Box Tops for Education is a long-running US school fundraising programme. Families buy participating products, and their school earns cash. For around 25 years, families clipped small “Box Tops” logos from packaging. Today, the programme works mainly through a mobile app that scans shopping receipts.
This guide explains how Box Tops works now, and how a school coordinator can run a successful programme.
How Box Tops Works
- Download the Box Tops for Education app (available on iOS and Android) and choose your school.
- Buy participating products at any store.
- Scan your receipt in the app, usually within 14 days of purchase.
- The app finds participating products and adds Box Tops to your school’s total, typically worth 10 cents each.
- Your school receives the money directly, to spend on what it needs.
Some stores let you link a loyalty card so purchases are counted automatically. The app also shows bonus offers that can earn extra Box Tops.
What About Old Clipped Box Tops?
Box Tops announced the move to digital collection in 2019. Packaging changed over a transition period, and the programme now focuses on the app. If your school still has old clips, check the official Box Tops website for current rules on whether they can be submitted.
How to Be a Box Tops Coordinator
Each participating school usually has a volunteer coordinator, often a parent or PTA member. The coordinator’s job is to encourage families to scan receipts and to manage the school’s account.
Getting Started
- Register as coordinator for your school on the official Box Tops website.
- Agree with the school or PTA how the money will be used.
- Check your school’s earnings and history in the coordinator dashboard.
Ideas to Boost Participation
- Explain it simply: send home a short flyer or message with three steps: download, select school, scan.
- Share a goal: “We are raising money for new library books.”
- Run friendly contests between classes, with a small prize.
- Use regular reminders in newsletters and social media.
- Invite grandparents and relatives, who can choose your school in their app too.
- Share results: show families what their scanning paid for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is one Box Top worth?
Typically 10 cents for your school per participating product.
Can I support more than one school?
Your earnings go to the school selected in your app. Check the app settings for current options.
Is Box Tops available outside the United States?
Box Tops for Education is a US programme for eligible US schools.
Conclusion
Box Tops is an easy way for families to support their school just by shopping as usual. With a simple message, regular reminders and a clear goal, a coordinator can turn everyday receipts into real resources for students.
