How to Help Fundraise for Your Schools

A good school is one that has many fundraising opportunities in place throughout the year. The funds from these efforts may be used to ensure the continuation of programs such as art, drama, music and PE. Parents can get involved by following the advice below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A little bit of time to participate
• Desire to contribute to a worthy cause

1. Direct giving. Establish a school fund to which the families can give cash. State a specific requested amount in the pamphlets, but indicate that all contributions will be welcome and encourage families to give what they can afford. Do not list the contributors or otherwise embarrass the families who cannot give. If families cannot pay a lump sum, set up an installment plan. This way there is a better chance everyone can participate and have a sense of teamwork and community, and the school will still benefit from this long range plan.

2. 
    

   Business participation. Ask area businesses to sponsor the school. They can donate directly or sponsor tournaments or contests. Request sponsorship especially from businesses owned by parents or alumni of the school. Thank them by listing their businesses as sponsors on the school website.

3. 
    

   Fundraising Products. There are product providers who market themselves to schools for the purpose of fundraising. Popular items are gift wrapping and candy. Parents can sell to friends, family, co-workers and others.

4. 
    

   Events. Organize events like dinner-dances, auctions, book fairs, walk-a-thons and carnivals. In a walk-a-thon, along with the pledged funds, money can be earned with booths set up to sell products, and lunch, drinks and snacks offered for sale. In the first couple of months of school, you can assemble a team of organized parents who will coordinate a holiday dinner-dance/auction.

5. 
    

   School Spirit Clothing. Help the school order clothing with the school name and logo. Offer these to the school community. To show that they are proud of the school, students, teachers, parents, and grandparents will be happy to buy baseball caps, sweatshirts and t-shirts, and other items your team creates.

6. Be creative. Use your imagination to produce new opportunities to make your school a fun and exciting place to learn.

[LissaK]

on 2/16/2009 These are good tips, anything that works to further education is good. :)

[cortri2]

on 2/13/2009 Definitely a worthy cause, Great info!