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 Sing-a-Thon Fundraiser
Sing-a-thons are out-of-the-box fundraisers that are engaging and effective. Participants have fun and help fundraise for their school, extra-curricular program, or club.
Here, we’ll show you the A-Z of sing-a-thons, including planning, tracking donations, and ideas on how to organize and promote it.
Sing-a-Thon Guide Table of Contents
1
Step by Step Guide
Everything you need to know about starting a sing-a-thon from A-Z.
2
Sing-a-Thon 101
A quick introduction to what a sing-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 Sing-a-Thon?
The tools, support, and volunteers you’ll need for a successful sing-a-thon.
5
Using a Sing-a-Thon to Fundraise
How to raise money with sing-a-thons.
6
Templates, Ideas, Tools, & Resources
Kickstart your sing-a-thon using curated templates and tools.
7
Sing-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Feel inspired with our sing-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 Steps to Running Your Sing-A-Thon
Step One: Choose a Date & Theme
- Choose the date of your Sing-A-Thon three months before the event. Sing-A-Thons usually take place on a single day, so choose a date that doesn’t conflict with other school plans.
- Make sure your PTA coordinates with the school ahead of time to make sure the school auditorium is available, get insurance if necessary, and arrange custodial services.
Sing-A-Thon Planning Infographic and Checklist
Use these templates to keep your Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon will support.
- Perform background checks for any volunteers from outside the school who need to be present during the event (if required by your school).
Example Volunteer Positions for Sing-A-Thons
- Event Coordinator: Manages overall event planning, coordination, and execution.
- Stage Manager: Oversees stage setup, sound checks, and performance schedule.
- Talent Coordinator: Manages participant registration, organizes the lineup, and coordinates rehearsals.
- Sound Engineers/Technicians: Manages audio equipment, ensures high-quality sound for performances, and assists performers with microphones and other audio needs.
- Lighting Technician: Manages stage lighting to enhance performances and create the desired atmosphere.
- Registration and Check-in Volunteers: Manage the check-in desk and assist participants and donors with registration and information.
- Audience Coordinators: Manages audience seating, ensures safety and comfort, and assists with crowd control.
- First Aid Volunteers: Provide basic first aid and handle any medical situations or emergencies.
- Photographer/Videographer: Captures photos and videos of the event for promotion and as keepsakes for participants.
- Cleanup Crew: Responsible for post-event cleanup, ensuring the venue is left tidy and all equipment is stored properly.
Step Three: Choose Student Incentives
- Incentives motivate students to register for your Sing-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 grade that raises the most money 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 Sing-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 Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon Rules Template
Here’s a Canva template of sample Sing-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 Sing-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.
- The night before the event, send a final reminder to get the school community excited about the event and encourage them to keep offering support.
Initial Email for Student Sign-Ups
Subject: Raise Your Voice at [School Name]’s Annual Sing-A-Thon!
Hello Students,
Get ready to showcase your vocal talents at our upcoming Sing-A-Thon! This event isn’t just about singing; it’s an opportunity to express yourself, support our school, and enjoy a day filled with music and joy.
Why join the Sing-A-Thon?
- Perform your favorite songs on stage.
Help raise funds for [insert cause or school project]. - Win exciting prizes and gain recognition for your singing talents.
How to Sign Up:
Joining is simple and fun! Click on this link [insert FutureFund link], follow the easy registration steps, and start warming up your vocal cords. You’ll also get a link to share with friends and family for pledges based on your performance.
Whether you’re a budding singer or just love music, this event is for everyone. Let’s make some beautiful melodies together!
Best regards,
[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 Strikes a Chord – [School Name] Sing-A-Thon Update!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
Thank you for supporting our Sing-A-Thon! Your contributions are key to providing an unforgettable experience for our students and reaching our fundraising goals for [insert specific goal or cause].
Current Update:
- [Number of students] talented singers are ready to take the stage!
- We’ve reached [percentage] of our fundraising target.
It’s not too late to support our performers through FutureFund at [insert link]. Your generosity is crucial to our success and is deeply 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 Day Before the Sing-A-Thon
Subject: The Stage is Set! Final Day Before [School Name]’s Sing-A-Thon!
