How to Run a Sing-a-Thon Fundraiser
The Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Sing-A-Thon
Choose a Date & Theme
- Choose the date of your Sing-A-Thon three months before the event. Sing-A-Thons usually take place on a single day, so choose a date that doesn't conflict with other school plans.
- Make sure your PTA coordinates with the school ahead of time to make sure the school auditorium is available, get insurance if necessary, and arrange custodial services.
Use these templates to keep your Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon will support.
- Perform background checks for any volunteers from outside the school who need to be present during the event (if required by your school).
- Event Coordinator: Manages overall event planning, coordination, and execution.
- Stage Manager: Oversees stage setup, sound checks, and performance schedule.
- Talent Coordinator: Manages participant registration, organizes the lineup, and coordinates rehearsals.
- Sound Engineers/Technicians: Manages audio equipment, ensures high-quality sound for performances, and assists performers with microphones and other audio needs.
- Lighting Technician: Manages stage lighting to enhance performances and create the desired atmosphere.
- Registration and Check-in Volunteers: Manage the check-in desk and assist participants and donors with registration and information.
- Audience Coordinators: Manages audience seating, ensures safety and comfort, and assists with crowd control.
- First Aid Volunteers: Provide basic first aid and handle any medical situations or emergencies.
- Photographer/Videographer: Captures photos and videos of the event for promotion and as keepsakes for participants.
- Cleanup Crew: Responsible for post-event cleanup, ensuring the venue is left tidy and all equipment is stored properly.
Choose Student Incentives
- Incentives motivate students to register for your Sing-A-Thon and collect pledges. Each student should have a specific fundraising goal—usually between $200–$400.
- It's better to offer incentives to the class or grade that raises the most money than to individual students, as this is a more cost-effective way to motivate groups and can also discourage unhealthy competition. Try an ice cream social or a pizza party for the best results.
Create Your Sing-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. These are fully customizable in FutureFund.
- A template students can use to collect pledges from members of the school community. FutureFund provides a sample template for this in all A-Thon campaigns.
Here’s a Canva template of sample Sing-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!
Announce the Event & Sign-Up Students
- Send out an announcement of your Sing-A-Thon to the school community two weeks before the event begins and request that students sign up to participate.
- Share the news in as many places as possible—use the school newsletter, morning announcements, and FutureFund's messaging system to tell everyone why the event is important and how they can be part of it.
- Use FutureFund to send follow-up messages every other day leading up to the event to encourage participation.
- The night before the event, send a final reminder to get the school community excited.
Subject: Dive into Fun at [School Name]'s Annual Sing-A-Thon!
Hello Students,
Get ready to showcase your vocal talents at our upcoming Sing-A-Thon! This event isn't just about singing; it's an opportunity to express yourself, support our school, and enjoy a day filled with music and joy.
Why join the Sing-A-Thon?
- Perform your favorite songs on stage.
- Help raise funds for [insert cause or school project].
- Win exciting prizes and gain recognition for your singing talents.
How to Sign Up:
Joining is simple and fun! Click on this link [insert FutureFund link], follow the easy registration steps, and start warming up your vocal cords. You'll also get a link to share with friends and family for pledges based on your performance.
Whether you're a budding singer or just love music, this event is for everyone. Let's make some beautiful melodies together!
You can also use this Canva template to keep a copy of your email script handy. Click "Use template for new design" to create an editable version, then add custom information for your event, change fonts and graphics, and more!
Subject: Your Support Strikes a Chord - [School Name] Sing-A-Thon Update!
Thank you for supporting our Sing-A-Thon! Your contributions are key to providing an unforgettable experience for our students and reaching our fundraising goals for [insert specific goal or cause].
Current Update:
- talented singers are ready to take the stage!
- We've reached [percentage] of our fundraising target.
It's not too late to support our performers through FutureFund at [insert link]. Your generosity is crucial to our success and is deeply appreciated by our entire school community.
You can also use this Canva template to keep a copy of your email script handy. Click "Use template for new design" to create an editable version, then add custom information for your event, change fonts and graphics, and more!
Subject: The Final Frame Awaits at the [School Name] Sing-A-Thon!
Hello [Name of School] Students & Families!
