As we gear up for wave two of Rocket Fund, we want to share our top tips for teachers who are looking to create a project, based on our experience with the projects so far.

1. Pick what you want

What do you want to raise money for? This may seem like a simple question, but it can also be a daunting one. As teachers, we know your time is limited, but how often do you think: "I would love to enhance my lessons with this awesome piece of technology, but I just haven’t got the budget"? This is what Rocket Fund is here for. Our aim is to help you try new tech in the classroom.If you’re not sure what you want, have a look at what other teachers have raised for.

Example projects coming in for the next wave include:

• spy cameras to watch wildlife
• a high-end PC for creating video games
• drones
• music tech equipment
• robot kits
• iPads
• Chromebooks for flipped learning.

Remember, the lower the target, the easier it will be to reach it! (Which is one of the reasons we cap projects at £1,500).

2: Create a pitch story

The best pitches we’ve seen so far, showcase to donors what the school wants and why. You can make your pitch more engaging by telling donors about the school and students, and highlighting how the equipment or resource would help your pupils with what they are currently learning.For a great example, see the summary from Deptford Green School’s project:

3: Add a video or images

Videos will add individuality to your pitch and may be the only thing a donor will view. For all media involving students, please seek parental permission before you submit projects on Rocket Fund.It doesn’t need to be a documentary, instead we recommend a short, simple film around 60-90 seconds long that can be shot on a smartphone camera. In the past, the best videos have involved students talking about the benefits of the technology and what they want to use it for.Watch an example pitch video (this project will be launched 1 June). Adding images to a pitch can also help to make it easier to take in for skim readers.

4: Think about your rewards

Rewards are a way for you to say thank you to a donor, but they don't need to be big or expensive (you certainly don’t want to give a gift that cost more than the donation itself).We recommend keeping rewards digital and tiering them. Personal thank you notes from the teacher or students can be heartwarming to receive. It also encourages donors to donate again, if you choose to fundraise for more projects in the future.An example of a good reward system:

5: Share, share, share

Tell your family and friends about your project before you launch. It will help you get off to a flying start.Once your project is live, remind them by sending a link to donate to your page. Everyone needs reminding (we’re all busy, right?), so don’t be afraid to ask twice.Then go beyond your personal networks - have you thought about other potential donors? Local businesses, parents or companies which run programmes in your school may also want to support your project (by sharing or donating).

What would Donna do?

For more inspiration, here’s some great advice from one of the teachers who raised £1,500 in our first wave.

We hope this has inspired you to launch your own project on Rocket Fund.

If you’d like to get involved, then start creating a project.

Our next wave is going live on 1 June, join us if you can.

If you have any questions, email us on: [email protected].

Image credits:

Sarah Housley - Digital Makers Project on Rocket Fund

Young People at Deptford Green School on Rocket Fund

Steve Harrison - Tech @ MPS Project on Rocket Fund