Fundraisers For Schools

Fundraisers for schools come in many different packages, so the organizers are sure to find something that will fit their particular situation and time frame, while assuring them of a reasonable return for their efforts. Many companies promote fundraising for schools on the Internet, and some of them also advertise via their catalogs. Unless a school has established a traditional fundraiser that occurs every year (such as a special dinner), the task of choosing one can be daunting.

Before choosing which fundraisers for schools are worthy of consideration, there are some things the committee in charge must take care of to ensure success. While fundraising for schools appears simple, lack of organization can undermine the goal that has been set. Some of the preplanning chores include paying attention to events in the community so that your school's event is not taking place at the same time another similar event is taking place. Competition is not the name of the game. If selling a product is the means that has been chosen to raise money, the product should be checked out first. Selling something shoddy will not only result in unhappy customers, it damages the reputation of the school.

But what if you are not going to sell a product? What other kinds of fundraisers for schools might one choose from? Let's explore a few possibilities. A yard sale/garage sale is a possibility that provides a means for school families to get rid of things they don't want any more that someone else might be able to use, and have the money go to the school. A car wash is another very popular fundraiser that doesn't take a lot of money to set up, but takes a lot of labor. Spring and summer are the best seasons for that one. Seasonal sales of greeting cards and wrapping paper can bring in quite a lot of money because they are things people are planning to buy anyway. Athlet-a-thon events raise money while highlighting the talents of some of the athletes at the school. Getting people to donate flat amounts or sums for each lap run, accurate kicks, basketball baskets scored, etc. can be fun for participants and spectators alike. Walk-a-thons or bike-a-thons are equally popular, and don't require any special athletic abilities. Also, if the community isn't already inundated with this kind of fundraiser, a dinner made by parents and/or the cafeteria staff, and served by kids can be a good income producer.

Foods that appeal to the collective sweet tooth are always popular when doing fundraising for schools. Candies or cookies are usually well received, and if people want fresh-baked cookies, cookie dough can be sold. The profits from sweet foods can result in profits that are sweet as well. Discount cards from nationally known chain restaurants are popular for fundraisers for schools. Some of them offer "2 for 1" deals, and some have you buy so many items (sandwiches, pizzas, etc.) and get one free. Either way, both the customer and the school benefit from the program. The old adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach doesn't apply to men only.

The above-mentioned methods of fundraising for schools are one-time events, but some schools choose to have ongoing fundraisers that help the environment as well. Regular recycling of aluminum cans or newspapers can result in regular funds coming in to the school rather than the larger one-time splash of a sales or event fundraiser. Of course, the school would have to provide a collection site for these items, so that would have to be arranged ahead of beginning this kind of fundraiser for schools.

Making sure there are enough people to help with fundraisers for schools is important for the project to attain any kind of success. Without enough people to sell the product or do whatever is being done, the revenues won't be there. People are also needed to handle the publicity. Newspaper and radio ads, and flyers distributed to businesses, will get the word out about the event. Next in importance are clear written instructions. Team members need to know exactly what they are supposed to do, and if a product is being sold, they should have a script to follow about the product. This is especially helpful for children. They are not natural salesmen (usually), and a script will boost their confidence. Offering rewards for the most sales makes everyone work harder, too. The rewards should be something they will work hard to receive. Rewards for hard work are mentioned in scripture: "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 25:7)

Now that the most obvious ways to go about fundraising for schools have been laid out, go the Internet and search some more. Careful research to decide on exactly the right campaign for raising funds at your school will pay off in the long run. Choosing hastily, and having it turn out to be a misfit, can result in serious disappointments.

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