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Fundraising Ideas
Every organization needs more money to help finance their programs. Different clubs and activities within the organization are usually charged with raising money for their club or activity. Sometimes they end up selling candy, frozen pizza, discount cards, greeting cards or something else.
There is a lot of paper work with these types of selling activities. It is usually easier to sell something if you have the product in hand, like a candy bar. Unfortunately, many organizations end up "eating" the costs of some of these selling programs because irresponsible students or indolent parents refuse to pay for products that their family consumed--without paying! Of course, the school or the sponsoring organization ends up paying, and some even lose money!
That is why many organizations take orders for items rather than sending students out with actual product. This helps account for all orders, and the money is collected when the product comes in. Some organizations get stuck because the customer changes his/her mind after ordering. Sometimes the customer has to pay up front, but this could lead to products ordered, paid for, but not delivered. As you can see, this concept isn't foolproof!
There are some private companies that are willing to help with this endeavor. Box Tops for Education, for example, has helped America’s schools earn over $400 million since 1996. By clipping Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products, a school can earn cash. Also, Box Tops offers ways to earn even more money for a school online.
A student car wash is popular in some areas. Students find a company to sponsor them and let them use their facilities. Finding volunteers is a problem sometimes, and keeping the "workers" serious enough not to damage a "customer's" vehicle can be a chore! Students usually have fun with the car wash fundraisers.
APA Style: Invernizzi, J. (2011). "Fundraising." Retrieved November 27, 2011, from EducationDx, USA.
Web site: http://www.educationdx.com/fundraising.html.
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Competition
Other groups, like church, social or youth organizations use fundraisers. It is important to coordinate efforts so that several groups aren't selling the same products at the same time. This can occur in the community as well as within the same institution, e.g., several clubs within the same school building.
Also, if not coordinated, siblings and other relatives may have to compete for limited family resources. Family get-togethers can become a nightmare. There are limits on how much stuff people will buy--especially if they are just being nice!
Some fundraisers aren't as competitive. With Box Tops and other company-sponsored fundraisers, competition can be fun, and doesn't have to leave casualties. This may require parents/guardians to set down a few rules like taking turns submitting box tops and other redeemable coupons to individual classrooms or organizations.
Recycle
There are many different ways to raise money for a school or other organization. As mentioned above, some involve selling and others involve collecting box tops and coupons.
Some clubs or organizations collect recycle materials to make money. It can be a "donate your old items" or a "clean-up" activity. Either way the public benefits as well as the collectors.
Donations
There is always the collection box or bucket. Standing in the mall, near entrances to certain businesses or going door-to-door is a method some use. One main problem with this is the competition. There are many legitimate organizations, like the Salvation Army and local fire departments, that request donations. Sometimes people reach their financial and/or psychological limits as to how much money to "give away."
Furthermore, we are used to getting something in return for a donation. Just giving some cash is okay to some, but getting even a small token item is expected.
Finally, many people question where the money goes when they donate to an open can or bucket. The news is full of scams operated by dishonest people collecting money under the pretense of charitable organizations. This hurts legitimate organizations and honest people who sincerely want to help others and their school/organization.
All Rights Reserved ©2011 John A. Invernizzi, Ph.D
Recycle
Family
Feud
Fundraising
(or Fund-Raising or getting money)
Fundraisers
Fundraising efforts are used by schools, religious groups, youth groups, and other organizations.
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Some items, like candy bars, are often "stolen" in school and/or on the way to and from school. It is usually the "sellers" responsibility to come up with the cash when s/he claims that the "goodies" were stolen by some unknown perpetrators! Some items REALLY do get stolen, and sometimes they just "disappear."
Check state and local laws as well as getting permission from mall management before soliciting donations or selling products.
Will your $ get to the intended organization? >>>
Multiple people always present and adult supervision may help cut down on unintended consequences!