Appropriate School Fundraisers

Every year, a teacher, coach or principal get's in trouble.  Inevitably,  a school or group will offer a fundraiser that they created themselves that will draw fire.

They offer a fundraiser that infringes on parental rules or goes against a school code of conduct.

Last year, two fundraisers in particular drew fire and caused controversy.

1) Duct Tape Privates - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2469285/posts
2) Cash for Grades - http://www.newsobserver.com/2009/11/11/185460/district-nixes-cash-for-grades.html

In both these situations schools came up with their own fundraisers. Instead of using a trusted fundraiser or relying on professionals, they took chances that didn't work out. The point is raising just a little money while looking like a fool, is just not worth it.

You run the risk of totallly failing and ostrasizing parents for good. Take, for example, the article below.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/user-post-shine-bloggers-frustration-over-fundraising-for-kids-school-gets-picked-up-by-wsj-and-nyt-1537532

This is yet another example of trying to do a "unique" fundraiser and failing. There are fundraising profesionals and experts out there for a reason -- people whose job is to craft the perfect fundraiser for your school that will be successful, guaranteed. When planning your next fundraiser, the best thing you can do is consult a professional.