How To Run a Move-a-Thon Fundraiser

• Choose the date of your Move-A-Thon three months before the event. Move-A-Thons usually take place on a single day, so choose one that doesn’t conflict with other important events and plan for a time of year when people are unlikely to be away.
• Make sure your PTA coordinates with the school ahead of time to find a space (like the gym) that can host the event - and cover insurance and custodial needs.
• Choose a theme for your Move-A-Thon that gets students excited to participate - like superhero costumes, neon outfits, or holidays.

• Put out a call for volunteers two months before the event. Use FutureFund’s built-in messaging system to reach the parents and volunteers most likely to participate.
• Make sure your call for volunteers clearly states what cause or project the Move-A-Thon will support.
• Perform background checks for any volunteers who need to be on campus during the event (if required by your school).

• Incentives motivate students to register for your Move-A-Thon and collect pledges. Each student should have a specific fundraising goal—usually between $100-$300.
• It’s better to offer incentives to a whole class or group than to individual students, as this is a more cost-effective way to motivate students and can also discourage unhealthy competition. Try an ice cream social or a pizza party for the best results.

Use FutureFund to create a Pledge-A-Thon campaign and provide your campaign details.

Make sure your campaign has the following elements:

• A clear and compelling event description and rules, including what the money raised will go towards and what the incentives will be for participating students.
• A leaderboard that shows the grades and teachers for each participating class, along with how much each has raised.
• A template students can use to collect pledges from members of the school community.

Use these templates to keep your Move-A-Thon planning on track:

• Move-A-Thon Infographic
• Canva Running a Move-A-Thon Checklist

• Participant Registration:
  • All students wishing to participate must register by the announced deadline.
  • Parental consent is required for participants under a certain age.
• Safety & Conduct:
  • All activities should be conducted safely and respectfully.
  • Students must follow the instructions of event coordinators and volunteers.
• Pledge Collection:
  • Participants are encouraged to collect pledges based on their level of activity.
  • Pledges should be tracked through FutureFund.
• Appropriate Attire:
  • Participants should wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes.
• Activity Options:
  • Offer multiple activity types to accommodate all abilities.
• Hydration & Nutrition:
  • Provide water and healthy snacks; encourage breaks.
• Fair Play & Inclusiveness:
  • Emphasize participation and effort over competition.
• Emergency Procedures:
  • Keep first aid accessible and volunteers briefed.
• Fundraising Goals:
  • Encourage realistic goals and celebrate all contributions.
• Spectator & Parental Guidelines:
  • Encourage supportive and respectful behavior from spectators.
• Photography & Media:
  • Obtain permission before photos or videos are shared.

Or, here’s a Canva template for editable event rules:

• Canva Move-A-Thon Rules Template

Let’s get moving! From [date to date], [school name] will be hosting a Move-A-Thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by moving with us! Parents, each student will be collecting pledges online through FutureFund: [link].

• Canva Move-A-Thon Student Sign-up Email Template
• Canva Move-A-Thon Donor Email Template
• Canva Final Week Push Move-A-Thon Email Template

• Canva Move-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
• Canva Move-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
• Canva Move-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster

Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Move-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to move as much as you can!