
How To Run a Move-a-Thon Fundraiser

The Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Move-A-Thon
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.
Use these templates to keep your Move-A-Thon planning on track:
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).
- Event Coordinator: Oversees the entire event, coordinates with the school and other volunteers, and ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Movement Moderators: Volunteers who supervise students during the event to make sure they're playing by the rules and tracking their time accurately.
- Registration Volunteers: Assists with the sign-up process for participants, helps with check-in and check-out during the event, and distributes participation materials like bib numbers or t-shirts.
- Refreshment Coordinators: Organize water stations, snacks, and possibly post-event meals for participants and volunteers.
- Cheer Squad: Motivates participants during the event with cheers, music, and positive energy.
- Photographers/Videographers: Captures moments from the event for future promotion and as keepsakes for participants.
- Cleanup Crew: Responsible for post-event cleanup, ensuring the venue is left in good condition.
- Participant Check-in/Check-out Volunteers: Manages participant flow at the start and end of the event, ensuring everyone is accounted for.
- Party Planners: Helps plan and host incentive events for students (like pizza parties or ice cream socials) after the event.
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.
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.
Here's a Canva template of sample Move-A-Thon rules. Click “Use template for new design” to create an editable version, then add custom information for your event, change fonts and graphics, and more!
Move-A-Thon Theme Ideas
Every student has a favorite TV show or movie. Encourage them to dress up as their favorite superhero, princess, or another character.
Really make your fundraiser stand out with neon outfits. It's fun and easy for everyone to participate and makes for fantastic photos.
You can do a Move-A-Thon at any time of year and match it with upcoming holidays.
Whether you're going for 80s hair or a 70s tracksuit, there are tons of ways to bring retro fun to your Move-A-Thon.
Inspire everyone to get moving by dressing up as their favorite athlete or sports team jerseys.
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
- 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!
Move-A-Thon Theme Ideas
Every student has a favorite character—dress up and make it fun!
Bright colors make your fundraiser stand out in photos.
Match your Move-A-Thon to upcoming holidays for easy theming.
Encourage 70s or 80s costumes for a nostalgic twist.
Represent your favorite teams and promote teamwork.