As the school year ramps up, fundraising can add to the long list of stresses for music directors. Backpack Dreams has a simple fundraising model that can aid all types of student music programs. Our fundraisers empower students to learn about social impact while often raising more money than traditional fundraisers.
How It Works
We provide all the materials you need to run the fundraiser:
– Students receive a custom link to sell premium-quality products to friends and family across the county, using an online store. Products include home goods, wellness items, games and stationery. See the full product guide here.
– We ship items directly to customers from our US-based hub. No drop-offs or pickups.
– You earn 33% of total sales to support your goal.
– All products sold are made by participants in social enterprises which teaches your students about their potential to create a ripple of impact in communities of need.
– Registration is fast and simple: directors simply pick a campaign window that works around concert and marching season and provide storefront landing page info – and Backpack Dreams takes care of the rest.
– Customers can also add an optional donation for a child in Guatemala to their order, so they feel their support for the band creates a ripple effect in the world.
No Trunks, No Deliveries
Any director who has participated in traditional fundraisers knows just how difficult it can be to manage the product inventory and distribution. That’s why we ship every order directly to the customer. There are no bulk deliveries to haul into the band room, no sorting tables, and no chasing down parents for pickup. Customers place their orders online, Backpack Dreams handles fulfillment, and the program receives a check and a full impact report. This allows students to fully leverage their connections to friends and family in other states to increase the campaign’s reach.
A Ripple Effect Worth Watching
While money raised is often top of mind for teachers and directors, the students’ personal growth and passion often create the most lasting impact. Backpack Dreams builds short video content into the campaign that shows students exactly who benefits from their work: the artisans stitching each bag, the women in the workshop, and the kids in Guatemala receiving donated backpacks. Once that connection clicks, students stop seeing the fundraiser as an assignment and start seeing it as a cause worth showing up for. Section rivalries can quickly turn friendly once the trumpets start racing the clarinets to sell the most products. Even quieter students often turn into the campaign’s most enthusiastic voices once they see the impact their sales have for both the band and families across the world.
“It’s amazing that something as simple as a fundraiser can create real change. We’re helping kids around the world dream bigger – while realizing we can, too.” – Jenna, High School Student
“From a teacher’s perspective, Backpack Dreams made our fundraising much easier and inspired our students to engage their community.” – Beth C, CTE Teacher
Built to Scale with Your Program
Whether you’re raising money for a 20-student jazz combo or a 400-student marching band, Backpack Dreams can accommodate your goals. Small ensembles can chase modest targets like a new set of mallets or a handful of instrument repairs. Full band programs can use the same platform to raise funds for the entire competition season or an out of state trip. The process scales without adding extra work for the director. Some groups chose to run fundraisers on their own, while others collaborate with other student groups or booster clubs.
Reserve Your Spot on the Calendar
There are still limited spots available for the fall and spring seasons. If this fundraising approach speaks to you, contact [email protected] to schedule an exploratory call.