Schoolpop

About Schoolpop

SchoolPop, which also operates under the name Power of Purpose (PoP!), positions itself in the school fundraising sector with a platform designed to facilitate donations for educational institutions. The company's primary clients are schools, and by extension, the students, parents, and community members who participate in fundraising activities. The market is composed of K-12 schools, including elementary and secondary levels, which are increasingly reliant on fundraising for everything from technology upgrades to arts and sports programs.

The business operates through a tech-focused platform that simplifies the fundraising process for schools and makes it easy for students and their families to solicit and receive donations. Revenue is generated by taking a percentage of the funds raised through its platform. Reports suggest that the company retains around 20% of all fundraiser proceeds. The platform supports various donation methods, including online payments and the tracking of in-hand cash and check donations. For donors who prefer a tangible product, the company offers an online store with over 500 items that ship directly to the customer, eliminating the need for school-based delivery.

SchoolPop's service is centered around event-based and program-based fundraising campaigns. Programs carry names like "Next Level," "Step It Up," and "STEAM Engine." A core feature of their methodology is to move away from traditional models like selling products or running laps. Instead, it focuses on a community donation platform that can be set up quickly. The company emphasizes student motivation through prize incentives and experience-based rewards for all participants, such as "glow parties" and "days of awesomeness." This model has drawn some scrutiny for practices like pressuring students to provide email addresses to qualify for incentive programs. A unique aspect of their platform is an optional "Acts of Kindness" feature, which allows students to document and share positive actions they perform during the fundraiser.