Introduction: The Magic of Author Visits
Bringing an author into your school can ignite a passion for reading and writing among students. But let’s face it—the elephant in the room is… how to fund an author visit. Budget constraints can make this seem like a daunting task. Fear not! With a blend of traditional methods and innovative approaches, funding an author visit is more attainable than you might think.
And if you’re here thinking, “Cool, but I’m one PTO meeting away from faking my own death,” I got you. This post is your roadmap to funding glory—with tips, links, and hacks that won’t require selling your plasma or convincing your cousin’s band to headline a school concert. (Though honestly… if they’re good, call me.)
💰 How to Fund an Author Visit With Traditional Funding Sources
Whether you’re wondering how to fund an author visit through traditional methods or looking for innovative solutions, you’ve got options. Grants, PTA support, and even Title I funding can be utilized to bring an author to your school.
1. Grants and Educational Funds
Numerous organizations offer grants specifically for educational events like author visits:
- State Arts Councils: Many states have arts councils that provide grants for cultural events in schools.
- Literary Organizations: Groups like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) offer grants such as the Amber Brown Fund.
- Title I Funding: Schools receiving Title I funds can allocate a portion towards author visits, especially if they tie into literacy programs.
Pro Tip: Start your grant applications early, as deadlines can be months in advance.
🔗 Looking for an easy place to search multiple funding opportunities? Try the NEA’s Grants and Funding Directory from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Don’t let the word “grant” scare you off—it’s just adult code for “free money if you fill out some paperwork and promise to spend it on something good.” And you know what qualifies? Inviting someone into your school who makes kids excited to read. That’s basically a literacy unicorn. Go chase it.
2. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs/PTOs)
Your school’s PTA or PTO can be a valuable ally:
- Direct Funding: They might allocate funds directly for the visit.
- Organizing Fundraisers: Collaborate on events like bake sales or book fairs.
- Community Outreach: PTAs often have connections with local businesses for sponsorships.
🔗 Want inspiration from real schools? Check out National PTA’s Success Stories.
If your PTA is like most, they’re just waiting for someone to pitch something that isn’t another spaghetti dinner. This is your moment. Pitch the idea of an author visit and suddenly you’re the brilliant hero who brings storytelling magic to campus—and didn’t even ask anyone to wear a hairnet.
🎉 How to Fund an Author Visit With Creative Fundraising Ideas
Get the entire school community involved by organizing fundraising events like read-a-thons, dress-up days, and art contests. Here’s how to fund an author visit with some out-of-the-box fundraising activities:
1. Read-a-Thon
Encourage students to read as many books as possible over a set period, collecting pledges for each book or page read. This promotes literacy while raising funds.
2. Themed Dress-Up Days
Organize days where students can dress according to a theme (e.g., favorite book characters) for a small donation.
3. Art and Writing Contests
Host contests where entry fees contribute to the author visit fund. Display entries during school events to boost participation.
4. Community Yard Sale
Collect donated items from families and host a yard sale. It’s a great way to declutter and raise money simultaneously.
🔗 For more creative and fun ideas, take a look at PTO Today’s Fundraising Ideas Library.
Here’s your chance to turn chaos into cash. Honestly, what’s more satisfying than watching a table of half-used puzzles and suspiciously sticky board games fund a life-changing author event?
Pro tip: Let kids vote on the fundraiser theme, slogan, or topic and suddenly everyone is invested. Especially if the prize involves duct-taping a principal to a wall or playing with a room full of puppies.
🌐 Cost-Effective Alternatives
If you’re looking for affordable options, learning how to fund an author visit through virtual sessions or shared visits with neighboring schools can save you both money and stress. These cost-effective alternatives can bring authors directly to your students without breaking the bank.
1. Virtual Author Visits
Many authors offer virtual visits at a reduced cost. Benefits include:
- Lower Fees: No travel expenses involved.
- Flexible Scheduling: Easier to fit into school timetables.
- Broader Reach: Ability to connect with authors from different regions.
2. Shared Visits with Nearby Schools
This is one of my favorites. Do you have a sister school? If not, wouldn’t it be fun to find one? Coordinate with neighboring schools to share the author’s time and expenses. For example, one school hosts a morning session, and another hosts an afternoon session.
🔗 Looking to explore more about virtual options? Read this School Library Journal piece on how librarians are making virtual author visits work.
While nothing beats having a real live author on site, virtual visits are like the sweatpants of author events—comfortable, budget-friendly, and surprisingly classy if you add a little flair. Same storytelling, plenty of kid excitement, and less stress about the mic not working or the projector being last updated in 1998.
🛠️ Actionable Resources
To assist in your planning and fundraising efforts, here are some downloadable resources:
- Author Visit Planning Guide: Everything you need, including step-by-step checklists to organize a successful visit. It’s FREE. Just sign up for my newsletter.
- Need help organizing your approach? The American Library Association’s Programming Librarian toolkit has great templates and planning tools—even if you’re not a librarian!
Don’t reinvent the wheel—steal mine, or theirs. Well, borrow it. All these tools are here to help you look like a rockstar planner even if you’re just over there googling “how to run a school event without crying.” You’ve got this.
🧠 Conclusion: Bringing Stories to Life
Funding an author visit might take some planning, but now that you know how to fund an author visit using both traditional and creative methods, you’re ready to make it happen! Use the tips, resources, and ideas from this guide to create an unforgettable literary experience for your students.
You don’t need a giant budget to make big magic happen. You just need a spark, a plan, and maybe someone willing to be dunked in a tank for the cause (I’m not saying it’s me, but I’m not not saying it). Now go forth and bring a storyteller to your school—they’ll thank you for it. So will the kids. And probably the librarian. Maybe even the janitor.
❓ FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
How far in advance should we plan an author visit?
Planning an author visit ideally takes 6-12 months in advance to secure funding, book the author, and arrange logistics. That said, if you need more time to get funding you can plan further in advance than that. I’ve booked visits up to 18 months early.
Can we combine funding sources?
Absolutely! In fact, the more sources you can find the better. Schools can use a mix of grants, PTA funds, and fundraising events to raise money for author visits.
Are virtual visits as effective as in-person ones?
While different in format, and often lacking the energy and interaction provided by an in-person visit, well planned virtual visits can be highly engaging and offer unique opportunities for a school that can’t bring an author in person.
How do we approach local businesses for sponsorships?
Prepare a proposal outlining the benefits for the business, such as publicity and community engagement. There’s a template and more for this in my Complete Guide to Hosting Successful Author School Visits. You can get it FREE just by signing up for my newsletter.
What if we can’t raise the full amount?
Consider scaling the event, opt for a virtual visit, or even better, partner with other schools to share costs. Many authors, including me, offer great multi-school options. All you have to do is ask.