The curtain is about to rise! Our Sing-A-Thon is just a day away, and the excitement is palpable. Our students are ready to charm you with their voices and performances.
Here's what you need to know:
- Just one day left to gather your pledges! Don't forget to contribute via FutureFund at [insert link].
- Join us at [Location] on [Date]. The show starts at [Time], so come early to grab a good seat and cheer for our singers!
Your support and encouragement are vital to our students and help make a significant impact on our school community. Let’s sing our hearts out!
You can also use this Canva template to keep a copy of your email script handy. Click "Use template for new design" to create an editable version, then add custom information for your event, change fonts and graphics, and more!
Here are some Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Sing-A-Thon on social media and in your community! Click “Use template for new design” to create an editable version, then add custom information for your event, change fonts and graphics, and more!
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]'s Sing-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to sing!
Find Sponsors
Ask local businesses to sponsor the Sing-A-Thon. This can help your PTA reach your fundraising targets while business owners get exposure and positive PR.
Make sure to explain how each sponsor's contribution will be recognized. For example, you could:
- Hang a banner in the gym with sponsor logos during the event.
- Offer branded water bottles or other swag to participants.
- Add sponsors to your school's online store using FutureFund.
Here are some examples of sponsorships you can offer:
- Direct donations—either towards your fundraising goal or to help cover the costs of supplies.
- Corporate matching is where a business makes a donation equal to all or a portion of the funds you raise from the community.
- Selling sponsorships on FutureFund via advertising on your campaign page.
Host the Sing-A-Thon
Finally, the day of the event will arrive—and if you've followed all the steps above, you should have everything you need to make it successful. Here's a sample event schedule:
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Setup and Volunteer Arrival – Volunteers arrive and set up the stage, sound system, audience seating, and any additional stations.
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Participant Check-In and Sound Checks.
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Ceremony and Kickoff.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break.
- 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Continued Performances.
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Special Guest Performance.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Final Performances.
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Judges Deliberation and Audience Vote.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Awards Ceremony.
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Departure.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Cleanup.
- One Day After Event – Send a thank-you email to participants and donors.
- One Week After Event – Hold a celebration for the winning class or grade.
Sing-A-Thon 101
A Sing-A-Thon is a school-wide fundraiser where students raise money through pledges for their performances in a musical event. Students showcase their singing skills in front of peers, teachers, and families while collecting donations that go toward school projects or programs. It combines entertainment and community spirit with fundraising.
- It’s a creative way to raise funds for your school while encouraging students to express themselves.
- It builds confidence and teamwork among students.
- Families and friends can get involved through pledges and attendance.
- It fosters a sense of community and school spirit through music.
What Is an “A-Thon” & How Does It Work?
FutureFund simplifies the entire process:
- Students register online and get a personal pledge link.
- Donors can pledge per song or give a flat donation.
- Real-time progress tracking shows how close you are to your goal.
- Automated emails help manage communications and updates.
What Do You Need to Run a Sing-A-Thon?
Using a Sing-A-Thon for Fundraising
Templates, Ideas, Tools, & Resources
Use these templates to keep your Sing-A-Thon planning on track:
Let’s get singing! Starting [date], [school name] will be hosting a Sing-A-Thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by singing your heart out! Parents, each student will be collecting pledges online through FutureFund: [link].
Please spread the word to your family, friends, and coworkers to help make this fundraiser a success!
Use these Canva email script templates to call out for Sing-A-Thon participants, donations, and reminders. Click “Use template for new design” to edit and add your own details.
Use these Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Sing-A-Thon on social media and in your community!
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
- Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]'s Sing-A-Thon from [insert date range]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to sing!
Sing-A-Thon Theme Ideas
A holiday or Christmas concert is a classic theme, and it works great for Sing-A-Thons. Incorporate Christmas carols and songs for other holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
This historical theme allows you to incorporate songs from any era. You can even take guests through the decades with songs from the past to the present.
Take a trip around the world without leaving home. Choose songs from around the world and take guests on a musical journey.
This theme lets you have fun with your Sing-A-Thon fundraiser. Choose funny, goofy songs to entertain both your singers and your guests.
You can pick almost any music genre for your Sing-A-Thon — country, pop, hip hop, and more. Just make sure you can find clean versions of the songs you choose.