Ah, the “middle” stage of parenting. When all the kids are school-age and you feel some of the fog lift from the little years. But there’s one thing I didn’t anticipate causing stress:
All the things we would need to donate to, pay for, and contribute towards during the school years.
Don’t get me wrong – I love the sports my kids have become involved in, and I don’t think twice about donating to our school PTO or contributing towards that end-of-year teacher gift. But the stress of writing checks, using Venmo for different people, and all the e-mail back and forth? That I can do without.
Enter Cheddar Up!
I was first introduced to Cheddar Up this summer when I enrolled my twins in golf lessons through the LPGA. It was so seamless – I was able to enroll them and pay all through the same portal, and now I receive updates on special events and camps they are hosting, and can both sign up AND pay in just a few, easy steps!
What is Cheddar Up?
Cheddar Up is a FREE online platform that allows groups and organizations to collect sign-up forms, money for payments, manage events, and even fundraise all in one place.
You can manage contacts, see whose payments are due (and who has paid), customize each separate event and contributions, and specify payments for specific things (e.g. individual teacher gifts, jersey or gear options, etc.).
Who Can Use Cheddar Up?
Anyone! Whether you are hosting a neighborhood or school party, planning a book club or mom meet up, fundraising for a cause, or collecting payments for a group gift, Cheddar Up is meant for you! Any size organization or group can use it, and with their free plan you can get started in no time.
How Does It Work?
It’s super easy to start – all you need for a free account is your name and e-mail (organization or group name is optional), then you can start creating your “collection.” No credit card is needed to sign up, and you don’t need a paid plan to use Cheddar Up.
Once your account is set up, you can start creating a “collection,” or a specific event you need to collect money for. You can customize each collection with a name, and the specific items you are seeking payments or sign-ups for. You can even leave the amount open (say, for contributions towards a teacher gift), or have a set amount if the money is for a specific item (e.g. a jersey, donation item, or activity fee).
How Are Payments Collected?
Payment through Cheddar Up works best with a credit card, but you can choose the option to collect by cash or check (you will need to submit these payments manually yourself). As you collect payments, Cheddar Up securely holds your funds until you are ready to make a withdrawal to a connected bank account. The best part? You can withdraw as many times as needed at no extra cost to you!
Watch this video from Cheddar Up to see how it works!
How Can I Use Cheddar Up for Sign-Up Forms?
Cheddar Up also allows the use of forms, waivers, and sign-up sheets to manage your group or organization. If you need to collect information as part of your event or activity, there are a number of options via forms to gather the info you need. If you want to utilize the sign-up forms for volunteer shifts, PTO committees, or even a meal train for friends or family, Cheddar Up allows you to create an easy sign-up list or even a schedule.
Who is Cheddar Up made for?
While anyone can use Cheddar Up, it is a perfect platform for groups and organizations. Here are some examples of who uses Cheddar Up:
- Parents (group gifts, neighborhood parties, meal train sign up and donation)
- PTO/PTA (committee sign ups, donations, fundraisers, meetings and events)
- Mom/parent groups (sign up forms for meetings, membership dues, meetings and events)
- Non-profit organizations (fundraising, events, volunteer sign-up)
- Teachers (classroom donations, field trips, classroom volunteer sign-up)
- Youth organizations for sports, afterschool, etc. (donations, snack sign-ups, uniforms and other gear, registration)
The possibilities are endless!
Why I Wish More Groups Used Cheddar Up
We’ve all been there – a school paper sent home gets lost, we can’t find that sign-up e-mail, or we get confused on where to pay what and to whom. Cheddar Up is such an easy, streamlined place to both manage sign-ups AND payments, all in one place. I’d love to be able to donate to the classroom, sign my kids up for activities, and volunteer for a PTO event all in one easy to manage spot. I highly recommend it to anyone in a leadership position – I know I’ll be using it!
Super Organizers: Try a Team or Pro Plan
If you find you are in charge of organizing multiple events or sign-ups at once, or you are involved in an organization that needs a bit more options, try a Team or Pro plan! These plans offer unlimited forms and sign-ups, timers and start/stop times, discount codes, recurring payments, and ticketing options.