Hello [Name of School] Students & Families!
The curtain is about to rise! Our Sing-A-Thon is just a day away, and the excitement is palpable. Our students are ready to charm you with their voices and performances.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Last day to gather pledges! Encourage your loved ones to support you via FutureFund at [insert link].
- Join us at [Location] on [Date]. The show starts at [Time], so come early to grab a good seat and cheer for our singers!
Your support and encouragement are vital to our students and help make a significant impact on our school community. Let’s sing our hearts out!
See you at the show,
[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 Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Sing-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to sing!
Step Six: Find Sponsors
Ask local businesses to sponsor the Sing-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 Sing-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 successful. Here’s a sample event schedule:
Morning Session
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Setup and Volunteer Arrival: Volunteers arrive and set up the stage, sound system, audience seating, and any additional stations (like refreshments, registration desk).
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Participant Check-In and Sound Checks: Singers arrive, check in, and perform sound checks on stage in a scheduled order.
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Ceremony: A welcome speech by the event coordinator, introduction of judges or special guests, and an overview of the day’s events.
- 10:30 AM: Sing-A-Thon Kick-Off: The first group of singers begins their performances. The order can be predetermined or drawn randomly.
Afternoon Session
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break: A break for lunch with food available for purchase. This can also be a time for guest performances or interactive activities for the audience.
- 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Continued Performances: Singing performances resume. This can include solo performances, duets, and group numbers.
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Special Guest Performance: A special performance by a guest artist or a local celebrity, providing a break for the participants.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Final Performances: The last set of participants take the stage.
Evening Session
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Judges Deliberation and Audience Vote: If there’s a competitive element, judges deliberate, and audience votes are tallied.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Awards Ceremony: Announcement of winners, distribution of prizes for various categories like best solo, best group, audience favorite, etc.
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Departure: Thank you speech by the event coordinator, final fundraising tally announcement, and the official end of the event.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Cleanup: Volunteers and staff begin cleaning up the venue, dismantling the stage and sound equipment, and ensuring the area is left tidy.
Post-Event Tasks
- One Day After Event: Send a thank-you email to all participants, donors, and volunteers.
- One Week After Event: Hold a celebration for the winning class or grade (ice cream social or pizza party).
Sing-a-Thon 101
What is a Sing-a-Thon?
Sing-a-thons are unique, but they follow the same basic format as other a-thons, like read-a-thons or dance-a-thons. Participants sing for a certain amount of time and gather donations in the form of pledges.
You can build a sing-a-thon into a school concert and turn it into a fundraising opportunity. Because the money is going back to the school, most people are happy to support it.
Sing-a-Thon Goals & Rules
Treat these as a base and feel free to tailor these to suit your specific event.
Length of Time
Sing-a-thons can follow a few different formats: a one-time event, multiple singing sessions, or virtually/at-home. Most sing-a-thons are held as one-time events, similar to any concert.
As a one-time event, the sing-a-thon should last between 2 and 4 hours. If you’re doing your event in multiple sessions or at home, then the event can be anywhere from 4 to 10 hours.
Singing Goal
The goal will be largely dependent on the length of your sing-a-thon. A one-time event should have a shorter time goal than multiple sessions or an at-home event, for example.
Typically, singers should set a goal of singing at least 1 hour per session. For one-time events, participants should try and sing for at least 2-3 hours.
Grade Considerations
Sing-A-Thons are appropriate for all ages—but you’ll probably want to choose songs for younger students and let older students choose their own (as long as they’re appropriate for schools).
Pledge Collection
Start telling students about the Sing-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.
If your Sing-A-Thon takes place over multiple days, take an opportunity halfway through to remind students how many days they have left to participate.
ups).
Frequently Asked Questions About Sing-a-Thons
How does a Sing-A-Thon work?
A sing-a-thon is a type of peer-to-peer fundraiser. In exchange for their time singing, people pledge donations to the singers. Donors can be family, friends, and coworkers (or parents’ coworkers).
The exact rules for your sing-a-thon are totally up to you, so you can customize the event to fit your school. Sing-a-thons can be done as one continuous event, split into sessions, or at-home.
