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How to Run a Spell-a-Thon Fundraiser
This page outlines the A-Z of spell-a-thons, including planning, tracking donations, and tips for organizing and promoting the fundraiser.
Spell-a-Thon Guide Table of Contents
1
Step by Step Guide
Everything you need to know about starting a spell-a-thon, from A-Z.
2
Spell-a-Thon 101
A quick introduction to what a spell-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 Spell-a-Thon?
The tools, support, and volunteers you’ll need for a successful spell-a-thon.
5
Using a Spell-a-Thon to Fundraise
How to raise money with spell-a-thons.
6
Templates, Ideas, Tools, & Resources
Kickstart your spell-a-thon using curated templates and tools.
7
Spell-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Feel inspired with our spell-a-thon theme examples.
Run Your Spell-a-Thon for FREE with FutureFund!
Spell-a-thons combine the best elements of a school fundraiser: they encourage learning while encouraging donations. If you’re looking for a fundraiser, spell-a-thons are a great way for students to raise money for schools, extra-curriculars, or clubs.
Run your Spell-a-Thon for FREE with FutureFund!
The Step-by-Step Guide to Spell-a-Thon
Step One: Choose a Date & Theme
- Choose the date of your Spell-A-Thon three months before the event. Spell-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 library or a large enough classroom will be available.
- Consider a theme for your Spell-A-Thon—you might want to base it on an awareness week (see our 2024 Fundraising Calendar of Dates for more inspiration).
Spell-A-Thon Planning Infographic and Checklist
Use these templates to keep your Spell-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 Spell-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 Spell-A-Thons
- Event Coordinator: Oversees the entire Spell-A-Thon, including planning, coordination with the school, and post-event activities.
- Registration Team: Manages participant sign-ups, and distributes materials such as word lists and participation certificates.
- Spelling Bee Judges: Knowledgeable individuals who can accurately judge spelling, make decisions on spellings, and enforce the rules of the Spell-A-Thon.
- Pronouncers: Individuals responsible for clearly and accurately pronouncing words for participants to spell.
- Scorekeepers: Keep track of participants’ progress, scores, and manage the order of participants.
- Set-Up and Clean-Up Crew: Responsible for setting up the event area, including arranging seating, microphones, and signage, and cleaning up after the event.
- Photographers/Videographers: Captures moments from the event for future promotion and as keepsakes for participants.
Step Three: Choose Student Incentives
- Incentives motivate students to register for your Spell-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 correctly spells the most words 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 Spell-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 Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon Rules Template
Here’s a Canva template of sample Spell-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 Spell-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, invite parents and other family members to come watch (if allowed by your school).
- 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: Spell Your Way to Success with the [School Name] Spell-A-Thon!
Hello Students,
Get ready to showcase your spelling prowess at our annual Spell-A-Thon! This event is not just a spelling challenge; it’s an exciting opportunity to support our beloved school and demonstrate your linguistic talents.
Why should you join?
- Compete in a fun and engaging spelling bee.
Help raise funds for [insert cause or school project]. - Earn recognition and cool rewards for your spelling skills.
How to Sign Up:
Signing up is simple! 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 word you spell correctly.
Whether you’re a spelling enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this event is for everyone. Let’s spell our way to success 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 is Spelling Success – [School Name] Spell-A-Thon Update!
Dear [Donor’s Name],
As our Spell-A-Thon moves forward, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support. Your contribution is not just about sponsoring an event; it’s about nurturing our students’ love for language and helping us reach our goal of [insert specific goal or cause].
Here’s the latest update:
- [Number of students] have registered to spell!
- We’ve reached [percentage] of our fundraising target.
It’s not too late to spread the word and continue supporting our event through FutureFund at [insert link]. Your generosity is crucial to our success and is deeply appreciated by our school community.
With sincere 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 Spell-A-Thon
Subject: Last Call to Support the [School Name] Spell-A-Thon!
Hello [Name of School] Students & Families!
