Celebrate birthdays for students while raising money for causes that benefit them! A birthday board fundraiser is easy to create and can bring in lots of money for your school group. Here’s how FutureFund can help you run yours from start to finish.
How to Run a Jump-a-Thon Fundraiser
Jump-a-thons are great fundraisers because they benefit both participants and your school. Participants stay active while raising money to support their school, extra-curricular program, or club.
Here, we’ll show you the A-Z of jump-a-thons, including planning, tracking donations, and ideas on how to organize and promote it.
Jump-a-Thon Guide Table of Contents
1
Step by Step Guide
Everything you need to know about starting a jump-a-thon, from A-Z.
2
Jump-a-Thon 101
A quick introduction to what a jump-a-thon is and how it works.
3
What is an "A-Thon" & How Does it Work?
Thon’s can be a powerful fundraising tool.
4
What do you need to run a Jump-a-Thon?
The tools, support, and volunteers you’ll need for a successful jump-a-thon.
5
Using a Jump-a-Thon to Fundraise
How to raise money with jump-a-thons.
6
Templates, Ideas, Tools, & Resources
Kickstart your jump-a-thon using curated templates and tools.
7
Jump-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Feel inspired with our jump-a-thon theme examples.
FutureFund is FREE for Schools
Schools that sign up get full access to all of FutureFund’s features—it’s always free and it always will be.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Jump-a-Thon
Step One: Choose a Date & Theme
- Choose the date of your Jump-A-Thon three months before the event. Jump-A-Thons usually take place on a single day, so choose one that doesn’t conflict with other important events and plan for a time of year when people are unlikely to be away.
- Make sure your PTA coordinates with the school ahead of time to make sure the gym will be available, or hold the event outside if you have an appropriate space and can expect good weather.
- Consider a theme for your Jump-a-Thon, involving colors or costumes (see the “Themes” section of this page for ideas).
Jump-A-Thon Planning Infographic and Checklist
Use these templates to keep your Jump-A-Thon planning on track:
Step Two: 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 Jump-A-Thon will support.
- Perform background checks for any volunteers who need to be on campus during the event (if required by your school).
Example Volunteer Positions for Jump-A-Thons
- Event Coordinator: Oversees the entire Jump-A-Thon, including planning, coordination with the school, and post-event activities.
- Registration Team: Manages participant sign-ups, and distributes jump ropes and other materials.
- Jump Rope Instructors/Coaches: Experienced individuals who provide guidance on jumping techniques, safety, and offer tips to participants.
- Scorekeepers and Timers: Keep track of participants’ jumping time.
- Setup and Cleanup Crew: Responsible for setting up the event area, including laying out jump ropes, mats, and signage, and cleaning up after the event.
- Refreshment Coordinators: Manages stations providing water, snacks, and possibly light meals to participants and volunteers.
- Photographers/Videographers: Captures moments from the event for future promotion and participant keepsakes.
- First Aid and Safety Officers: Provide basic first aid and ensure the safety of all participants.
Step Three: Choose Student Incentives
- Incentives motivate students to register for your Jump-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 group that spends the most time jumping rope collectively 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.
Step Four: Create Your Jump-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, so you can create custom categories for each Jump-A-Thon.
- 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, which you can modify to include the specific details of your event.
Sample Jump-A-Thon Rules Template
Here’s a Canva template of sample Jump-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!
Step Five: Announce the Event & Sign-Up Students
- Send out an announcement of your Jump-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.
- On the morning of the event, send out a final announcement to get the school community excited about the event and encourage them to keep offering support.
Sample Email for Student Sign-Ups
Subject: Hop Into Action with the [School Name] Jump-A-Thon!
Hello Students,
Get ready to jump your way to fun and fitness at our annual Jump-A-Thon! This isn’t just a jump rope challenge; it’s a fantastic opportunity to support our beloved school and show off your skills.
Why should you join?
- Have a blast jumping rope, either solo or in teams.
- Help raise funds for [insert cause or school project].
- Earn great rewards and recognition for your jumping efforts.
How to Sign Up:
Jumping in is easy! Just visit this link and follow the steps: [insert FutureFund link]. You’ll receive your own link to share with friends and family to collect pledges for each minute or jump you complete.
Whether you’re a jump rope novice or a seasoned pro, this event is for everyone. Let’s jump together for a great cause!
