We have worked with our industry partner utilizing the fundraising platform Groundspark to develop a financial assistance program that fits the needs of our community. Alleviating the pressure of starting a campaign from scratch, PlayVS Fundraiser allows schools to seamlessly create fundraising campaigns to cover their program expenses.
Similar to school booster clubs, cheer teams, and band programs across the country, we feel that esports programs can successfully raise funds for competition, travel, and equipment needs. For those new to crowdsourcing funds, PlayVS Fundraiser aims to simplify this process, allowing for coaches and students alike to raise money for their program.
Creating a Fundraiser with PlayVS
During the enrollment period, schools will see the option to Fundraise for Your Program when asked about payment to cover league fees.
It takes around 15-20 minutes to properly set up a fundraiser for success. We encourage you to set some time aside with your students to build your campaign!
To create a fundraiser:
On the Program Access pop-up, select Fundraise for Your Program.
On the next page, indicate the number of Players Fundraising.
This number helps estimate a unique fundraising goal for each player, but does not affect the total number of participants you may add to your campaign.
To start, this is set to the number of players at your school.
Once selected, view the generated Campaign Goal, then click Create Fundraiser.
This goal is equal to the access fee(s), plus the fundraiser platform fee of 10%.
Once clicked, you’ll be taken to the PlayVS Fundraiser landing page.
Note the steps provided. Once ready, click Let’s Go.
Add the participants for your fundraiser by:
Uploading a participant list (manually or via uploaded file)
Printing your unique QR Code for future participants to scan
Scanning the QR Code
Copying the Groundspark link to share with your fundraiser participants directly.
Once ready, click Next to create your fundraising campaign.
Managing your PlayVS Fundraiser
PlayVS Fundraiser utilizes Groundspark to host all campaigns and send messaging on behalf of campaign managers and participants. More information on Groundspark can be found in the FAQ.
Customize Your Campaign
Let your community know why you are fundraising by adding a reason for your campaign.
Connect your school’s social media accounts (if applicable).
Upload Your School Logo (or create your own using the tool) and open your Team Store.
Add More Participants
At any time from the Dashboard, you may view the QR Code to add participants.
Participants can scan or use the link to:
Enter their First and Last Name
Add the contact information for at least one (1) Parent/Guardian
Add their own contacts to send their personal campaign link to.
Upload their own personal photo, and connect with their own community via social media.
Submitting a Donation
Donating to your school’s program has never been easier. Once you’ve opened the fundraiser page:
Select the player you are supporting (or elect to provide the donation to the entire team).
Players will be selected automatically when using their individual shared campaign link.
Enter your name (or leave blank to give anonymously).
Choose an amount that you’d like to give.
Enter your card information or use Google Pay
Click Donate
If the school program has set up their Team Store, you’ll have the option to add customized merchandise to be sent directly to the participant you are supporting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if my school doesn’t reach their fundraising goal(s)?
PlayVS is committed to ensuring that no school is unable to compete due to financial constraints. Schools that remain in good standing will be eligible to compete on the platform.
Steps to keeping your program in good standing include:
Complete all Campaign Tasks listed on your unique Dashboard
Average at least ten (10) contacts per Campaign participant.
Complete a Flash Raise
Share your Campaign with your community on social media.
Respond to inquiries from PlayVS regarding your Campaign
What is the fundraising platform fee?
Groundspark charges a 10% platform fee on the funds your program raises through your campaign. More information can be found in the Groundspark Terms.
What is Groundspark?
Groundspark is the platform PlayVS is utilizing to help our community kickstart their fundraising efforts for the scholastic year. More information on this partner can be found in the links below.
About Groundspark
Where can I submit feedback on the Fundraising tool?
Feedback and suggestions of any kind may be submitted at any time to PlayVS Support.
What is the Team Store?
The Team Store is an automatically-generated set of physical merchandise with your school’s logo on it. Donors may elect to purchase physical items as well for the participant they are donating for.
What is a Flash Raise?
Perfect for events and broadcasts, Flash Raise is an opportunity for schools to create excitement for their community with an instant fundraiser that is tracked LIVE.