Elementary School Fundraising

Elementary school fundraising projects can be a lot of fun but they can also be a lot of work for the leaders who must carry them out from the planning stages to hopefully a successful conclusion. Since children are younger in these grades, most of the work is usually done by parents or teachers who are appointed or take it upon themselves to head up a committee for elementary school fundraisers. Even though there are billions of dollars a year allocated from consumer tax earnings that provide a free education through each state's public school system, there are always areas in each particular school that need added financial support. Athletics, fine arts, field trips, camps and equipment needs are always common areas that scream for more cash to operate successfully.

Children in the early grades are exceptionally enthusiastic when it comes to projects of any sort, especially those that involve group efforts. No matter how enthusiastic this age group is towards projects, however, most of the planning and supervision must be carried out by adults who are generally parents of the students. Getting the children involved is usually not a problem as long as the concept is organized, interesting and fun. A successful elementary school fundraising project usually revolves around a simple, easy to manage concept that is tried and proven. Although there are many new ideas for profit-making projects, a careful consideration of fail-proof strategies is necessary to insure a large profit margin.

Some ideas are hard to implement for this age group because of the intricate planning and step by step selling methods that may be required. Most local communities are open to educational projects that are worthwhile and will respond to a good idea that is helpful to all while still being relatively simple to execute. Many parents are busy and though willing to assist their children's schools in order to raise money for special projects, may not have lots of time to devote to a complicated concept. Simple, easy to manage, yet profitable elementary school fundraisers are the best choices for earlier grades. A few things to keep in mind when choosing an appropriate money making idea include the length of time, the cost, personnel, and equipment or material needed.

Most people who have been involved in raising money for charity or non-profit institutions generally suggest that the shorter the better when it comes to the duration of a project. Most plans are more successful when elementary school fundraising drives only last for a few weeks rather than several months. "...the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him." (Proverbs 12:14b) Enthusiastic workers tend to lose their excitement when the plan is drawn out for a long period of time. Prospective consumers grow scarcer as well, since they are usually part of a smaller group that is targeted. Shorter time periods tend to end more successfully and leave a good impression for the next important drive. Cost is another issue to consider when choosing the right plan for any promotion. The cheaper the better since most drives must be made on a shoe string budget in order to allow large profits.

Recruiting enough personnel to carry out a particular promotion is necessary but also difficult at times. Making sure that there are enough committed workers before choosing among the many possible elementary school fundraisers is critical to success. Even though grade school children wish to be helpful, they are not able to carry out all the responsibilities as can high school students, so recruiting enough adult workers is a must. The type of equipment or material used to implement the plan should be on hand at the school or very easy to find. Sometimes local businesses may allow an institution to borrow what is needed free of charge. For example, a balloon fundraiser may require a helium machine that will inflate balloons. This type of equipment may be borrowed from a florist shop or party shop in town that will consider this their donation to the drive.

Simple ideas that have proven successful for many grade schools have been ideas that involve recycling, walk-a-thons, candy or cookie sales, holiday festivals and yard sales. Elementary school fundraisers that involve recycling can be quite easy and still allow every child to be involved. Bringing things from home to add to the recycling collection involves little record keeping and smaller leadership involvement while still providing much needed cash. Cell phones, newspapers, batteries and aluminum cans are just some of the more common recycling materials that are part of many elementary school fundraising ideas around the country. Walk-a-thons are fun and easy as well and require almost no upfront investment in order to bring in donations. Parents and children can work side by side in this event and enjoy raising funds for any designated drive. Candy and cookie sales require more involvement and record keeping because of orders, deliveries and contacts that must be made. Festivals and institutional yard sales are usually a success when a local community comes out to support their grade school. There are many more ideas that can be researched online for successful money making drives to assist anyone who must plan the next fundraiser.

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images