When it comes to fundraising, having a clear and inspiring goal can make all the difference. Whether you are planning to upgrade the playground, add shaded seating, or install a hydration station, communities are far more likely to support a fundraiser when they know exactly what they are contributing to.

Our friends at the Fundraising Directory have shared their expert tips on how to choose the right fundraising goal and turn even the smallest event into something truly impactful.

Why fundraising goals matter for schools

When most schools or clubs think about fundraising, the first question is usually “What should we do?”. A more powerful place to start is “Why are we doing it?”.

Your events will work harder for you when they are aligned with a meaningful, visible goal. A clear purpose can turn a sausage sizzle into something much greater.

Step 1: Think big but stay realistic

Your goal should be:

• Tangible: Something people can see, like a water fountain or shade structure.
• Meaningful: It should improve the experience for students or community members.
• Visible: When people can see their money in action, they are more likely to give again.

Example: One Queensland school raised funds for a hydration station to replace old bubblers. They displayed a poster of the station with a fundraising thermometer and updated it weekly. When the goal was reached, it became a celebration for the whole school and a reminder of what they could achieve together.

Step 2: Involve your school community

The best goals reflect shared priorities. Run a simple survey with families and staff asking:

• What would you most like to see the funds used for?
• What do you think the school needs right now?
• Would you support fundraising if the goal was ______?

You will be surprised by the engagement that comes from asking. The Fundraising Directory Toolbox contains a free survey template you can adapt to your needs.

Step 3: Plan fundraising events around your goal

Once your goal is set, map out your fundraising events in a strategic way. This might mean:

• Choosing one major annual event (like a fete) themed around the goal.
• Adding smaller supporting events (such as a drink bottle fundraiser for a hydration station).
• Approaching local businesses for sponsorship or matched donations tied to your project.

Read more about how to plan a fundraising calendar.

Real-world school fundraising projects that work

Here are some practical goals that work well for schools:

• Outdoor learning spaces or shade sails. A good fit for grants and sponsorships.
• Sporting or music equipment. Effective when student performance is visible to the community.
• Hydration stations. Encourage students to drink more water and reduce single-use plastic.
• Inclusive playgrounds. A feel-good goal that everyone can support.

Large projects can be broken into phases and used for longer-term campaigns.

Step 4: Keep your fundraising goal visible

Promote your purpose everywhere. In newsletters. On posters. At events. On the school website.

When people know what they are contributing to, and can see progress, they become part of the story rather than just a source of funds.

Final thoughts: Turning effort into lasting outcome

Your community does not just want to donate. They want to make a difference. By choosing a goal that is visible, valuable and meaningful, your fundraising will feel less like a chore and more like a shared achievement.

Civiq works with schools to turn community effort into durable, low-maintenance outcomes.

This article is brought to you by the Fundraising Directory, which publishes fundraising ideas, how-to articles, a comprehensive supplier directory, current grant opportunities, and a toolbox full of editable templates so Australian volunteers don’t have to reinvent the wheel.