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How to Run a Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Fundraiser
Volleyball Serve-A-Thons are tons of fun while being successful fundraisers for schools, extra-curriculars, and clubs.
Here, we’ll show you the A-Z of Serve-A-Thons, including planning, tracking donations, and ideas on how to organize and promote your event.
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Guide Table of Contents
1
Step by Step Guide
Everything you need to know about starting a volleyball serve-a-thon, from A-Z.
2
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon 101
A quick introduction to what a volleyball serve-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 Volleyball Serve-a-Thon?
The tools, support, and volunteers you’ll need for a successful volleyball serve-a-thon.
5
Using a Volleyball Serve-a-Thon to Fundraise
How to raise money with volleyball serve-a-thons.
6
Templates, Ideas, Tools, & Resources
Kickstart your volleyball serve-a-thon using curated templates and tools.
7
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Feel inspired with our volleyball serve-a-thon theme examples.
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The Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Volleyball Serve-a-Thon
Step One: Choose a Date & Theme
- Choose the date of your Serve-A-Thon three months before the event. Serve-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 Serve-a-Thon, involving colors or costumes (see the “Themes” section of this page for ideas).
Serve-A-Thon Planning Infographic and Checklist
Use these templates to keep your Serve-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 Serve-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 Serve-A-Thons
- Event Coordinator: Oversees the entire Volleyball-Serve-A-Thon, including planning, coordination, and post-event activities. Liaises with the school, sports clubs, and other stakeholders.
- Registration Team: Manages participant sign-ups, and distributes information and materials.
- Volleyball Coaches/Instructors: Experienced teachers or players who provide guidance on serving techniques, rules of the game, and safety practices.
- Scorekeepers and Statisticians: Keeps track of serves, scores, and other relevant statistics during the event.
- Set-Up and Tear-Down Crew: Responsible for setting up volleyball courts, nets, and equipment before the event and dismantling them afterward.
- Referees: Oversees the games, ensuring fair play and adherence to volleyball rules.
- Snack and Hydration Station Volunteers: 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 Serve-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 serves the most volleyballs 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 Serve-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 Serve-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 Serve-A-Thon Rules Template
Here’s a Canva template of sample Serve-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 Serve-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: Spike, Serve, Score at the [School Name] Volleyball Serve-A-Thon!
Hello Students,
Get ready to hit the courts for our annual Volleyball Serve-A-Thon! This event is not just about showcasing your volleyball skills; it’s an opportunity to have fun, be active, and support our beloved school.
Why should you join?
- Participate in exciting volleyball serving challenges.
- Help raise funds for [insert cause or school project].
- Earn awesome rewards and recognition for your volleyball abilities.
How to Sign Up:
Signing up is easy! Just visit this link and follow the steps: [insert FutureFund link]. You’ll get your own link to share with friends and family to collect pledges for each serve you make.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to volleyball, this event is for everyone. Let’s rally together for sportsmanship and our school spirit.
Serve It Up,
[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 Boosts Our Spirits – [School Name] Volleyball Serve-A-Thon Update!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
As our Volleyball Serve-A-Thon progresses, we want to express our immense gratitude for your support. Your contribution is not just about funding an event; it’s about encouraging our students to stay active and engaged, and helping us achieve our goal of [insert specific goal or cause].
Here’s the latest scoop:
- [Number of students] have stepped up to participate!
- We’ve reached [percentage] of our fundraising target.
Remember, you can still support and promote our event through FutureFund at [insert link]. Your generosity is vital to our success and greatly appreciated by our 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 Volleyball Serve-A-Thon
Subject: Final Call for the [School Name] Volleyball Serve-A-Thon!
Hello [Name of School] Students & Families!
We’re entering the final week of our Volleyball Serve-A-Thon, and the excitement is through the roof! It’s been amazing to see our students practicing their serves and getting ready.
Here’s what you need to know:
Just one week left to gather your pledges! Don’t miss out on last-minute donations, warmly welcomed via FutureFund at [insert link].
