Charitable Giving and Elementary School Fundraising

Charitable Giving and Elementary School Fundraising

The fact is, an average giver to charity donates 3-5% of their income.  So why so many complaints about fundraising prices?  Why resistance to giving?

The dollars and cents

A fundraising item is about $10 and there is an actual value exchange - the buyer does get something in return.  This provides a significant donation to the group and is easily affordable.  Even in lower income brackets, $10 for a product is very likely still affordable.  For those who are truly unable to contribute, because we're talking school fundraising, they can bow out gracefully.

Schools will receive $4 to $5 in cash on a $10 purchase not to mention a slew of benefits for students, teachers and principals.  Things like prize programs, shipping, catalogs, order forms, marketing materials, customer service, teacher incentives and many more are all paid by top fundraising companies on top of the cash profit.

The reach expanded

Consider this.  A traditional elementary school fundraiser today allows parents to get support from anywhere and everywhere they would like. A catalog can be brought to work or shared with neighbors and friends. A $10 donation is not something that is unreasonable to ask.  What's more, the websites associated with today's top fundraising companies should allow for nationwide fundraising.  Some companies (see my company fundraising shopping site for example) allows for emailing and promotion via facebook and twitter!

If someone can't afford a fundraising item, it's easier than ever for their family and friends to!

Tax benefits

Purchases from non-profits are generally tax deductible.  I read on MSN money that about 25% of charitable donations is received back in real tax benefits.  If this is so, a $10 donation will really cost $7.50! 

Now, that's amazing!

Giving is good

So, to summarize, there doesn't need to be resistance to giving to schools if things are put into perspective.  If schools truly need money and they let everyone know how important the fundraiser is, revenue should follow.

The thing is, it is liberating to know that help can come from individuals such as parents, but also friends, co-workers, relatives and even facebook or twitter friends!

You can feel good about giving to schools & non-profits!

Ok, until next time!



______________________

twitter.com/believekids
school fundraisers

Catalogs full of stuff that people don't really want or need.

Have you heard that one?

It's the argument against product fundraising catalogs. I see it mostly on blogs in the late Fall when fundraising season is well underway and parents show some frustration with fundraising.

Mostly, it means that people don't need to purchase things.  I've done some thinking about this one and I'm calling B.S. - in the nicest way possible of course.

Today, most of the things we purchase are not true necessities.  If pure need were the standard by which we determined what we bought, there would be no restaurants, no bookstores, no glitter and rhinestone shirts and no sugary deserts.


I'm reminded of the early west, picturing a single pot on a stove, a few potatoes in a basket and nothing more.  One set of Sunday clothes folded neatly. A single chair on the porch.  Today, things are just different.  We have many outfits and more pots than we could ever use.  In fact, we don't need nice cars, cell phones or jewelry but that's just taking things too far :)

So, while it's true we don't need fundraising items, we don't really need most of the things we have.

Funds from fundraisers provide things kids really need so you can feel good about helping a kid inside the classroom!

Support school fundraisers!



Ok, until next time!

______

school fundraisers

When You Look Back... You'll Know You Made a Difference!

When you look back...
You'll know you made a difference
for your child's education.

Just like your parents did,
when you were a kid.

Pay it Forward...
Support School Fundraisers.

__________________

Just love the sentiment here.  I know fundraising has changed throughout the years.  When fundraising was fresh and new, everyone knew to participate and contribute. Today, more folks have forgotten to put children's needs inside the classroom first.  I feel this image captures the feeling of youthful spirit ready to learn and connect given the tools are in place.  Let's help children find their passion and support school fundraisers!

Ok, until next time!

__________________

twitter.com/believekids
pinterest.com/believejay/
School fundaisers