How to Get Donation for School: The Complete, Step-by-Step Fundraising Guide

Introduction

As a school leader, NGO manager, or community organizer, one of the most pressing questions you face is: how to get donation for school? Whether you need funds for classroom repairs, digital learning tools, scholarships, or sanitation facilities, a clear and professional fundraising plan will multiply your chances of success.

This guide is written for schools and NGOs in India (with global best practices included). It provides practical steps, templates, and examples you can use immediately.

Why Schools Need Donations

Donations enable schools to:

• Build or repair classrooms, toilets, and safe drinking water facilities
• Buy textbooks, uniforms, stationery and digital devices
• Offer scholarships and cover transport or meal costs for vulnerable students
• Train teachers and introduce remedial or special-needs programs

1. Build a Strong Fundraising Foundation

Before you launch any fundraising, ensure your school or NGO is prepared legally, administratively, and strategically.

1.1 Legal & Financial Readiness

• Registration: Register as a Trust, Society or Section 8 Company as applicable in India.
• Tax-compliance: Apply for 12A and 80G registrations — these help donors claim tax deductions.
• FCRA: If you want foreign donations, register under FCRA (if required) and follow reporting rules.
• Bank accounts & receipts: Use an official bank account and provide proper donation receipts with identification and tax details.

1.2 Set Clear Outcomes & Budgets

A donor wants to know exactly what their money will achieve. Replace vague asks with clear goals and line-item budgets. Example:

1.3 Fundraising Committee & Roles

Create a small team responsible for:

• Proposal writing and outreach
• Donor communications and relationship management
• Financial tracking and reporting
• Content creation — photos, videos, success stories

2. How to Get Donations from Individuals

Individuals make up the backbone of many successful school fundraisers. Individual donors can be alumni, parents, local residents, or sympathetic strangers reached online.

2.1 Personal Appeals

Personalized appeals have a higher conversion rate than generic messages. Use what you know about the donor — their relationship with the school, past giving behavior, or interests — and make a tailored ask.

2.2 Crowdfunding Platforms

Choose platforms that are reputable in your geography. For India, popular platforms include Milaap, Ketto, and ImpactGuru. Global platforms such as GlobalGiving and GoFundMe are good for international visibility.

Tips for crowdfunding:

• Tell one compelling story (one student, one class) rather than too many stories.
• Use a short video (60–90 seconds) showing the need and the school environment.
• Set realistic targets and show progress bars. Offer small donor recognitions (social shout-outs, certificates).

2.3 Alumni Engagement

Alumni offer both funds and networks. Create an alumni database, host reunions, and run “Alumni Giving Day” campaigns. Offer simple giving options: monthly micro-donations or a one-time gift for a named purpose.

3. How to Get CSR Donations for School (India)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a major funding source in India. Companies with sufficient profits are required to spend at least 2% of their net profits on eligible CSR activities — education is a key area.

3.1 Understand CSR Priorities

Companies prioritize projects that are scalable, measurable, and aligned with their values. CSR teams look for:

• Clear outcomes and metrics (number of students reached, improvement in learning outcomes)
• Compliance and governance (registered entity, audited accounts, 80G/12A)
• Visibility and reporting (site visits, branding, impact reports)

3.2 How to Approach a Company

Steps to secure CSR funds:

1. Research companies whose CSR aligns with education (IT firms, manufacturing, banks).
2. Identify the CSR head or CSR team email — many firms publish CSR contacts on their websites.
3. Send a concise proposal (2–4 pages) with budget, timeline, and monitoring plan.
4. Be ready for due diligence: provide audited accounts, project visits, and references.

3.3 CSR Proposal Outline (Template)

4. How to Get International Donations & FCRA

If you plan to accept donations from individuals or organizations outside India, FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) compliance is essential. FCRA registration or prior permission ensures legal receipt and use of foreign funds.

4.1 FCRA Basics

• Apply for FCRA registration via the Ministry of Home Affairs portal.
• Maintain separate FCRA accounts and detailed records.
• Follow annual reporting and audit requirements — non-compliance can result in penalties.