Skip to it,
[Your Name]
[School or Name of School Group]
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!
Sample Follow-Up Email to Donors
Subject: Your Support Makes Our Students Jump for Joy – [School Name] Jump-A-Thon Update!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
As our Jump-A-Thon gains momentum, we want to extend our deepest thanks for your support. Your contribution is empowering our students to stay active and healthy, while also helping us achieve our goal of [insert specific goal or cause].
Here’s where we stand:
- [Number of students] have registered to jump!
- We’re currently [percentage] of the way to our fundraising target.
Remember, it’s not too late to spread the word and support our event through FutureFund at [insert link]. Your generosity is key to our success and is greatly appreciated by our entire school community.
With heartfelt thanks,
[Your Name]
[School or Name of School Group]
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!
Sample Email for the Final Week Before the Jump-A-Thon
Subject: Last Chance to Join the [School Name] Jump-A-Thon!
Hello [Name of School] Students & Families!
We’re just a week away from our Jump-A-Thon, and the excitement is bouncing off the walls! Our students are gearing up to show their jump rope skills and endurance.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Only one week left to secure your pledges! Last-minute donations are still warmly welcomed via FutureFund at [insert link].
- Come and cheer on our jumpers on [Date] at [Location], and don’t miss the closing ceremony where we’ll celebrate everyone’s achievements and recognize our top jumpers!
Let’s make this final week a hopping success. Your support and enthusiasm are making a huge difference in our school and for our students. Let’s end on a high note!
Jumping for joy,
[Your Name]
[School or Name of School Group]
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!
Templates for Promoting Your Jump-A-Thon
Here are some Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Jump-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 Jump-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Jump-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Jump-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Jump-A-Thon from [insert date range]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to jump rope for as long as you can in the gym!
Step Six: Find Sponsors
Ask local businesses to sponsor the Jump-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.
Types of Sponsorship:
- 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.
Step Seven: Host the Jump-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 a success. Here’s a sample schedule:
Morning Kickoff (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Official welcome and launch announcement to all participants.
- Gathering of students, volunteers, and teachers in the school’s gymnasium or designated outdoor area.
- Brief overview of Jump-A-Thon rules, safety instructions, and the day’s agenda.
First Jumping Session (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Students begin their first round of jump rope.
- Volunteers stationed around to provide guidance, encouragement, and ensure fair participation.
Mid-Morning Break (10:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Short break for snacks and hydration.
- A quick jump rope demonstration or motivational talk to maintain energy and enthusiasm.
Second Jumping Session (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Continuation of jump rope activities, with participants trying different styles or challenges.
- Ongoing counting of jumps and tracking of pledges.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Lunch period with options for healthy meals and snacks.
- Rest and casual activities for relaxation.
Final Jumping Rounds (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Final session for jump rope activities.
- Last push for participants to achieve their jump goals and fundraising pledges.
Closing Ceremony (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Completion of the final jumping session and tallying of total jumps and funds raised.
- Announcement of achievements and recognition of top participants.
Distribution of awards and prizes.
Post-Event Activities (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Distribution of thank-you notes to participants, volunteers, and donors.
- Clean-up of the event area with the assistance of volunteers.
- Debrief session with organizers and volunteers for immediate feedback.
Follow-Up (Next School Day)
- Announcement of the event’s success and special acknowledgments via school communications.
- Distribution of surveys for feedback from students, teachers, and parents.
- Review and reporting of financial outcomes and pledges using FutureFund.
One Week After the Event
- Celebration event (like a pizza party or ice cream social) for the class or group that raised the most funds.
Jump-a-Thon 101
What is a Jump-a-Thon?
A jump-a-thon is a popular a-thon type of fundraiser since they’re easy and effective. It’s easy for students and parents to participate since all they need is a jump rope to participate.
It’s also easy for PTAs to organize since it doesn’t require a ton of planning. And it gets participants moving, which is always a win.
Jump-a-Thon Goals & Rules
Treat these as a base and feel free to tailor these to suit your specific event.
Length of Time
Many Jump-A-Thons are held as a 1-day event for a few hours. 2-3 hours is usually plenty of time to be jumping rope. Any longer and you’ll want to plan additional activities for the day.
