Fundraising for Schools: 4 Ideas on How to Deal with Them

Over the years, I’ve discovered my nieces and nephews consider me to be the best of all their Aunts and Uncles within our family. That’s right; among the dozens of other Aunts and Uncles … I’m the favorite! How can I make such as statement? How can I be so sure? Easy, every year when they go back to school they tell me so! I hear time and time again … Uncle Chuck you’re my favorite! … Don’t let a little fact like they’re selling something for a school fundraiser get in the way of the purity and truth they have spoken. After all, their love and admiration is a true reward … for only $10.99!!

Back to School

For those of you who have school age children within your family you know the pressure you can feel to buy something from a little niece or nephew who has big puppy dog eyes or a purr as sweet as a kitten. You may not even have young children in your family, but you have a close friend in the office who always shows you little Johnny’s pictures. However, unfortunately for you … you may have unknowingly gushed one too many times and are now considered prime fundraiser grounds! Or perhaps you simply picked the wrong place to live. You know, one of those family friendly desirable neighborhoods we all love.

Of course, all the kids will regale you with stories of how they want to win the cheap sparkly thing their teacher is giving away or having their name written on the board. The parents see the fundraising sales as harmless and the mega guilt trip as cute. After all, it’s “only a few bucks” … right!

Through a Parent’s Eyes

When my own kids started approaching school age I can honestly say the thought of pay back crossed my mind a few times. “They had their turn … Now it’s MINE! Let’s go get’em kids …CHARGE! (Or for those using Dave Ramsey methods … CASH!)”

However, now as a new school year begins to unfold and my oldest begins her journey into kindergarten, I’ve become keenly aware of something. Parents always want the best for both their children and the schools they attend. As a parent, I recognize the sincere desire to provide a great academic environment for our kids. All parents I believe feel this. We want the best teachers, classrooms, computers, athletic facilities, and curriculum. Unfortunately sometimes yearly school budgets don’t allow for this.

I’m sure we could all argue about a school district’s poor budgeting skills, mismanagement of resources, or overpaid employees. Yes, there is good and bad with every school system. So what’s a parent to do? What’s the family member to do? What’s the friend or neighbor to do when they’re being hit up for these purchases?

Suggestions to Overcome Puppy Dog Eyes: School Fundraising Ideas

1. Stick to the budget.

Always be honest with your budgeting! Remember a budget is not a tool to constrain you. A budget is a way of giving every dollar a purpose. If you want to give or donate something to various schools then plan for it in your budget.

2. Pick the least expensive item.

This is not a shopping trip and you’re not picking up a great sale item. Many times all the items being sold for a fundraiser have a standard profit margin. So buying the most expensive thing doesn’t necessarily mean you’re giving more to the school.

3. Know what you’re giving to.

This is a particular pet peeve of mine. I always make the parents (or kids if they’re old enough) explain what the fundraiser is for. While I love my family and want to support our local schools I also want to know what I’m giving my money too. And this is giving! I can always buy a tub of cookie dough at the grocery store.

4. Offer a cash donation.

Many of the items offered for sale can cost over $10, and yet only raise $1 of revenue for the school. If you really don’t want any of the items being offered, then check with the parents or the school and see if you can give $5 directly to the fundraising effort. This would have the same effect as buying $50 worth of products!

A Real Man’s Takeaways

As a good provider and community member I want the best for the next generation. I believe there are very few people who would want to see any child or schools fail. However, if you can’t afford to buy an item say no. Preferably let parents of smaller children know ahead of time. This can save the child from a potential awkward moment. Remember both the parents and the children don’t know the ends and outs of your budget.

Finally, I want to emphasize that I love the kids in my family! I have enormous respect for their teachers and their schools. I’m blown away constantly by the job teachers do on a daily basis. I freely admit I give whenever I can, but I never give more than I can afford. Please feel free to do the same if you see a new little kindergarten student of mine ever coming your way … She has a purr as sweet as a kitten and a compliment to follow. Maybe you can be a favorite too!

How do you plan for school fundraisers? Do you feel schools are taking advantage of the children? Do you feel the pressure to sell the stuff yourself? Meet us in the comments!