We’re just a week away from our Spell-A-Thon, and the excitement is at its peak! Our students are eagerly honing their spelling skills in anticipation.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Only one week left to gather your pledges! Last-minute donations are still very welcome via FutureFund at [insert link].
- Come and support our spellers on [Date] at [Location], and don’t miss the closing ceremony where we’ll celebrate our students’ achievements and recognize our top spellers!
Let’s make this final week a resounding success. Your encouragement and support are making a significant impact on our school and for our students. Let’s finish strong!
Spellbound,
[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 Spell-A-Thon
Here are some Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Spell-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Spell-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Spell-A-Thon from [insert date range]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to spell as many words as you can!
Step Six: Find Sponsors
Ask local businesses to sponsor the Spell-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 Spell-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 announcement to all participants.
- Gathering of students, volunteers, and teachers in the school’s auditorium or designated area.
- Overview of Spell-A-Thon rules, format, and the day’s agenda.
First Spelling Session (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Students begin their first round of spelling.
- Volunteers and judges facilitate the session, ensuring fair and accurate spelling.
Mid-Morning Break (10:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Short break for snacks and hydration.
- Interactive spelling activities or a guest speaker to motivate and engage students.
Second Spelling Session (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Continuation of the spelling rounds, with participants advancing based on their performance.
- Ongoing monitoring and support from volunteers and teachers.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Lunch period with a selection of healthy meals and snacks.
- Relaxation and casual activities for participants to unwind.
Final Spelling Rounds (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Advanced rounds of spelling for qualifying participants.
- Intensified competition with more challenging words.
Closing Ceremony (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Completion of the final spelling rounds and tallying of results.
- Announcement of winners and recognition of top performers.
- Distribution of awards and acknowledgment of all participants.
Post-Event Activities (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Distribution of thank-you notes to participants, volunteers, and sponsors.
- Cleanup of the event area with the help of volunteers.
- Brief meeting with volunteers and staff for initial 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.
Celebration Event (Within One Week After the Event)
- Organize a celebration event (like an ice cream social or party) for all participants, celebrating their efforts and the success of the Spell-A-Thon.
Spell-a-Thon 101
What is a Spell-a-Thon?
Spell-a-thons work similarly to other types of “a-thons”, like read-a-thons. Students commit to learning to spell a set amount of words and collect pledges.
Because the donations are based on students improving their spelling, most donors are happy to support them. This makes spell-a-thons an effective fundraiser that everyone can get behind.
Spell-a-Thon Goals & Rules
Treat these as a base and feel free to tailor these to suit your specific event.
Length of Time
Spell-A-Thons are usually single day events. These should take place on a weekend so as not to interfere with classes, or the day will need to be booked off for all participating students.
Spelling Goal
The spelling goal will largely depend on the student’s grade and how long the spell-a-thon lasts. Higher grades will typically learn more words, and lower grades will learn fewer words, but it should be every student’s goal to learn how to spell every word on their list.
Word List
The word list should contain words that students would be learning to spell normally. The most important thing is that the words are customized for students’ grade levels.
Pledge Collection
Start telling students about the Spell-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 Spell-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 Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon work?
Students collect pledges from their family, friends, and parents’ coworkers. In return, students learn how to spell a certain amount of words. The pledge amounts vary and can be anywhere from $1 per word.
You can customize the rules of your spell-a-thon based on your school’s needs. The main idea is that the students are committed and learning how to spell new words.
How long does a Spell-A-Thon last?
The exact length of the Spell-A-Thon largely depends on how many words the students are learning, but most Spell-A-Thons take place over the course of a single day booked off for the event.
When should you hold a Spell-A-Thon?
Spell-a-thons aren’t weather-dependent like other fundraisers, so you can hold them any time during the year. Because spell-a-thons are held inside, you might want to plan yours for the fall or winter, so you can save the warmer months for fundraisers that have to take place outside.
What words should students learn?
The words should first and foremost be based on students’ grade levels. Spell-A-Thon words should be similar to the words students would be learning in class normally. Involve teachers in the process, so the Spell-A-Thon words are not too easy or too hard (check out some lists here as a starting point).
Are Spell-A-Thons good fundraisers?
