Family Fun Nights can strengthen literacy and math learning, family-school partnerships, student engagement, attendance, and school culture. Because these events support students and families, many community organizations may be willing to help.
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Know What You NeedDetermine the cost of your Family Fun Night and any additional school expenses, such as food or transportation. |
Build a TeamInvolve administrators, staff, PTA/PTO, and others who may know of funding sources or community connections. |
Assess Existing AssetsExplore existing school, district, grant, or family engagement funds before seeking outside support. |
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Always check existing funding first. Possible sources include: Title I (family engagement) Funds, Title III Funds (english learners and their families), Title VI Funds (American Indian/Alaska Native students and families), 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Family engagement allocations in existing grants, and/or district/school funds
Check with district or program leadership to determine what is allowable.
Local civic organizations frequently support youth and education. Examples: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, and the United Way
Ask for: Family events, reading nights, STEM activities, supplies
Many financial institutions have charitable giving, sponsorship, or community investment programs. Ask your local branch, even if you don’t see a formal grant program.
Ask for: Event sponsorships, literacy kits, supplies, food, and/or incentives
Community foundations are often a great starting point for small, locally focused grants.
Examples: Black Hills Area Community Foundation, South Dakota Community Foundation/local affiliates, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, other local community funds
Ask for: Broadly reaching educational activities, family learning materials, presenters, supplies
Consider utility companies, retailers, grocery stores, healthcare organizations, hardware stores, dealerships, manufacturers, technology providers, restaurants, and major local employers.
Ask for: Cash sponsorships, food, supplies, gift cards, prizes, printing, volunteers. Think about businesses where the school is a “customer.” For example, who is your utility company? Internet provider? The Midco Foundation awards up to $5,000 grants throughout the region twice per year. NorthWestern Energy supports a wide range of community activities.
Tip: Make a specific ask: “Would you sponsor our family literacy station for $500?” Consider offering sponsor recognition or a table at the event.
Funders are more likely to respond when they know exactly what their contribution will provide.
Request Example:
$250: Activity supplies or student incentives
$500: Take-home literacy or math materials
$1,000: Food, supplies, and family activities
$2,500+: Larger events with activities, materials, food, and presenters
Don’t overlook in-kind donations. Food, books, supplies, printing, prizes, gift cards, and volunteers can significantly reduce event costs.
Keep your request short and specific.
Include:
What the event is and who it will serve
How it supports student learning and families
The specific amount or item you are requesting
The event date
How the sponsor will be recognized
A contact person and deadline for responding
Sample Request:
“Our school is seeking community support for a Family Fun Night that promotes student learning and family engagement. Families will participate in educational activities, receive resources to support learning at home, and build stronger connections with our school. We are seeking [amount/item] to help support [specific need] for our [date] event. Your contribution will directly support local students and families.”
Think Small + Combine SourcesYou don’t need one funder to pay for everything. Consider an approach that combines School Funds + $500 Local Grant + Business Sponsor + Donated Food/Supplies = A Fully Funded Event |
A PTA/PTO, booster groups, alumni associations or other school partner could incorporate: Book fair, silent auction, basket raffle, bake sale, and/or community sponsorship wall
A successful event can raise funds for future family engagement activities while building community involvement.
Quick Tips
Start local. Community organizations are often most invested in local students.
Connect it to learning. Highlight literacy, math, attendance, engagement, local community, or another educational outcome.
Ask for cash & in-kind support. Small contributions from several partners add up.
Offer sponsorship opportunities. Let businesses sponsor a specific station, activity, meal, or resource.
Capture the impact. Take photos when appropriate.
Follow up. Thank sponsors and share results. Today’s $500 contribution could become an ongoing partnership.
Track: Number of students & families attending, activities offered, resources distributed, family feedback, photos, and/or Impact stories
Use these results to make your next funding request even stronger.
Whether you're exploring funding options or ready to start planning, we're here to help. Reach out to learn more about our Family Fun Nights and how they can support your school community.