You can also do the Jump-A-Thon in sessions. Plan around 10, 30-minute sessions and give participants 2 weeks to complete them.
Jumping Goal
If you’re doing the jump-a-thon in sessions, it will be the participant’s goal to complete the sessions. For a 1-day event, you can set a time goal or a skill goal, where different stations are set up and jumpers try different jump rope techniques.
Jumping Style
Your jump-a-thon can be about simply jumping rope for a certain amount of time. To make things more interesting, you can also introduce different “styles” of jumping rope.
In this case, you can have different jump rope stations set up, where jumpers can try different techniques. This includes styles like double Dutch, criss-cross, double jumps, and more.
Pledge Collection
Start telling students about the Jump-A-Thon at least two weeks before it starts.
Students should be signed up in your fundraising system so they can gather donations for at least seven days before the fundraiser starts (although it’s still okay to take last-minute sign-ups).
Confirm That Everyone Knows What to Do
On the day the fundraiser starts, be sure to re-explain the rules and encourage students to continue fundraising.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jump-a-Thons
How do I use FutureFund to track my fundraiser’s success?
FutureFund gives you the ability to generate financial reports for fundraising campaigns in just a few clicks. To do this, navigate to Store and click the Reports tab near the top of your screen. Then choose Campaign Summary from the drop-down menu and click Generate Report.
Can volunteers for my Jump-A-Thon sign up automatically through FutureFund?
Yes—FutureFund lets you create a list of the volunteer positions you’ll need to fill, then add a volunteer page to your registration portal so parents can sign up in just a few simple clicks. See the steps for signing up volunteers here.
How does a jump-a-thon work?
Participants collect donations for participating in the jump-a-thon. Like other a-thons, jump-a-thons follow a peer-to-peer fundraising model, so you aren’t limited to gathering donations from only the participants.
Each participant asks their family, friends, and coworkers (or parents’ coworkers) to donate, which gives you a huge donor pool compared to other fundraisers. From there, participants jump rope for a set amount of time during the jump-a-thon.
How long is a jump-a-thon?
One of the great things about a jump-a-thon is that you can customize it for your school’s needs. If you’re an elementary school, you’ll likely want to make the jumping time shorter, for example.
You can hold the jump-a-thons over multiple jump rope sessions or hold a 1-day event. If you’re doing sessions, plan around 10 sessions of 30 minutes each. In this case, give participants 2 weeks to complete the 10 sessions.
What do people need to participate?
Participants need a jump rope and that’s about it. Athletic clothing and runners, like what kids would wear to gym class, don’t hurt either.
Are jump-a-thons good fundraisers?
Jump-a-thons are great fundraisers for everyone involved. They’re easy to plan and easy to participate in. Plus, they help encourage physical activity, making them a fundraiser everyone can get behind.
FutureFund is FREE for Schools
Schools that sign up get full access to all of FutureFund’s features—it’s always free and it always will be.
What is a “Thon”?
Thon’s Are Fun & Effective Event-Based Fundraisers
An “a-thon” is a peer-to-peer style fundraiser that involves participating in a certain activity and gathering donations for participating in said activity.
The activity can be almost anything, from reading to running to bowling. No matter what activity you choose, the premise is the same. Participants commit to doing the activity (reading a certain amount of books, running a certain distance) and ask their friends, family, and coworkers to support them.
A-thons work great because you reach a huge donor pool through peer-to-peer fundraising. People are also more likely to donate since participants are “working” in return for the donations.
What Do You Need to Run a Jump-a-Thon?
Power it With FutureFund
FutureFund’s built-in pledge campaigns allow you to easily collect money and keep donations/pledges organized. Since parents cover payment processing fees, 100% of the funds raised go to your school!
FutureFund is easy to use - for everyone
FutureFund makes running a jump-a-thon easy for everyone. Easier for PTAs and PTOs to run, for students and parents to participate, and for donors to donate.
Accept online donations
Instead of dealing with paper pledge forms and cash and cheques, FutureFund takes the process online. Donors can donate instantly online with their credit or debit cards.
A single tool to power your entire Thon!
FutureFund makes it easy to track how the fundraiser is going. Easily view how much money has been raised and more with detailed reporting.
Using a Jump-a-Thon for Fundraising
Consider the below when organizing your jump-a-thon. Spending a bit of time up front getting organized from an admin and donation perspective will save a lot of time and potential frustration later.
