When you’re operating a booster club, having a wide audience is key to success. If you have a small mailing list, you’ll be sending communications and invites to the same group of parents repeatedly. That can make it really hard to get engagement over time.
There are lots of groups who may be interested in the club aside from parents. In addition, not every communication needs to be about fundraising. You can simply send a newsletter with club updates or encourage supporters to attend an event.
At a minimum, you should consider adding sponsors, club sports, local businesses, and alumni to your booster club mailing list.
Sponsors
If your booster club is lucky enough to have corporate sponsors, they absolutely need to be on your mailing list. Sponsors have already demonstrated that they are interested in the club and furthering its goals. At a minimum, they should know what’s generally going on and receive periodic updates.
Oftentimes, sponsors will be willing to increase their contributions for an event or two throughout the year, so make sure to keep them in the loop with fundraising efforts. If the sponsor isn’t able to contribute financially, they can at least help spread the word.
Club Sports
Club sports leagues in your area are a great place to look for potential supporters whose interests are aligned with yours. For example, if your booster club is funding a particular sport, the local club league will probably be interested in making sure the school continues to offer it.
Participants in club sports are more likely to be interested in the success of your booster club and they are more likely to attend fundraisers. They can also be a great connection for the kids that your organization supports.
Local Businesses
While many local businesses may not be able to offer a corporate sponsorship, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to help your booster club. A local business may be willing to sponsor a fundraiser or two or donate their products and services to help generate interest.
In addition, if a local business isn’t able to contribute to your club this year, it may be in a different position in the future. Adding it to your mailing list keeps your club in front of leadership.
Local business owners are some of the most invested people in the community, so staying in touch with them is a good practice for your club.
Alumni
Your booster club’s alumni community is a great group to keep in regular communication with. Booster club alumni may not be active members anymore, but they likely still care about the mission of the organization.
Alumni are often willing to donate, volunteer, or spread the word about your initiatives. Sending regular booster club emails doesn’t take a lot of effort and can mean a lot to former members who are still invested in the community.
Building out your mailing list can take a little extra work to start, but it is well worth the effort in the end. A long mailing list can pay dividends in community engagement and turnout at your fundraisers. It’s also a great way to spread awareness and show off your progress and success.
