Fundraising 101:
sell everyday products to your local community. Everyone needs sunblock and plasters, for example, and buying these as fundraising items to sell for your school is an ongoing, allyear-round option. Fundraising companies can source products in bulk, saving any outlay and wastage, produce and maintain a product-based website and sales communications.
By Heather Barker Vermeer Industry Reporter
Outsourcing your school fundraiser
Roll up, roll up! It’s time to figure out your school fundraising options.
Finding fresh, fun ways to generate funds for the school ‘nice to haves’ isn’t easy. And easy is exactly what busy parents and school communities need to stay engaged. Commercial fundraising is big business, and the benefits can far outweigh the costs. It can prevent fundraising burnout among your core of good sorts and can help get the wider school community involved, with ease.
For most schools, while there will be a core group of fundraising stalwarts readily available to brainstorm ideas or reinvent last year’s fundraising wheel, most parents (and staff) will run for the hills. Organising a school fundraiser can be a tough gig, which is why schools increasingly seem to opt for outsourced support.
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One way to keep your fundraising simple and relevant to all is to
The old classic bake sale isn’t going to buy you a new playground, but it’s a tried-andtrue element to add to a wider fundraising initiative. It’s easy, popular, and comes at no cost to the school. But beyond this, schools can make the most of fundraising opportunities offered by commercial food suppliers and drinks manufacturers. Food and drink items that families will already be buying are a good idea—fruits, veggies, snacks, lunches, etc. Wine sales, especially in the lead up to a holiday period or festive season can contribute a nice chunk to the bigger fundraising picture. Think local and link up with nearby producers. Most schools
ADMINISTRATION
will have calendars, diaries, and greeting cards featuring designs produced by students as standard, but how about adding tote bags, reusable cups or beeswax food wraps to the mix? Keeping fundraising costs low is important but ensuring the cost to the environment is low should also be a priority. On the sustainable theme, quality preloved clothing and accessories and furniture grow in popularity all the time.
Term 1, 2022 | schoolnews.co.nz
