When the economy wobbles, giving gets cautious. Across schools, nonprofits, and community groups, organizers are feeling the pressure mount. Donations are down, expenses are up, and the same volunteers are doing more with less. Sound familiar?
At Cheddar Up, we hear you. And we’re here to say: You’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not imagining that fundraising feels harder than ever.
The State of Giving (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
Recent reports show that while giving hasn’t disappeared, donor behavior is less predictable. People are still giving, but not as consistently, and not always in the ways organizers expect. Donations now hinge on emotional connection, clear impact, and a smooth giving experience.
This shift is affecting a wide range of groups, from high school sports teams and PTOs to booster clubs and community organizations. Our recent survey found that 95% of high school sports programs rely on fundraising to operate. Coaches often spend countless hours collecting payments, mining for sponsorships, and encouraging parent participation — all while handling their core responsibilities with limited support.
That same pressure shows up in schools. Just ask Summer Havron, a PTO leader at Whiteland Elementary. Her team was losing up to 50% of profits before switching to Cheddar Up.
If we hadn’t had that [Cheddar Up] option, I don’t know that we would have raised that much on our own through [other] digital platforms,” she said.
Now, they’re keeping every dollar and managing efforts from one place.
Groups like these need tools that streamline the work, build trust with donors, and make every dollar count. When the donor experience includes confusing checkouts, unexpected fees, or prompts to tip the platform, it can lead to hesitation and reduce future support.
How to Raise More, Even in Tough Times
Switching to a better platform is a great start, but real success comes from how you use it. Here’s how to get more from every ask, every time:
Get Laser-Focused on Your “Why”
People give to people and purposes, not just programs. Be crystal clear and emotionally compelling about what you’re raising money for. Then reinforce your message across your customizable collection page with banners, videos, and storytelling magic.
Make Giving Ridiculously Easy
No app downloads. No login walls. Just click and pay. Use Cheddar Up’s frictionless payment options and QR codes so supporters can give quickly and easily, whether they’re at an event, on their phone, or relaxing at home.
Expand Your Reach with Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Difficult times call for a wide reach. Enable peer-to-peer fundraising so supporters can share your mission with their networks. Give them templates, talking points, and some digital pom-poms.
Stay in Touch with Your Supporters
Good communication goes a long way. Send updates, say thank you, and let people know how their gift is making a difference. With automated receipts and easy follow-up tools, Cheddar Up helps you keep donors in the loop and feel appreciated without adding more to your responsibilities.
Show the Numbers
Activate fundraising goal tracking so donors can see the needle move. People are more likely to give when they feel their contribution will actually help you reach your goal.
Keep Checkout Clear and Trustworthy
“Tipping” shouldn’t be part of the donation experience, especially when it’s not for the cause. Yet many platforms ask donors to leave a “tip” for the platform itself, creating confusion and frustration that can derail giving. Cheddar Up takes a stand against this. No tipping prompts. No murky add-ons. Just a clean, transparent checkout.
Offer Fee Clarity and Options
When every dollar counts, transparency matters. Let donors know they have the option to cover processing fees, and consider enabling lower-cost eCheck payments available with Pro and Team Plans to keep more funds in your community.
Let’s Weather This Together
If your community is feeling the fundraising fatigue, we get it. More importantly, we can help. Join the thousands of groups using Cheddar Up to create better, simpler fundraising experiences.
Because your mission matters. And the tools you use to support it should work just as hard as you do.
Before you go
We know fundraising isn’t always easy, especially right now. That’s why Cheddar Up gives you the tools to build donor trust and raise more money with less friction, even when times are tough.
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Snack Sign Up Sheet + Snack Schedule Template for Sports Teams (and Classrooms)
You offered to bring oranges for one game. Now you are running the whole snack rotation for the season. That is how it usually goes for the unofficial team parent, the room parent, or whoever raised their hand first. One text thread and a couple of missed weeks later, you are ready for a real system.
A snack sign up sheet is the fix. It gives every family a clear date, keeps the schedule in one place, and handles the reminders for you. Below you will find a free online version to grab in a minute, plus a quick way to set it up, assign turns, and let parents claim and swap their own dates.Start here. Our free snack schedule sign up template works for any team, classroom, or group, and you can have it live before practice ends.
It runs as an online snack sign up sheet, which means the whole thing lives on one link. You share it once, parents open it on their phones, and everyone sees which game dates are still open and which are taken. There is no paper sheet to pass around at the field and no file to email back and forth.
A First Timer’s Guide to Room Parent Duties
First, from all the parents, teachers, and caregivers out there, thank you for stepping up! It plays a vital role in any successful classroom and is much appreciated.
The room parent is the liaison between the teacher and the parents of the students. They will often assist in PTA fundraising, announcements, and initiatives. Successful communication between these groups enhances the classroom experience for both students and parents by fostering an engaged learning environment.The room parent is the liaison between the teacher and the parents of the students. They will often assist in PTA fundraising, announcements, and initiatives. Successful communication between these groups enhances the classroom experience for both students and parents by fostering an engaged learning environment.
From all the parents, teachers, and caregivers out there, thank you for stepping up! It plays a vital role in any successful classroom and is much appreciated.
How One PTO Raised $17K+ with a School Color Run
Melissa Knox is part of the CECA PTO at a TK-8 charter school in California. While her role focuses on social media and communications, she ended up taking the lead on one of the school’s biggest fundraisers: a Color Run Against Cancer.
The idea started with the school principal, who had previously helped organize a district-wide runathon for the American Cancer Society. The event had a great mission, but because it was held on a Saturday, turnout was low and fundraising results were limited.
The PTO saw a chance to make the event easier for families to join. Instead of asking students and parents to show up on the weekend, they brought the event right to campus during the school day. That way, every student could participate, whether they fundraised or not.
The first year, the school hosted a fun run. The next year, they added color powder and turned it into a full color run. It was simple, exciting, and easy for kids to love.
The fundraiser also tied into a larger message around healthy living. Since a portion of the money supported the American Cancer Society, Melissa and the PTO chose prizes that encouraged kids to get outside and stay active.
Incentives included jump ropes, sports balls, smoothie shop gift cards, roller rink passes, bowling gift cards, and other activity-based rewards. Every student also received a pair of sunglasses donated by a local orthodontist, so every child walked away with something fun.
20 Back to School Event Ideas for Schools and PTAs
Back to school event ideas move from “someday” to “right now” faster than most organizers expect. By midsummer, many PTAs and school groups are already choosing dates, reserving spaces, recruiting volunteers, and deciding what fits their budget.
This list includes 20 back to school event ideas for schools and PTAs, organized by event type. You’ll find school-wide events, welcome activities, school spirit builders, and fundraisers, along with practical tips to make each one easier to organize. We’ve also included resources for collecting payments, managing sign ups, and staying organized from planning through event day.
