From Visit to Commitment: How to Bring Supporters Into Your Story

Wildflower Schools
Jul 20
3 min read

Updated: 22 hours ago

This is based on Part 2 of Wildflower Foundation’s “School Fundraising” Professional Development (PD) series, yet written for anyone fundraising for community-led, project-based school work.

In Part 1, you built a compelling fundraising story—your foundation for inspiring support. Now, you know why your school matters, what you're working on, and how others can help.

So, what comes next?

In this post, we focus on showing your story in action. School visits are one of the most powerful—and authentic—fundraising tools available. Your school—in its sights, sounds, and spirit—is the heart of this strategy. By bringing donors into your daily world, you let them feel the impact.

Step 1: Recruit a Hosting Committee

Fundraising doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Creating a fundraising committee expands your circle of influence, perspective and ideas and helps you build a sustainable, community-powered fundraising approach.

Start by inviting 4–6 people who are committed, connected, comfortable engaging others, and capable of hosting a school visit.
- This could be board members, local business leaders, parents or friends and family in your network. Those who have strong networks in the community, have a real understanding of and appreciation for your school and are willing to reach out to invite others to learn more or make strong fundraising partners.
At your kickoff meeting, develop a list of potential guests to invite to school visits, assign visit slots, and set simple next steps: send invites to your host committee with email templates and your school one-pager by a clear due date.

Tip: Make everything as easy and user-friendly as possible—this dramatically increases follow-through.

Step 2: Invite People into Your Story in Action

Donor visits aren't enrollment tours. They're an invitation to feel what makes your school special and imagine what it could become.

Here’s a sample visit flow:

9:10am: Guest arrival and warm welcome
9:20–9:50am: Observation during the work cycle
9:50–10:05am: Debrief with you, the Teacher Leader
10:05–10:25am: Continued conversation with a committee member nearby or off-site

Prep with logistics (parking, ADA access), adult seating, and an observation guide to help guests “see” what matters.

Step 3: Make a Clear Follow-Up Ask

A guest leaves inspired—now what? Don’t let that moment pass you by. While it might not be the time for a direct ask, it is the time for a clear invitation.

Tailor your next step based on the visitor:

Foundation or corporate officer: “Does this align with your priorities?”
Civic leader: "Who else should we connect with?"
Individual donor: “May we schedule coffee to discuss support?”

Always have a number ready—some people will ask. "We’re aiming to raise $20,000 to grow a community garden where children can learn to plant, harvest, and cook nourishing food. Would you consider supporting?"

Tip: Asking for advice, feedback, or intros keeps momentum.

Step 4: Send Thoughtful Follow‑Up

The visit is only the beginning. Thoughtful follow-up can turn a good visit into a real partnership.

Send a personalized follow-up within 24–48 hours that:

Thanks them for visiting
Recaps highlights and shared interests
Confirm next steps (e.g., "Looking forward to that introduction to Lisa")
Offer easy-to-forward email template and/or one-pager

Step 5: Make It Repeatable & Sustainable

Schedule tours regularly (e.g., 1st & 3rd Wednesdays)
Have each host commit to 3–5 visits per year
Track invites, attendance, feedback, and outcomes in one shared system

Your school is already your most powerful story. This structure lets you share it consistently and invite donors into its future.

Related Resources

Interested in Starting a School? If you’re an educator with a bold vision, Wildflower may be able to help. Fill out our Start a School form to learn more.