How do I run a readathon?
How do I get started?
Read-a-thons are simple to start. You just go to our contact page and fill our the form. The sign up process is easy to follow.
How long does a readathon last?
Our Read-a-thons require 10 business days. However successful groups allow 2 weeks before the kickoff to take advantage of all of the promotional tools so their studnets can attract as many sponsors as possible.
Do we need to have computers?
Our program is an online fundraising tool. But don’t let that scare you. Any device with internet access can be used. Our entire site is extremely mobile friendly. The fact of the matter is that more than 90% of the people in the United States have internet access either by using a computer at home or work, via a mobile phone or by using a tablet or other device.
When should I hold a readathon?
The great thing about our program is that you can hold an event any time of the year. Since we suggest you hold reading sessions during class time the best time to hold your readathon is when you are able to schedule those 10 reading sessions.
How do we raise money?
You raise money from sponsors who support your reading efforts. Sponsors are people like friends and family who care about your education. You get the most sponsors by using our free tools that include tutorials, email campaigns, Facebook, and other social media.
What books do our readers use?
The great thing about our program is that you can choose the books your readers will read or they can read their own choices. The important thing is the reading time not the reading materials.
How much money can we raise?
There is really no limit to how much you can raise. But let’s use as an example a 1,000 student elementary school. If each student participates and gets 3 people to donate the historic average donation of $29.80 then the school would raise $89,400.
Is there a limit to the number of readers we have?
Pledge-Drive was set up to accommodate the needs of an entire school so there is no limit to the number of students who can participate in your fundraiser.
Can I upload my reader list?
You can enter your readers individually or you can upload them all at one time using an Excel spreadsheet and our new upload tool. Just follow our simple instructions..
What Do I Need to Know About Sponsors?
How do we find sponsors?
We offer all the tools you need to recruit sponsors including social media tools, email campaigns and print materials. Students and Parents share their page and use our easy buttons. Potential sponsors include parents, grand parents, aunts & uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and more. Unlike most fundraisers our program allows you to recruit sponsors anywhere in the world.
Do sponsors need to pay online?
Our system requires that sponsors pay online using a credit or debit card, or PayPal so that we can track donations. That’s necessary for all of our reporting tools to work accurately and for us to be able to offer prizes and incentives for your readers to get as many sponsors as possible. Cash and check envelopes can be provided for a small printing fee.
Most parents, group leaders and principals prefer our online donation system so that children are not collecting nor handling money.
Is there a minimum donation?
Unfortuately there is a $10 minimum for online donations. We are forced to have a minimum so that we can maintain high profit percentages for our groups. Online donations, especially small ones, can be costly. Processors charge around $.30 per transaction and up to 5% depending on the type of credit card. That means fees alone would run 11% of a $5 donation.
Are there tips for holding a great readathon?
Should we offer prizes for our readers?
We believe readers need to have the incentive to read so we offer awesome pledge wristbands. Bands are given to the students daily. Most successful programs assign a special event to each wristband to keep things exciting!
Offer in-school reading time
The great things about read-a-thons are that they are relevant for schools. It makes so much sense to offer daily reading time for your students. The best schools schedule all 10 reading sessions during class time so everyone participates.
Fun kick off meeting
We currently provide a fun Kick Off Video to play or LIVE presentation for your students on the first day of your campaign.
Utilize all promotional tools
Make sure your readers utilize all of the tools available to them to gather the largest number of sponsors. The tools include email campaigns, facebook, and other social media.
Check reporting functions regularly
In your admin dashboard you will be able to see any students/classrooms that are not fully participating. You should identify those people and do your best to get them started. The higher your participation rate the better your results will be.
Why Use Pledge-Drive.net for your read-a-thon?
Why should we use your program?
We have developed a tried and proven fundraising program to insure your group raises the most money possible. We essentially manage your fundraiser for you. Here are some of the benefits:
- We provide all of the print materials you need to promote your read-a-thon
- We provide promotional video tools to motivate your students and teachers
- We provide a highly motivating prize program
- We provide the best resources for reaching out to and communicating with sponsors
- We collect all payments through our secure online payment system
- We provide a daily to do list to make sure you and your students stay on task
- We provide complete record keeping for every person associated with your event
- We incorporate social media and email campaign tools
How Much Does it Cost to Use Pledge-Drive.net?
There is no upfront cost to start a donation-based fundraiser.
We take a small portion of each donation you receive. The school or group gets 70% of each donation. 20% is spent on students and teacher rewards. We take 7% and 3% goes to cover credit card transactions.