A huge part of operating a school effectively relies on fundraising. Schools rely on parents to help enormously with this. As a general rule, however, parents are unfortunately not particularly enamored with this aspect of being part of a school community.
School administration includes the collection of fees from every student, and some schools build voluntary donations into their fee structure. However much more funding is usually required than that afforded by these and by government funding, and this is where parents need to volunteer to assist in various forms of fundraising activity.
Some parents are incredibly motivated to help organize and run a school fundraiser, particularly in elementary or middle school. The issue arises when it is always the same small group of parents giving their time, and over time this can lead to resentment that the responsibilities are not shared more evenly when the benefits of helping out are enjoyed by all students.
Here are some tips to help rally the support of parents in your school community for fundraising activities:
- Maintain a welcoming community spirit within your school, between administrative staff, teachers, students and parents. Keep parents informed about what’s happening within the school.
- Send out an informational letter early. Explain clearly and concisely:
- the purpose of the fundraiser
- the goals of the fundraiser
- how students will benefit
- the form the fundraiser will take
- what type and extent of parental support is required
- ask for help from all parents by inviting them to get involved
- Be flexible. Express an expectation that all parents will contribute in some way – but accept that some will offer much more assistance and support than others. Honor time constraints that many parents have.
- Be creative. Offer a variety of ways that parents can become involved at school – by giving time, resources, money, or skills.
- Delegate tasks so that nobody has to do all the hard work.
- Make fundraising a fun and positive experience. Foster a group dynamic and ensure the organizers are welcoming to all participants (avoid the formation of stereotypical “mommy cliques”).
- Show gratitude to all who help in any way. A thank you and a smile go a long way and will encourage future support.
- Choose parent leaders who will advocate on behalf of the school and recruit new supporters, not through bullying but through encouragement.
- Give something back and reward hard work by volunteers. Host a morning tea or a fun event, or simply send a thank you card to express gratitude from the school for all the parents’ hard work.
School administration is a puzzle that involves many pieces, and fundraising is but one of these. When approached and executed the right way, it can be immensely successful – and even a lot of fun.