4.2 International Donor Targets

Potential international donors include foundations (Ford Foundation, Gates Foundation), multilateral agencies (UNICEF), global NGOs (Save the Children), and diaspora networks. Tailor your proposal to the funder’s priority areas.

5. Online Fundraising: Website, Social & Email

Digital channels increase reach, lower fundraising costs, and let you accept instant donations.

5.1 Create a Donation Page

Essentials for a high-converting donation page:

• Clear headline (“Help 120 rural girls go to school”)
• Short emotional description and impact metrics
• Multiple payment options (cards, UPI, netbanking)
• Recurring donation option (monthly giving)
• Tax receipt automation

5.2 Social Media Strategies

Use platforms strategically:

• Facebook: Fundraisers, video stories, events
• Instagram: Visual stories, reels with student testimonials
• LinkedIn: Target corporate CSR professionals and alumni
• YouTube: Short documentary or campaign video

5.3 Email Campaigns

Build an email sequence: welcome message → story + impact → specific ask → thank you + result. Keep the ask clear and include a direct donation link.

6. Offline Fundraising: Events, Drives & Partnerships

Local, offline activities foster community ownership and repeat giving.

6.1 Events & Activities

• Charity Sports Day or Cultural Night (ticketed)
• Book donation drives with local bookstores
• Corporate volunteering days (skill-based volunteering + donations)

6.2 Partner with Local Businesses

Local shops, restaurants, and service providers can host collection boxes, conduct matching donation offers, or sponsor specific programs.

7. Copy Templates: Appeals & Emails

Use these ready-made templates and adapt them to your voice.

7.1 Short Email Appeal (For Individual Donors)

Subject: Help [Student name] stay in school – Rs 1,000 makes a difference

Dear [Name],

Our school in [location] supports 320 children, many from low-income families.
A donation of Rs 1,000 will fund textbooks and uniforms for one child for a year.
Please click here to donate: [donation link]

With gratitude,
[Principal Name]
[School Name]
      

7.2 CSR Outreach Email (Short)

Subject: CSR Partnership Proposal – Digital Learning for Rural Students

Dear [CSR Head],

We are seeking CSR partners to implement a digital classroom for 300 students in [district]. Our organization is registered (12A/80G) and has delivered proven education outcomes. Please find an attached 2-page proposal.

Regards,
[Name]
[Organization]
      

8. Transparency, Reporting & Donor Retention

Retention is more cost-effective than acquisition. Treat donors like partners.

8.1 Regular Reporting

• Quarterly email updates with photos, progress, and expenses
• Annual impact report with audited accounts
• Publish beneficiary stories and measurable outcomes

8.2 Donor Stewardship

Simple stewardship steps:

• Send immediate thank-you emails and receipts
• Share a short video or photo update within 3 months
• Offer recognition (newsletter feature, plaque, or event invite)

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10. 90‑Day Action Plan (Quick Start)

Follow this condensed plan to begin fundraising immediately.

1. Week 1–2: Ensure legal documents (12A/80G/FCRA) and open a donation bank account.
2. Week 2–3: Build a one-page donation landing page and set up payment gateway.
3. Week 3–4: Prepare a 2-page CSR proposal and a crowdfunding story with video.
4. Month 2: Launch crowdfunding + social campaign; send targeted alumni appeals.
5. Month 3: Follow up with CSR prospects and host a local fundraising event.

11. Additional Resources

• CSR portals: Company websites, Tata CSR Hub
• Crowdfunding platforms: Ketto, Milaap, ImpactGuru, GlobalGiving
• FCRA guidance: Ministry of Home Affairs (Government of India)

Conclusion & Call to Action

Raising donations for your school is a mix of preparation, storytelling, and persistent outreach. Use the templates and the 90-day action plan in this guide to start fundraising today. Remember: transparency, impact measurement, and donor stewardship turn one-time donors into lifelong supporters.

Get a Free Proposal Review — Need help drafting a CSR proposal or crowdfunding story? Contact our consultancy team for a free 30-minute review.