Darian Shimy
Published on Apr 16, 2022

How To Run a Move-a-Thon Fundraiser

Move-a-Thon fundraisers are great ways to be active together. See how a move-a-thon works in our fundraiser guide.
How To Run a Move-a-Thon Fundraiser
Table of Contents
Here, we'll show you the A-Z of Move-a-Thons, including planning, tracking donations, and ideas on how to organize and promote it.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Move-A-Thon

1

Choose a Date & Theme

  • 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.
Move-A-Thon Planning Infographic and Checklist
2

Call for Volunteers

  • 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).
Example Volunteer Positions for Move-A-Thons
3

Choose Student Incentives

  • 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.
4

Create Your Move-A-Thon's Campaign

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.
Sample Move-A-Thon Rules Template

Move-A-Thon Theme Ideas

Costumes
Neon
Holiday
Retro
Sports Teams

Move-A-Thon Templates & Resources

Planning Resources

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

Sample Move-A-Thon Rules

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

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

Sample Move-A-Thon Event Description

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].

Sample Move-A-Thon Email Scripts

Design Templates for Promoting Your Move-A-Thon

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!

Move-A-Thon Theme Ideas

Costumes
Neon
Holiday
Retro
Sports Teams
By Darian Shimy
Darian Shimy is the founder and CEO of FutureFund Technology, a fundraising and selling platform for K-12 school groups. He has 25+ years in web-based technologies, managing engineering teams, and building products.
The fundraising platform that works as hard as you
Trusted by schools everywhere