Managing and organizing pledges
Each student will sign up as a participant in the fundraiser. Then, they can collect pledges individually by credit or debit card. You can also accept cash pledges, but be mindful of properly storing and tracking cash you collect.
If you are using FutureFund, you can record these pledges and they will automatically count towards the student’s total and the grand total for the fundraiser.
Donor information and donation management
Before launching your fundraiser, confirm what records you need to collect from donors.
If you are using FutureFund, it’s easy for students to sign up, especially if their information is already in the system. You can bulk sign up entire grades or classes. All donor payments are automatically entered into the system, so you can instantly see each student’s total and the grand total.
Make sure you accept online donations
Fundraising campaigns that accept online donations perform much better than fundraisers that only accept cash or check.
If you are using FutureFund, you can accept payments online. Donors are given a donation link and can pay by credit or debit card. Any cash donations can also be noted in the system to be collected later.
Jump-a-Thon Templates & Resources
Planning Resources
Use these templates to keep your Jump-A-Thon planning on track:
Sample Jump-A-Thon Rules
Participant Eligibility:
- All students are eligible to participate.
- Parents and teachers are also encouraged to join in the fun.
Registration:
- Participants must register by [date] via the FutureFund link provided
- A parent or guardian must sign a permission form for students under a certain age.
Sponsorship:
- Participating students will collect pledges via individual FutureFund links that they receive upon registration.
Jumping Rules:
- The Jump-A-Thon will be held on [specific date and time] at [location].
- Participants will jump rope continuously during the time assigned to them based on pledges raised.
- Breaks are allowed but the clock must be paused while resting.
- Jumps can be traditional single jumps or any variation, as long as the rope passes under the feet with each jump.
Safety First
- All participants must wear appropriate sports attire and shoes. The event will be supervised by teachers and volunteers to ensure safety.
Counting Jumps
- Each participant will be assigned a counter (volunteer or fellow student) who will keep track of the number of successful jumps.
Awards and Recognition
- A prize will be awarded to the class or grade that raises the most money.
- Special awards will be awarded for categories such as ‘Best Technique’, etc.
- Recognition for participants who show great spirit and enthusiasm.
Weather Plan
- In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled or moved to an indoor location.
Enjoyment & Team Spirit
- While competition is part of the event, the main focus should be on having fun and promoting a sense of community and healthy activity.
Or, here’s a Canva template of sample Jump-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!
Sample Jump-A-Thon Event Description
Unsure of where to start? Use this sample student and parent messaging to get the ball rolling!
—
Jump around! On [date], [school name] will be hosting a jump-a-thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by jumping with us! 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!
Set up online pledges with FutureFund
Let parents and supporters donate online with FutureFund’s online pledges. Try it out for free!
—
Make your donation easily and instantly! Click this [link] to make your donation through secure credit or debit card payment.
If you prefer to donate by cash or check, just donate directly to the student you’re supporting. Thank you for your support!
Sample Jump-A-Thon Email Scripts
Use these Canva email script templates to call out for Jump-A-Thon participants, donations, and to keep your fundraiser top-of-mind. 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 Jump-A-Thon Student Sign-up Email Template
Design Templates for Promoting Your Jump-A-Thon
Use these Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Jump-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 Jump-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Jump-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Jump-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Jump-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to jump for as long as you can!
Jump-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Holiday
You can do a jump-a-thon at any time of year and match it with upcoming holidays. In the fall, for example, you can do a turkey jump for Thanksgiving or a spooky jump for Halloween.
Space
Inspire participants to jump to the moon with a space theme. Astronaut and alien outfits should get everyone jumping to the sky!
Color Jump
You’ve probably heard of a color run, and you can use the same theme for your jump-a-thon. They’re tons of fun and make for great photos once everyone is covered in flour paint.
Costumes
Every student has a favorite TV show or movie. Encourage them to come dressed up as their favorite superhero, princess, or another character.
Neon
Really make your fundraiser stand out with neon outfits. It’s fun and easy for everyone to participate, and makes for fantastic photos.
Old-Fashioned
Jumping rope is a classic school-time activity and there are tons of old-fashioned jump rope rhymes. Get participants into the spirit with old-timey outfits and songs.
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