and tracking donations adds another layer of complexity.

How We Can Help

• Cashless Payments - Collect entry fees, raffle sales, and donations seamlessly online.
• Send Notifications and Reminders - Keep volunteers informed with event details and updates via email or instant mobile alerts.
• Donation Tracking - Accept and manage donations with built-in reporting tools.

With the right tools, you can focus on delivering a fun and engaging trivia night while maximizing your fundraising success!

Why Fundraise with myblueboard?

Low Fees –  We only charge a 1% fee on top of credit card processing, so more of your funds stay where they belong—in your program.
All-in-One Shop –  Sell tickets, merchandise, sponsorships, and more in one seamless online storefront.
Dedicated Support – Whether you need setup assistance or troubleshooting, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ease of Use – Set up and manage your fundraisers in minutes with an intuitive platform designed for busy directors and boosters.
Instant Notifications – Keep students and parents informed with instant mobile alerts and emails.
Real-Time Reporting – Track sales, payments, and donations at a glance to stay organized and transparent.

Make Fundraising Easier & More Profitable

A successful fundraiser depends on organization, communication, and the right tools. With myblueboard, you can simplify every step—from tracking sales and collecting payments to managing volunteers and keeping your community engaged.

Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? 

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Let’s make your next fundraiser the most successful one yet!