I need to vent about my son's private school parent teacher group and school board. The school burned down about 20 months ago. We are trying to raise funds to rebuild and get out of our temporary building. I spearheaded a contest to win our school 100 "coupon savings books" which when sold will net our school $3500. Only 10 people from the whole school submitted forms to the contest, including 3 from my family. We won the books! But, now the president of the group says we should sell the books for $30 each rather than the $35 value, because we have competition from some other groups selling the same books.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Agreed, $15K is a ridiculous amount. do they come with a guarantee? total funds raised or your $$$ back? lol.
here's a link to a grant program being run by Hamburger Helper www.myhometownhelper.com/
hope things work out without too much drama, i know exactly what you're talking about.
Personally, I think you should sell the books for $30, if others in the area are selling them for that price. Also, many of these coupon books are now available online for half price, so that could cut into your sales as well. Maybe you could sell the books with a note saying donations are accepted, and include a self addressed (not stamped) envelope with the address of the school?
I totally agree with you about the professional fund raisers. They sicken me because they take most of the profits that the school needs. Could you put together a website, listing all your fund raising ideas, and submit the url to your school board? Maybe they need to read and see your work for themselves?
Coming from an experienced fundraising group, I can tell you that those firms are meant for raising millions and the communities tend to feel a bit more "sold to" than feeling like a part of the efforts.
Don't give up on your group! It is important to keep the community involved in the fundraising because if the community doesn't feel they "own" the school, it won't be well-protected in the long run (something I learned at work for an architect).
I would point out that if the balance of your fund is only $15K, it wouldn't make sense to spend all of that money on something when they have yet to exhaust the fundraising efforts of the community. Obviously, the fundraising firm is going to ask you to cover their expenses for the galas or whatever they plan on arranging and you're going to be paying out more than you have.
I would strongly advise the members of your group to contact the school leadership and remind them that a professional group is unnecessary when dedicated community volunteers are available.
Good luck! I wish you the very best - fundraising is a tough situation even without people trying to spend all of your money!
Maybe you should have the group take a vote on what price to sell the books for. Then the matter would be settled by a vote without becoming a personal conflict.
Did they not have insurance on the building that burned down? Maybe someone should suggest insurance for the new building.
If things don't work out, you could always send your kids to public schools.
Are you familiar with the calender raffle fund raising idea? You sell a calender page,( whatever month you decide to do the raffle) for probably $10.00. Each day you hold a drawing for an amount that is printed on any given day, Each days winning name is put back so each one is able to win every day.
You shouldn't lower the price just because you have competition. It can give your potential customer the idea that the coupon books are not worth what you are selling them for and they won't buy.
May I offer a candle fundriaser with Mia Bella Gourmet Candles. Candle season starts with the beginning of school and many people love candles.
If you had just 300 student sell 5 candles each at a profit of $5/per jar, you would raise $7500. Just think of the possiblities if you have more student that sell even more candles.
If you would like more information, please feel free to send me an email: patty.wahm@gmail.com
Wishing you much success!
Patty Reiser
Wow! Raising money is often a difficult thing to do.
Our schools were tired of selling wrapping paper, candy, lightbulbs, donuts, and everything else.
We proposed a "Stay At Home Night."
Instead of selling anything, parents could make a donation to the school in the amount they would have had to "fork out" for the things their kids were selling. It was a BIG hit. Even the dad's appreciated not having stacks of donuts,lightbulbs, fruit, candles, nuts or what ever stored in their garage."cuz you know who ends up buying the most product.....the parents do.
Most people gave at least $25 dollars per child enrolled in the school. (this was several years ago, and $25 was a great amount then) The school got to keep the full amount......didn't have to send any to a company for their product. So in effect, the school actually made more money this way.
You might think about this way to raise $$$.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