Be sure to join us on [Date] at [Location] for the big day, and stay for our closing ceremony where we’ll celebrate our achievements and recognize our top servers!
Let’s make this final stretch a smashing success. Your support and enthusiasm are making a big difference in our school and for each of our students. Let’s end strong!
Ready to Serve,
[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 Read-A-Thon
Here are some Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Serve-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 Serve-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Serve-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Serve-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Serve-A-Thon from [insert date range]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to hit as many volleyballs as possible in the gym!
Step Six: Find Sponsors
Ask local businesses to sponsor the Serve-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 Serve-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 outdoor volleyball area.
- Brief overview of the Serve-A-Thon rules, scoring system, and the day’s schedule.
First Serving Session (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Students start their initial serving round.
- Volunteers stationed at courts for guidance, scoring, and ensuring fair play.
Mid-Morning Break (10:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Short break for refreshments and hydration.
- Engaging activity, such as a serving technique demonstration or a motivational talk.
Second Serving Session (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Continuation of the serving rounds, with participants rotating through different courts.
- Ongoing tally of serves and pledges collected.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Lunch period with a selection of healthy meals and snacks.
- Casual volleyball activities or rest for participants.
Final Serving Rounds (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Participants complete their final serving rounds.
- Final efforts to maximize fundraising pledges.
Closing Ceremony (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Completion of the last serving rounds and final tally of results.
- Announcement of the total number of serves achieved and funds raised.
- Recognition of top participants and teams, and distribution of awards.
Post-Event Activities (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Distribution of thank-you notes to participants, volunteers, and donors.
- Cleanup of the event area with the help of volunteers.
- Debrief session with organizers and volunteers to gather immediate feedback.
Follow-Up (Next School Day)
- Announcement of the event’s success and special acknowledgments via school communications.
- Survey distributed for feedback from students, teachers, and parents.
- Compilation and review of financial outcomes and pledges using FutureFund.
One Week After the Event
- Organize a celebration (such as a pizza party or ice cream social) for the class or group that raised the most funds.
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon 101
What is a Volleyball Serve-a-Thon?
Serve-A-Thons are a type of A-Thon fundraiser. Just like Read-A-Thons and Walk-A-Thons, students commit to hitting a certain number of volleyballs and raise money by collecting pledges to support their efforts.
Serve-A-Thons are great because they give students a fun way to exercise and develop hand-eye coordination. They can also be exciting events to watch!
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Goals & Rules
Treat these as a base and feel free to tailor these to suit your specific event.
Length of Time
A volleyball serve-a-thon is made up of 2 main parts: the pledge collection and the tournament. Give teams at least 2 to 4 weeks before the tournament to register and collect donations.
The tournament should be at least 1 day, usually a Saturday or Sunday. If you have a large amount of teams, it might need to be a 2-day event. A typical volleyball game is 60 to 90 minutes, so plan around 90 minutes per game.
Goal
Teams will compete by seeing which class or grade can hit the most serves—but you can tie this to fundraising by providing a specific number of balls based on the number of pledges raised by each group. This motivates students to fundraise while also encouraging a healthy competitive spirit during the event.
Pledge Collection
Start telling students about the Serve-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).
Other Considerations
Volleyball is a team sport, so you should create some ground rules to keep the teams as fair as possible. Think about how many children, female players, and playtime each team should have.
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 Volleyball Serve-a-Thons
How does a Serve-A-Thon work?
Players register in teams, from 6 to 12 players. Teams spend two weeks collecting donations in the form of pledges from their peers before the event.
During the event, each team is awarded a number of balls to serve based on pledges raised. Once all balls have been hit, the final number of points is recorded and a winner is announced. Points are awarded for correctly serving a ball, and bonus points may be awarded for hitting special targets.
Where should you host your volleyball Serve-A-Thon?
You’ll need a volleyball court to host your Serve-A-Thon. For a smaller tournament, you might be able to use your school gym.