How long does a Sing-A-Thon last?
Most sing-a-thons are between 2 and 10 hours. There are a few different ways you can split the time:
- As one continuous event
- As separate sessions, over the course of a week or two
- As an individual, at-home event
When should you hold a Sing-A-Thon?
Sing-a-thons can be held any time of year. However, since sing-a-thons are usually held inside, they’re a great winter fundraiser. That way, you can save the summer months for fundraisers that can only be held outside.
What do you need for a Sing-A-Thon?
Sing-a-thons require a bit of event coordination. You’ll want to look into the following at least a few months in advance:
- An event venue (your school gym can work for this)
- Sound system
- Decorations
What are the advantages of Sing-A-Thon fundraisers?
Sing-A-Thons are great fundraisers, especially if your school has a music program, choir, or musically-talented students. If your students are passionate about singing, this is an excellent way for them to show off their skills and raise money doing it.
You can also gather donations through ticket sales and pledges, increasing the fundraising potential.
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 Sing-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 Sing-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 sing-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 Sing-a-Thon for Fundraising
Consider the below when organizing your sing-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.
Sing-a-Thon Templates & Resources
Planning Resources
Use these templates to keep your Sing-A-Thon planning on track:
Sample Sing-a-Thon Rules
1. Objective
- The aim is to raise funds for [School/Specific Cause]. Participants will sing continuously for a set period of time to gather sponsorships and donations.
2. Participants
- Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
- Participants can perform solo or in groups.
- Parents and community members are encouraged to support and attend.
3. Registration
- Participants must register by [Date] by visiting [Insert FutureFund Link].
- Participants will receive a link after registering that they can use to collect and track pledges.
4. Song Selection
- Songs must be appropriate for a school setting (no explicit lyrics).
- Participants can bring their own music or select from the provided song list.
- Each performance is limited to [Time Limit] minutes
5. Pledges and Donations
- Participants are encouraged to seek sponsors who will pledge a donation for every song they sing.
- Flat donations are also welcomed.
6. Performance Schedule
- The Sing-A-Thon will start at [Start Time] and end at [End Time].
- A schedule will be provided to all participants a week before the event.
7. Equipment and Accompaniment
- Microphones, speakers, and a basic sound system will be provided.
- Participants can bring their own instruments or use provided background tracks.
8. Health and Safety
- All participants must follow the school’s health and safety guidelines.
- First aid will be available on-site.
9. Awards and Recognition
- Certificates will be given to all participants.
- Special recognition for the longest singing participant, highest fundraiser, and most creative performance.
10. Publicity
- The event will be publicized through school announcements, social media, and local news outlets.
- Participants are encouraged to share the event with family and friends.
11. Code of Conduct
- All school rules apply during the event.
- Respectful behavior and sportsmanship are expected at all times.
12. Cancellation Policy
- In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to cancellation, a new date will be scheduled.
Or, here’s a Canva template of sample Sing-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 Sing-a-Thon Event Description
Unsure of where to start? Use this sample student and parent messaging to get the ball rolling!
—
Join us for our sing-a-thon! On [date], [school name] will be hosting a sing-a-thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by singing as much as you can! 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 Sing-A-Thon Email Scripts
Use these Canva email script templates to call out for Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon Student Sign-up Email Template
Design Templates for Promoting Your Sing-A-Thon
Use these Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Sing-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 Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Sing-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Sing-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to sing!
Sing-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Holiday
A holiday or Christmas concert is a classic theme, and it works great for sing-a-thons. Incorporate Christmas carols and songs for other holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Blast from the Past
This historical theme allows you to incorporate songs from any era. You can even take guests through the decades with songs from the past to the present.
Around the World
Take a trip around the world without leaving home. Choose songs from around the world and take guests on a musical journey.
Silly Songs
This theme lets you have fun with your sing-a-thon fundraiser. Choose funny, goofy songs to entertain both your singers and your guests.
Genre Specific
You can pick almost any music genre for your sing-a-thon: county, pop, hip hop, and more. Just make sure you can find clean versions of the songs you choose.
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