How to Get Parents Excited About Your Booster Club

Why Parents Hesitate to Join a Booster Club

Let’s be real. The phrase "booster club" is usually associated with "those people who want me to work for free" or "that group that always asks for money." Sound familiar?

If you’re a booster club leader, this perception might frustrate you — but the good news is: you have the power to change it. The secret? Make your club irresistible by emphasizing its positive impact, making participation fun, and ensuring parents see tangible benefits for their children.

Showcase the Financial Impact of Your Booster Club

Parents, sponsors, members, and donors want to know their time and money are making a difference. Instead of just asking for donations, show them where the money goes.

For example, did your booster club raise $25,000 last year? Great! Now break it down. How much went to new equipment, travel expenses, scholarships, or team gear? Provide data-driven insights to reinforce your club’s value:

• “Last year, our booster club provided $12,000 for new uniforms, $8,500 for travel expenses, and $4,500 for equipment upgrades.”
• “Over the past four years, we've invested over $100,000 into our school's athletic and arts programs.”

Post these impact reports on your website, social media, and in school newsletters. The more transparency you provide, the more trust you build.

Host Events That Bring Parents Together

People don’t just join booster clubs to work — they join for the connections, experiences, and a sense of belonging. Organize events that encourage parent participation beyond fundraising:

• Parent Socials – Host casual meetups at local restaurants or coffee shops to create friendships before asking for help.
• Volunteer Appreciation Nights – Recognize parent contributions with awards, shout-outs, and small gifts.
• Behind-the-Scenes School Tours – Give parents a look at how their support directly benefits students.

Leverage Storytelling to Create Emotional Connections

Numbers are great, but stories are what truly inspire action. Share success stories of students, parents, and teams impacted by your booster club. Examples:

• A student who was able to participate in a competition thanks to booster club funding.
• A parent who found a sense of community through volunteering.
• A coach explaining how booster club support elevated the team’s performance.

Feature these stories in newsletters, social media, and school events. The goal? Make every parent feel like their involvement has a purpose.

Comunicate Small Wins Frequently

Communicate small wins at every opportunity on social media, newsletters, etc:

• The winner of a 50/50 raffle.
• A group of volunteers at a planning meeting.
• Community members enjoying one of your events.

Use Digital Engagement to Keep Parents Interested

Busy parents need information at their fingertips. Make it easy for them to stay updated by leveraging digital tools:

• Email Campaigns: Send regular email updates with highlights, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Social Media: Post photos, success stories, and "behind-the-scenes" content to showcase your club’s impact.
• Website Updates: Maintain a well-organized website (use BoosterSpark!) to provide easy access to reports, event details, and membership info.

Offer Flexible Involvement Opportunities

Some parents want to help but worry about time commitments. Instead of making them feel like they must dedicate hours each week, offer multiple ways to contribute:

• One-time volunteer shifts (e.g., working a concession stand for an hour).
• Remote opportunities like social media management or website updates.
• Financial support options like sponsoring a specific program or fundraiser.

By giving parents different ways to get involved, you lower the barrier to entry and increase engagement.

Encourage Memberships & Sponsorships

Remind parents that their membership dues and sponsorships directly fund programs that benefit their children. Make the process simple and enticing:

• Offer tiered membership levels with exclusive perks (discounts, VIP seating, event access).
• Highlight local businesses that sponsor your club, encouraging other parents to support them.
• Use an online platform like BoosterSpark to streamline membership sign-ups and sponsorships.

People are not motivated to work for free, and they are not attracted to people who always ask for money. But they ARE attracted to positive reinforcement, projects that positively impact their family, and fun. Make sure your club is a constant source of those attributes, and communicate it to the community at every opportunity. Paint a picture of a club that is popular, successful, fun, and something people want to be a part of. Be sure to explain it is all made possible by memberships, sponsorships, fundraisers, spirit wear sales, and donations. After explaining all of that, invite people to become a member today.