Schools have been turning to fundraisers to keep after-school programs alive and put new textbooks in classrooms. By using creative ways to raise money, schools could hold fundraising events all year that may help bring in enough money to keep their programs operating and their learning materials up to date.
Sponsors
Just like sports teams and rock bands on tour, a school can take on a corporate sponsor to help raise money. In order to help fund a new computer lab, a school district may want to contact a computer manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer would get positive news coverage and the benefit of having the company's name be familiar to children using the computers, and the school gets its computer lab. A cable television provider could sponsor regularly scheduled in-school educational broadcasts for various classes and in return could get the chance to run commercials before and after the programming. Or, the school could sell advertising space on book covers given to the students; companies could have their posters placed on designated message boards around the school; or a business could put its name on school supplies, such as pens and pencils, that are given to the children. School sporting events are also good places to offer corporate sponsorships.
In-School Services
Education-World.com points out a fundraising idea that was used by a school district in Guam. The district created an arcade game room that students with an average overall grade of 70 or greater could use after school, with the district keeping the money used on the video games. Elsewhere, some schools have student stores that sell a variety of items, including CDs and school supplies. Having vending machines installed that sell healthy snacks, such as bottled water or fresh fruit, can also help to raise funds for a school. If your school has a dress code, then some students and teachers may be willing to pay for the ability to dress in casual attire once in a while. During the holidays, the school district could sell holiday items, such as wrapping paper and ribbons. Districts could also sponsor raffles and 50/50 drawings at school functions.
Use Available Resources
There are many grants available to school districts, either through state and federal government programs or through private-sector corporations. Any school district should look into these programs for financial help. Most school districts have an Internet site, which could be enhanced with a pay-per-click marketing program that could help to raise additional funds all year long. Get in touch with local businesses to see if they could offer something to help raise funds for schools. Education-world.com cites an example of a school district that works with local dry cleaners to help auction off clothing that is left at the dry cleaners for more than 30 days. All of the proceeds go to the school district. Reach out to the businesses in your community and ask if they have something to offer that would help fund school programs.
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