Frequently Asked Questions


What is SchoolSpark Fundraising?

We help schools raise money through custom discount card fundraisers. We connect with local businesses, create cards tailored to your community, and provide all the tools you need to run a successful campaign — with no upfront costs.

What is a discount card?

A discount card is a wallet-sized card that features exclusive offers from local businesses in your community — such as buy-one-get-one-free deals, 10% off, or a free dessert with an entrée. The purchaser can use the card at any of the listed businesses repeatedly for an entire year, making it a valuable way to save money while supporting local schools and merchants.

How does the discount card fundraiser work?

It’s simple:

  1. Your school gives us a wishlist of ~20-50 local businesses.

  2. We reach out and secure offers.

  3. We design and print your custom discount card.

  4. You run a 2-week campaign — risk-free.

  5. You keep 70% of all sales.

How many merchants will be included on the card?

Each discount card will feature 18 local merchants. We’ll begin by contacting the businesses on your wishlist and do our best to secure those first. If any are unavailable, we’ll reach out to other popular businesses in your community to ensure your card is full and valuable.

What types of businesses will be on the card?

We aim to provide a balanced mix so the card appeals to a wide range of families. A typical card with 18 merchants might look like this:

  • Food & Dining (40%) – ~7 businesses (pizza, coffee shops, casual dining, bakeries)

  • Retail & Shopping (20%) – ~3–4 businesses (boutiques, grocery, specialty stores)

  • Services (20%) – ~3–4 businesses (salons, car wash, fitness, dry cleaning)

  • Entertainment & Activities (20%) – ~3–4 businesses (mini golf, gyms, kids’ play zones, bowling)

This ratio can shift depending on the businesses your school community prefers. We always prioritize your wishlist first, then fill remaining spots with other popular, family-friendly options nearby.

How much can our school (organization) earn?

Schools keep 70% of all card sales. For example, selling 500 cards at $20 each brings in $7,000 in profit for your school.

Are there upfront costs?

No. We only print the exact number of cards you sell. There’s no risk of leftover stock or wasted money.

How much do the discount cards sell for?

Each card sells for $20. All of our calculations and payments are based on this set price. At $20, families find the cards to be an excellent value since most offers pay for themselves within 2–3 uses.

What materials will we get to promote the fundraiser?

We provide ready-to-use flyers, social media graphics, and digital links so you can share easily online and offline.

How long does a fundraiser take?

Most campaigns run for 2 weeks, but we can adjust based on your school’s schedule.

How do we get the cards?

At the end of your campaign, you send us your total sales. We print and ship exactly that amount of cards directly to your school.

How quickly will we receive the cards after ordering?

Cards are usually shipped within 2-3 business weeks after your campaign ends.

What happens if a business closes or changes their offer?

We work with reliable partners, but in rare cases where a business closes, the card still holds significant value from all other offers.