What it is
School fundraising for a college or scholarship fund means raising money that helps students pay for their education. Gifts may be directed to tuition assistance, named scholarships, emergency aid, or a general fund that supports students with financial need.
Unlike a classroom bake sale, college and scholarship fundraising often involves longer relationships. Supporters may be alumni, community members, local businesses, foundations, or families who care about access to education.
Because every institution and fund is different, there is no single right way to do it. Your mission, your donors, your staff capacity and your rules all shape what makes sense.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Colleges and scholarship funds have commonly relied on a mix of approaches. These often include annual giving campaigns, alumni outreach, events such as dinners or auctions, and personal conversations with larger supporters.
Many also pursue grants from foundations, corporations or government programs, and some build endowed scholarships that are designed to support students over time. Others use online giving pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, or giving days to reach more people.
Each approach has trade-offs in time, cost and donor relationships. Raffles and similar activities are regulated differently from state to state, and sometimes by city or county, so they require extra care.
How the right fundraising expert may help
The right fundraising expert may help you sort through these options and focus on what fits your situation. Education fundraising consultants may help with planning and campaign structure. Alumni giving specialists may help you reconnect with graduates, and grant professionals may help you find and apply for funding.
A first conversation is generally about listening. A provider may ask about your mission, who your scholarships serve, your current donors, your team and your timeline. They may then share ideas and explain how they typically work, though nothing is promised and results can never be guaranteed.
Useful questions to ask include: What experience do you have with colleges or scholarship funds like mine? How do you handle fees and agreements? How will we communicate and measure progress? How do you help us follow our institution's policies and any state and local rules?
The bigger picture
Raising money for students can be meaningful, and it can also be stressful. Worrying about whether a fund will meet student needs may affect your energy and peace of mind. Taking time to plan, share the work and set realistic expectations can help the process feel more sustainable.
Think about the whole picture, including your team's wellbeing, your institution's finances and the donors who trust you. No approach is wrong, and many people combine several. If the work is weighing on you, Providers.plus may be one resource for finding support.
Keep in mind
- Check with your school, college or governing board before planning a fundraiser, since fundraising policies and approval processes vary and change over time.
- Raffles, gaming and charitable gambling laws vary significantly by state and sometimes by city or county, and often require a permit, so check current state and local rules first.
- Whether a gift is tax-deductible depends on whether it goes to a qualified tax-exempt organization and on current IRS rules. Confirm with a tax professional before telling donors anything.
- This page is educational only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. No fundraising expert, company or method can guarantee results.
Fundraising experts who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What are good school fundraising ideas for scholarship funds?
Common ideas include annual giving appeals, alumni campaigns, giving days, events, online peer-to-peer fundraising and grant applications. The best fit depends on your donors, your capacity and your institution's rules. A fundraising expert may help you choose and plan.
How does school fundraising for tuition assistance work?
School fundraising for tuition assistance gathers gifts from supporters and directs them to help students afford tuition. Funds may go into a scholarship, an aid pool or an endowment, depending on how the fund is set up. Your institution's policies and legal structure guide how gifts are managed.
Can a fundraising expert help my scholarship fund?
Yes, the right expert may help with strategy, donor outreach, alumni engagement or grant writing. What they can do depends on your needs and their experience. No expert can promise a specific outcome.
Do I need approval before starting a fundraiser at a college?
Usually you should check first. Policies and approval steps vary by school and district and can change over time. Contact your school, college office or governing body before you plan anything.
Are raffles allowed for scholarship fundraisers?
It depends on where you are. Raffle, gaming and charitable-gambling laws vary significantly by state and sometimes by city or county, and a permit is often required. Check current state and local rules before you plan one.
Are donations to a scholarship fund tax-deductible?
It depends on whether the gift goes to a qualified tax-exempt organization and on current IRS rules. Do not assume a gift to a particular fundraiser is or isn't deductible. Confirm with a tax professional.
Educational resource. Fundraising For Education shares general information and connects people with independent fundraising experts. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.