This post is sponsored by Four Diamonds
Childhood cancer impacts thousands of families in the U.S. each year, but it continues to be underfunded and depends on philanthropic support. As an educator, you’re in a great position to bring people together and connect the entire community to drive progress forward. Here’s how to support pediatric cancer research.
1. Build Your Team
The most successful fundraising efforts usually start with a small, committed group. Aim to build a team of four to eight people to help spread the workload. You may include fellow teachers, school staff, parent volunteers, and student leaders to bring in different strengths. Then, assign clear roles and responsibilities, such as committee chair, treasurer, marketing lead, and volunteer coordinator.
2. Choose Your Big Idea
You can tie activities into learning or keep them fun and community-focused. Here are a few simple ideas where the entire school community can participate and donate to childhood cancer research:
- Wear gold ribbons: Staff and students make, wear, and sell gold ribbons for a school day, donating the proceeds. Since the gold ribbon is a symbol for childhood cancer, this is a great way to raise both awareness and funds.
- Read-a-thon: Students collect pledges for every book they read over a month.
- Talent shows or sports tournaments: Bring the school community together through shared events.
- Coin wars: Every classroom competes to collect the most spare change.
3. Create a Budget
Once you choose your ideas, create a budget to keep your fundraiser grounded and on track. Start by listing every possible expense, including venue rental, supplies, marketing materials, food, entertainment, and any platform fees. Then, map out your potential income from donations, ticket sales, sponsorships, or small product sales. You can use past events or similar examples to make your estimate more realistic.
4. Spread the Word to Families
Good communication can make or break your efforts, so share simple messages across multiple channels. You may send notes home in student agendas, include details in your school newsletter, and post updates on official social media pages. Make it easy for families to take part by providing a direct link to donate to childhood cancer research.
5. Choose Trusted Organizations to Maximize Impact
Where you send your funds is just as important as how you raise them. Look for organizations that are transparent, community-driven, and have a proven track record. One of the best charities for childhood cancer research is THON. Widely recognized as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, it supports more than 5,500 children and families through Four Diamonds and has raised over $272 million since 1977.
Your school can participate by donating online, organizing independent fundraisers or joining community efforts like THON Athletic Events. Notably, 96 cents of every dollar you donate directly supports children and families impacted by childhood cancer at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Small Steps, Big Breakthroughs
Changes begin with simple actions. When you bring people together to support and donate to childhood cancer research, you help create opportunities for better treatments and move the world closer to a future where every child has a better chance.
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