Schools expand fundraising options

Las Cruces school organizations are expanding how they raise money, pairing online fundraising with long-standing traditions that continue to support student programs. 

While car washes, product sales and business sponsorships remain fundraising staples, digital campaigns are helping schools reach relatives, alumni and other supporters who live beyond southern New Mexico. 

The local approach reflects a broader trend. Double Good, a digital fundraising company that partners with schools, youth sports and community organizations, said more than 170 New Mexico organizations have used its platform, raising nearly $300,000. Since May 1, more than 60 summer fundraisers have generated more than $100,000, an increase of nearly 25% compared with the same period last year. Their official link to their website is www.doublegood.com

“We’re seeing youth organizations across New Mexico and the broader Southwest increasingly prioritize fundraising options that are digital, flexible and easy for volunteers to manage,” Jessica Doyle, Double Good’s chief growth officer, said in a written response. “Schools, sports teams, performing arts programs and community organizations are often operating with limited staff and increasingly busy families.” 

At Las Cruces High School, performing arts dance teacher and poms coach, Lisette Martinez said digital fundraising has become another way to connect with supporters while traditional fundraising continues to play an important role. 

“For safety reasons, traditional door-to-door fundraising is definitely limited now to mostly friends and family when selling items,” Martinez said. “However, in the last couple years, we have also included online donations where students can reach out to friends and family that live out of town and still receive support from far away.” 

Business sponsorships bring in the most money for the program, Martinez said, because businesses are often willing to make larger, tax-deductible contributions. Digital fundraising also comes with tradeoffs. 

“One downfall is that when using an online donation company, the company will take a percentage of the collected donations,” Martinez said. “We are basically paying for the convenience of reaching out further.” 

Doyle said digital fundraising reduces many of the logistical challenges associated with traditional campaigns by eliminating paper order forms, cash collection and product distribution while allowing supporters to contribute from virtually anywhere. 

Martinez said digital fundraising has expanded her program’s reach, but it has complemented rather than replaced traditional fundraising. 

“I definitely see the majority of the groups at LCHS still selling traditional items such as chocolate bars, discount cards or taking orders for popcorn, cookie dough, gift wrapping, school merch, etc. Car washes are still very popular,” she said. 

She said traditional fundraisers remain effective because they offer a personal connection between students and supporters. 

“I feel that most groups are sticking with traditional fundraisers because they are interpersonal with donors. Customers receive something in return, and they want to make sure their money is going to their specific athlete or program member.”