In the current economic environment, many school systems are facing cutbacks in state budgets and services. That means that more parents, teachers, and administrators will be heading up fund raising projects to raise money that will replace reduced state allocations.
If you plan to be part of a fund raising drive, you probably expect to contact parents and extended families. But what about the school's local community? There may be untapped funds available for the asking. Here's what to do:
1. Promote the fund raiser publicly. Write brief press releases and short advertisements for the community newspaper. You also may want to send information to surrounding communities' publications if your need is great or the project is unique. Use clear, direct phrasing to make the point simple yet bold, and emphasize the goal for collected funds:
"Jefferson Elementary School to start fund drive for sixth grade computers"
"Lincoln Middle School looking for new textbook funding"
"Memorial High School seeks local support for football uniforms"
When readers know what the money is for, and the that the project is close-ended when the required amount is donated, they may be more likely to make a contribution even when they don't have children enrolled in the school.
2. Join civic groups. Encourage teachers, parents, and administrators to attend meetings of local groups like the Kiwanis, Lions, or Rotary. These organizations often support educational goals and may be more likely to contribute to your school if they know someone who is affiliated with it. Participating in town council meetings, library board meetings, and other community events keeps the school's image in the minds of local decision-makers and benefactors.
3. Create a presentation or display. Ask students to help prepare a presentation with handouts that can be shared with the above-mentioned groups or Chamber of Commerce functions. The presentation should be brief, attractive, and focused, with the funding objective clearly indicated. Bring a student or two to the presentation if possible. Let them say a few words, prepared beforehand, about what the funded project will mean in terms of impacting their education.
4. Contact local businesses. "Soft donations" in services rather than dollar amounts also can be valuable. Department or sewing stores may be willing to donate fabrics for crafts or drama costumes, grocery stores or bakeries can furnish cookies for a holiday party, and a surplus shop may be willing to hand over unsold items that can benefit the school, like a broken television to be used with a VCR with the help of a handy electrician parent.
5. Seek ongoing grants. Some communities include organizations that sponsor grants occasionally or routinely for one-time or ongoing projects. Ask the public reference librarian or Chamber of Commerce director about possible grant sources in your area. If none currently exist, consider organizing a proposal for the next Chamber event that shows how simple and meaningful it would be for several companies to jointly sponsor a one-time grant for needed school supplies or upgrades.
Community groups are often willing to donate to good causes, especially those in a local school. Prepare a clear-cut announcement or presentation to interest listeners in the opportunity to invest in the community's future by supporting local education.
