Fundraising: Another Avenue for Fund Seeking

It's important not to overlook the fact that most schools also use fundraising activities to get the money they need. Unlike pure grant seeking, which involves marketing a project that matches a specific funding source's agenda, fundraising typically centers on a cause or an organizational operation that needs funding. Fundraising activities can range from holding a bake sale to the more complex task of finding and massaging a list of people and organizations that are likely to support the effort for which funds are being solicited. Here are a few ideas for getting started:

• Set up a 501(c)(3) foundation for your school. Since schools are 509(a) nonprofits and not eligible for some charitable giving, establishing a 501(c)(3) foundation gives people a clear way to make donations and get a tax deduction. Contact your secretary of state's office for information and discuss it with your district lawyer or a PTA volunteer attorney for clarification.
• Set up a trust fund for the school and spend the interest each year on specific activities. Make sure to publicize these activities to potential donors; full disclosure is necessary to get donations and is legally required.
• Raise money for a specific goal. People usually feel better about making a donation when they are supporting something tangible, not just giving to a general fund. For example, you could develop a campaign around the goal to purchase one computer for every sixth-grade classroom. Think of a slogan and chart your progress so donors can see how the campaign is doing.
• Do your homework. There are several good resources on fundraising that translate well to education. Here are some we recommend:
  
  Fundraising for Non Profits: How to Build a Community Partnership, by P. Burke Keegan (Harper Collins).
  
  Beyond Fundraising: New Strategies for Non Profit Innovation & Investment, by Kay Sprinkel Grace (Wiley & Sons).
  
  Fundraising: Hands-on Tactics for Non Profit Groups, by L. Peter Edles (McGraw-Hill).