THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL FUNDRAISING
As parents, educations and responsible community members, we are all committed to ensuring that our schools have adequate financial support to educate our youngsters and to enhance their learning and social experiences.
Clearly when the purse strings get tightened that impacts all of us, and school and community fundraising campaigns are no different!
FUNDRAISING IN ONTARIO SCHOOLS
According to the 2008 Report Card on Ontario Public Schools (prepared by the People for Education), Ontario school boards reported a total of $596,000,000 in money raised through fundraising and other school-generated activities. These funds help support a variety of school activities that are not always covered by shrinking budgets, but which enrich and enhance the students' educational experience.
According to the same 2008 Report Card, parents at Ontario schools raise up to $500,000 per school each year to support such activities as school field trips, arts enrichment programs, computer support, sports programs and playground equipment.
It has been reported that 8 out of 10 parents purchase fundraising products to support their childrens' activities.
According to parent-teacher groups, the most profitable fundraising campaigns take place in September, October, February, March and April.
FUNDRAISING FOR YEAR-END SCHOOL TRIPS
One of the highlights of the school year for many students is the year-end school trip!
Unfortunately for many families the cost of these trips can be prohibitive, especially in a slumping economy.
All students deserve to take part in these school trips, which are often the milestone in their academic year!
Product fundraising is an effective way to help defray the cost of these year-end school trips and help level the playing field for all students!
Implementing a profitable and effective fundraising program can assist in allowing all students to take part in these educational trips, while maintaining their self-esteem, and allowing them to feel pride and ownership by participating in a successful school initiative!
PRODUCT SALES -- STILL THE MOST PROFITABLE FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE
According to a recent survey by the Association of Fundraising Distributors and Suppliers (AFRDS), product fundraisers are still the most profitable fundraising initiative and are one of the least labour-intensive ways to raise money.
Research indicates that 8 out of 10 parents purchase fundraising products to support their childrens' activities. According to the survey by the AFRDS to school parent groups, product sales (like chocolate and popcorn) consistently yield the best results compared to other types of fundraising programs, and utilize the least number of volunteers to run the program.
In times of a weakening economy and declines in discretionary spending, it is more important than ever to ensure that your fundraising efforts get the most bang for the buck!
TIPS FOR RUNNING AN EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
- Don't over-do it! According to the AFRDS survey, parent-teacher groups that conduct fewer overall fundraising campaigns have the most success, with those who limited the number of school-wide fundraisers having the most success. According to professional fundraisers, one or two well-executed fundraisers can raise more than triple the amount of money than many sporadic and ineffective campaigns. Especially in a slow economic climate, supporters tend to be more tentative about spending money. If they know the number and scope of the fundraisers you have planned during the course of the year, they can budget their spending accordingly.
- Direct your volunteer efforts to programs that have a good track record! Fundraisers can be a lot of work. Respect your volunteers' time and consider fundraising campaigns that have offer a good return on investment (product sales), and that are not overly labour intensive (product sales).
- Timing is everything! Choose the time of year that works best for your organization. Consider when you have volunteers available, when you need to have the funds raised by, and what other fundraising events might be taking place in your community during the year. According to the AFRDS survey, 7 out of 10 parent-teacher groups said their most profitable fundraising programs began in September, October, February, March and April.
- Utilize the expertise of your fundraising representative! Fundraising professionals are experts in their fields, and have been involved in many campaigns. Tap into their expertise. They have lots of tips and suggestions for running a profitable, effective and well-organized campaign. They know what works, what doesn't work and can help you decide the best format and timing for your campaign.
|
|
|
