Crowdfunding Classcraft with PledgeCents
Crowdfunding a year of Classcraft Premium is now easier than ever. With PledgeCents, you can get your fundraising page set up in minutes. You’ll receive $1 per Facebook share of your page (up to $16 for individual licenses, or $250 for school licenses).
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Setting up your fundraising page for best results
- Getting the word out
- Marketing resources
- FAQ
Overview
By getting your community’s help through crowdfunding, you can continue to improve the classroom learning experience for your students and foster the 21st-century skills that are important to their success.
So what are you waiting for? We’ve put together this crowdfunding guide to help you make the most of this opportunity and reach your funding goal. Use these tips and the resources available within your PledgeCents account for the best results. Happy crowdfunding!
Ready to get started now? Create your fundraising page in minutes!
Setting up your fundraising page for best results
Let’s take a look at some simple things that you can do to make your PledgeCents fundraising page stand out so that you and your students can meet your campaign goal and get access to Classcraft’s Premium features.
All you need to get started is a free PledgeCents account. You can go live with a pre-configured Classcraft fundraising page in just a few minutes by visiting www.pledgecents.com/signup/event/classcraft.
Note: You can change your page’s content at any time, but using the pre-configured page is the fastest way to get set up.
Personalize
From your page title to your description, pictures, and more, add content that represents you, your students, your school, and how and why you are using Classcraft. Remember, you are calling for your community’s participation. Customizing your page with visuals and lots of fun, personal touches will tell them a story they can relate to.
Use pictures and videos
Use pictures and videos at the top of your page and in your description.* Try using content that your potential backers will recognize, like a photo of your school or a personal video message from you. Finally, and best of all, try to show Classcraft in action by capturing students’ excitement during a random event or Boss Battle.
*Only video URLs can be added to the page description. PledgeCents currently does not support embedding in the description field.
Getting the word out
It only takes a few generous backers to reach the funding goal needed to get you and your students a year of Classcraft Premium. Let’s help you have the best odds in getting them to hear about your cause!
Know your audience
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Even though backers from around the world can help you achieve your goal, your biggest fans will be right in your backyard. Wherever your community congregates, be it online or offline*, opportunity awaits.
Look to these local organizations to help you spread the word:
- Newspapers
- Radio stations
- The PTA
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Faith organizations
- Sports teams
- Etc.
Most of these organizations should have Facebook pages and/or groups, so don’t forget to ask them to include a share as part of their support!
*If you are printing materials, you might find it hard to point people directly to your fundraising page since the PledgeCents URL is very long. You can always try shortening the URL with a tool like Bitly to make for a more easily typed URL. Some people are less familiar with these kinds of URLs though, so again, know your audience.
Get students and parents involved
Try motivating students by incorporating the success of the fundraising into Classcraft itself! A letter home to parents works well, but a handwritten letter created by a student works even better! The opportunities to get students involved through Classcraft are endless as long as you’re creative.
Should you decide to also send an email, PledgeCents has a great resource for you here.
Ask friends to help on social media
Social media remains the fastest and easiest way to tell others about your fundraising. Share from your own account on Twitter or Facebook — or, if you don’t use social media, ask a friend who does, especially if they’re active and have a decent following. Their share might be worth more than an actual donation.
Use the sharing buttons on your PledgeCents page, and feel free to incorporate any of the assets from our marketing resources.
Marketing resources
Below are some resources that will get you on the right path to creating a great fundraising page and spreading the word to your community. But remember, putting a personal touch on your fundraising efforts will get you the best results!
Use these images to promote your fundraising page!
Social mention
Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using our handle @classcraftgame. We’ll reshare your post with our followers!
Example images
Use images in your page’s description for a greater impact. Here are just a few examples of pictures you might want to include.
You and your students using Classcraft in your classroom
Student engagement
Students working together
Videos
FAQ
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about funding Classcraft with PledgeCents.
Should you have any other questions related to fundraising for Classcraft, please contact us on our live chat or at support@classcraft.com.
Q: How does Facebook share matching work?
A: Shares include using the “Share” button on your fundraising page, copy-pasting the page URL onto Facebook, as well as any re-shares of your Facebook posts. Your shares will be calculated every 24 hours, and donations will be updated accordingly.
Q: What happens if I don’t reach my funding goal?
A: Whether you reach your campaign goal or not, as long as you reach the minimum threshold, we will apply the amount you raised to the purchase of a Classcraft Premium annual subscription.
Q: What happens if I exceed my funding goal?
A: Should you exceed your goal, you have the option to end your campaign early by contacting PledgeCents. Alternatively, you can wait until your scheduled campaign end date to receive your full year of Classcraft Premium. Remaining funds will be sent to your school for you to use at your discretion.
Q: What’s next after my project is completed?
A: Once your fundraiser is completed, whether you’ve reached your funding goal or not, a member of the Classcraft team will reach out to you directly. If for some reason you have not heard from us, you can contact support@classcraft.com.
Q: Is PledgeCents only available in the U.S.?
A: No. PledgeCents can also be used by teachers in Canada and the U.K.
Q: Is PledgeCents only for K-12 teachers?
A: No. Anyone (from Pre-K all the way through college/university) can use PledgeCents to help fund anything for their classroom that they want or need.
Q: Are there any legal or tax implications that teachers should be aware of?
A: PledgeCents never sends funds directly to people like other sites do, so it’s not considered taxable income. When you raise funds for a partner such as Classcraft, PledgeCents purchases Classcraft for you and sends an email to you and your principal so everyone is in the loop. If you raise funds for a non-partner, PledgeCents sends the funds directly to your school so the funds are tax-deductible and go through proper reporting procedures.
PledgeCents also sends tax receipts to people who help fund your campaign so that they can receive their tax deduction should they choose to.
Q: Are investments tax deductible?
A: Yes. Your backers will receive a confirmation email from PledgeCents after backing your cause that includes their federal EIN number.
Q: Who do I contact to edit or remove my fundraising page?
A: Your fundraising page can be edited anytime by accessing your PledgeCents account dashboard. You can also contact PledgeCents support by using their on-site chat or by emailing them at info@pledgecents.com.