For bigger teams, you should book a volleyball center or large gym for the event. Typically, you’ll want enough courts for all teams to be able to play at once, minus two teams, so everyone has the chance for a break.
When should you hold a Serve-A-Thon?
Volleyball Serve-A-Thons are usually held indoors, so you can host them any time of the year. That said, you probably want to save the warmer months for outdoor activities, making fall or winter the ideal time for a Serve-A-Thon.
How should participants form teams?
To make the tournament as fair as possible, you should create some general rules for teams. Some factors to consider include:
- Number of players
- Age
- Gender
For example, if the teams are open to all ages, you should make sure every team has a similar amount of children. So you can make a rule saying each team needs at least 2 players age 12 or under.
What are the advantages of Serve-A-Thon fundraisers?
Serve-A-Thons promote physical fitness, are broadly accessible to most students, and require few startup expenses.
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 Volleyball Serve-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.
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 Volleyball Serve-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 Serve-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 A-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 Volleyball Serve-a-Thon for Fundraising
Consider the below when organizing your volleyball serve-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.
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Templates & Resources
Planning resources
Use these templates to keep your Serve-A-Thon planning on track:
Sample Volleyball Serve-A-Thon Rules
1. Participant Eligibility
- Open to all students, faculty, and staff of the school.
- Participants must have a signed waiver if under 18.
2. Team Formation
- Teams can be formed with a mix of students, teachers, and staff.
- Each team should have a designated captain responsible for communication and coordination.
3. Fundraising Rules
- Each class or grade is encouraged to raise a minimum amount in pledges (e.g., $200-$400)
- A class or grade will be awarded X number of balls for every $X raised to hit during the event.
4. Serve-A-Thon Format
- The event is time-bound (e.g., 2 hours).
- Participants take turns serving the volleyball from the service line.
- Each successful serve counts towards the total.
5. Scoring and Challenges
- A serve is counted if it lands in the opposing court without being touched.
- Special challenges or targets can be set up for bonus points (e.g., hitting a specific area).
6. Safety and Equipment
- Proper sportswear and shoes are required.
- Volleyballs and other equipment should be provided by the school.
- First aid kits should be available on-site.
7. Prizes and Recognition
- A prize will be awarded for the highest fundraising team, most serves, etc.
- Certificates or acknowledgments for all participants.
8. Spectators and Community Involvement
- Family and community members are encouraged to attend and support (if permitted by your school/district)
Or, here’s a Canva template of sample Serve-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 Volleyball Serve-A-Thon Event Description
Unsure of where to start? Use this sample student and parent messaging to get the ball rolling!
—
We’re serving up a new fundraiser! On [date], [school name] will be hosting a volleyball serve-a-thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by registering a volleyball team and participating! Each team will be collecting pledges online through FutureFund: [link], so even if you can’t participate, you can still donate!
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 Campaign Emails
Use these Canva email script templates to call out for Serve-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 Serve-A-Thon Student Sign-up Email Template
Design templates for promoting your Serve-A-Thon
Use these Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Serve-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 Serve-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Serve-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Serve-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Serve-A-Thon from [insert date range]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to hit as many volleyballs as possible in the gym!
Volleyball Serve-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Olympic
Teams can get into the competitive spirit with an Olympic theme. Each team represents a country and competes for the gold medal.
Group Costume
Volleyball is a team sport, which means pretty much any team costume goes! Encourage each team to coordinate a costume like superheroes, flower patches, mimes, and more.
Holiday
Celebrate the holidays and fundraise with a holiday-themed serve-a-thon. Plan a Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, or even a St. Patrick’s Day tournament.
Rainbow
Color coordinating is a classic theme. Let each team choose a color and get creative, including neon, glitter, and patterns to make each team stand out.
Movie or TV
A movie or TV-inspired theme gives teams tons of options to choose from. Teams can dress up as anything from The Avengers to Care Bears.
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