Spell-A-Thons essentially turn spelling tests into fundraisers, so they’re a win-win. Students get to improve their spelling ability, and the school gets to raise money for important initiatives, making Spell-A-Thons great fundraisers.
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 Spell-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 spell-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 Spell-a-Thon for Fundraising
Consider the below when organizing your spell-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.
Spell-a-Thon Templates & Resources
Planning Resources
Use these templates to keep your Spell-A-Thon planning on track:
Sample Spell-A-Thon Rules
Eligibility & Registration:
- All students are eligible to participate in the Spell-A-Thon.
- Registration should be completed via the FutureFund system by a set deadline.
- A parent or guardian’s permission may be required for younger students.
Word List & Spelling Goals:
- Each student will receive a list of words to learn and spell, tailored to their grade level.
- The goal for each student is to spell as many words correctly as possible.
- The words should be appropriate for the students’ learning levels and should be a mix of challenging and familiar words.
Pledges & Donations:
- Students are encouraged to collect pledges from family, friends, and community members.
- Pledges can be a fixed amount or based on the number of words correctly spelled.
- All pledges should be managed and tracked through FutureFund via the link provided to each participant.
- Cash donations are also accepted but must be carefully recorded and tracked by volunteers.
Event Day Structure:
- The Spell-A-Thon will take place on [date].
- The event will consist of multiple spelling sessions, with breaks in between for snacks, hydration, and relaxation.
- The final rounds will be for those who have advanced based on their performance in earlier rounds.
Judging & Scoring:
- The event will have knowledgeable spelling bee judges and pronouncers. Judges will decide on the correctness of each spelling, and scorekeepers will track participants’ progress and scores.
Safety & Conduct:
- All participants are expected to maintain respectful behavior throughout the event. The event will be supervised by teachers and volunteers to ensure a safe and fair environment.
Incentives & Recognition:
- Instead of individual rewards, class or group incentives (like an ice cream social or pizza party) will be offered for groups that spell the most words correctly. This approach encourages team spirit and minimizes unhealthy competition.
Volunteer Roles:
- Various volunteer roles will be filled as outlined in the guide, including event coordinators, registration team, judges, pronouncers, scorekeepers, setup and cleanup crew, and photographers/videographers.
Parent & Community Involvement:
- Parents and community members are encouraged to support the students by pledging, attending the event (if allowed), and cheering for the participants.
Or, here’s a Canva template of sample Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon Event Description
Unsure of where to start? Use this sample student and parent messaging to get the ball rolling!
—
Spell your heart out! Starting [date], [school name] will be hosting a spell-a-thon to help fundraise for [cause]. You can help by doing as spelling as many words 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 Spell-A-Thon Email Scripts
Use these Canva email script templates to call out for Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon Student Sign-up Email Template
Design Templates for Promoting Your Spell-A-Thon
Use these Canva templates to help you spread awareness for your Spell-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 Spell-A-Thon Template for Instagram Story
Canva Spell-A-Thon Template for Instagram Post
Canva Spell-A-Thon Template for Printable Poster
Example caption: Support [insert school name]’s Spell-A-Thon from [insert date]. Help our school community raise money for [insert cause] by registering to spell as many words as you can!
Spell-a-Thon Theme Ideas
Holiday
Depending on when you hold your spell-a-thon, you can choose words to match a holiday. You can find words to go with any holiday, from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day.
Animal
It’s called a spelling bee after all, so why not go with an animal theme? This theme is easy to customize for students’ grade levels too.
School Subject
Another way to customize word lists for students’ grade level is to choose words based on what they’re learning. Pick words based on historical events, scientific concepts, and more.
Etymology
Etymology, or the history of words, can help students identify how to spell certain words. Choose words with similar origins, like Latin or Greek, or words with the same root.
Geography
Take students all around the world with a geography-based spelling list. You can choose the country based on the curriculum or even let each class choose a country.
Language
If your school has a second language or immersion program, a spell-a-thon is a great way for students to test their skills. Encourage kids to learn how to spell in another language.
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