Elementary School Fundraising Criticism - I'd rather write a check

"I'd Rather Write A Check."

By far, this is the most common solution offered by parents to the fundraising industry.  You can see this sentiment posted in blogs and articles and seems like a great idea.  The problem is, it's not a new idea and it's not a particularly effective one either.

Take a look in September or so.  You'll see this one posted around the web.

Of course, I encourage schools to raise the most money in whatever effective, focused way they can.  If a check writing campaign works, great!  Go ahead and keep things simple and cash those checks.


I think what we'll find though, is that check-writing campaigns do not work as advertised.

If it were as effective as it would seem, every school would drop the fundraisers immediately and just ask for money or if it were legal, cut out the asking part and just send an invoice to be paid by parents.  The criticisms of fundraising would stop and schools would be satisfied.

The thing is, we know that public schools can't demand payment and we know some people can't pay.  So, that presents a bit of a paradox.  Schools need to charge but not all parents can pay.  Like it or not, traditional school fundraisers fill that gap.  I leave you with that for today.

I'm here if you have any comments or feedback.  Thanks!

Ok, until next time!

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Elementary school fundraiser
Fundraising pln

Why parents should support elementary school fundraising...

There is a business that supports elementary school fundraising.  It's not the biggest industry, and because most of what would be considered 'profit' goes to the schools and groups using the fundraiser, it's not the most profitable or attractive one either.

We know one thing is clear, schools need our help.

The thing is, parents should want the fundraising industry that supports elementary schools to be vibrant... alive and well.  They should support the companies and services developed for them that keeps fundraising fresh and new; effective and successful.

From what I hear though, parents would just like to write checks for less money than the sales they would make from their fundraisers and pay it themselves.  I guess that's fair enough.  Of course, the logic holds true more in times of prosperity, rather than in our current economic climate.  There are plenty of folks out there that can't just 'write a check' and even more that never get around to it.

Regardless, I hope parents begin to realize that many fundraisers go nationwide and by supporting fundraising companies, parents in essence share the responsibility instead of taking it upon themselves.

Instead of a parent writing a check that is really more of a fee, if many people were to contribute, the cost is shared and a community is a community. The community supports the needs of the schools.  I believe a reminder from time-to-time from our local school is the best way a school has to remind us that our neighborhood kids are important.

I hope parents come to realize that community support is the opposite of just paying a bill.  The industry is counting on it and I believe our children are as well.

Ok, until next time!

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Keep the conversation going at twitter.com/believekids
All this talk about support reminds me of spirit gear.
Fundraising pln

How to Raise $35,000 with One Check-Writing Fundraiser Letter

There's a lot of folks who would doubt that it's possible to raise thousands with just one letter.  It can be done and it's very possible.  I even offer proof.

But before I let you in on how this is easily achieved, I'll let you know that it's not the type of fundraiser that determines the giving.  It's the need.

The thing is, school fundraisers are often sent home without telling the parents why there is a need to raise funds.  "It's just because it is our fundraiser" is the reason for fundraising.

It's actually quite rare that a school wait until they really need money, clearly state why and how much they need and let everyone know just how important it is.

If a school needs money, the parents and community will rally around them.  Even from just one fundraising donation letter.
 
School fundraiser nets $35,000 to save programs


The example above illustrates just how easy it is to raise significant funds quickly.  The catch is you need a very compelling reason to fundraise and you need to get the word out from the top down. 

One thing to note in this example is that the principal took an active role in presenting the fundraiser.  This support goes a long way to making the need important.  Compare this to how most fundraisers are handled and it's clear why this fundraiser works while others may receive a lack-luster response.

So, can this school repeat this fundraiser?

The answer is a resounding 'perhaps'.  With donation drives, there isn't much incentive for parents to contribute beyond the scope of the reason funds are being raised.  So, if parents are receptive to another reason funds need to be raised, then yes.

If the reason is not sufficient or the need great enough, the fundraiser will fail to get the participation expected. If you look for articles on fundraising long enough, you'll realize that parents often suggest that they 'would rather just write a check right to the school'.  I challenge that sentiment as a general premise.  I actually know that they will not write that check if the need is not compelling.

So, there you have it - proof positive that a letter from the principal and a sufficient need to raise funds will generate results and a successful fundraiser.

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Thanks for looking.  I appreciate any sharing of this website.  If you take the need and support in this blog post and combine that with a quality elementary school fundraiser record dollars can be raised.  Regardless of what fundraiser you do and who you ask for help, remember that the need is paramount.  Combine this with support from faculty and fundraising success will happen.

I look forward to comments here on my blog or conversations via twitter - twitter.com/believekids

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