View Full Version : Non-Firearm Related, brainstorming session
So, I teach in a rural small town. School is Title 1 (low socio-economics). I already have four fundraisers set up for next year, but I'll need more ideas. We usually only clear about $3K for the all four fundraisers.
Why? This is year 6 for me at this school. The whole program is growing and people are starting to take it seriously. You know the past three years I've done the Appleseed Project as a whole school and that's garned quite a bit of interest in what we are doing. So now, since I'm a music teacher, I'm going to be a little more precision focused on my classroom. Therefore, I want to try to take the kids to Disney in California. They have a studio session there where we get to sit next to professional musicians and record some music, learning how the studio works along the way. It is a trip I was blessed to go on in high school 20+ years ago that I still remember vividly and I learned A LOT. Of course, my parents were .mil and I went to a 6A high school where everything was paid for by an awesome organization/sponsorship.
Total trip would be about $44K. (34ish kids at $1200 a piece)
Ideas?! The basic car washes, bake sale, etc have never been good for us. We are a small rural school out in the sticks. No big business around, not a lot of traffic. Closest "city" around is Pueblo at a 30 min drive.
Thanks,
Bear
newracer
06-29-2016, 13:11
The booster club for my sons football team hosted a casino night and silent auction as a fund raiser. It raised almost $30,000 and it was the most fun I have ever had at a fund raising event. It did take a lot to organize though.
Carnivals are usually pretty good for the kids, maybe do an adult date night dance thing to get the parents in. Barbecues are usually good fundraisers as well.
StagLefty
06-29-2016, 13:36
Small community-how about a charity pot luck supper ?
Hit up some banks for sponsorship?
My GF donates to this every month, worth a look.
https://www.donorschoose.org/
what percentage of the money that needs to be raised will actually come from the students?
We (I) am hoping that the kids could raise around 8-900 themselves through mowing lawns, whatever. I just want to have a backup in case they don't reach the $1200. They DO have a whole friggin' year to plan as the trip is not till MAY. They live at home, no bills, etc... but, it is a poor community so my expectations may be too high.
The booster club for my sons football team hosted a casino night and silent auction as a fund raiser. It raised almost $30,000 and it was the most fun I have ever had at a fund raising event. It did take a lot to organize though.
Casino night... intersting!! More details!??!?!?!
Carnivals are usually pretty good for the kids, maybe do an adult date night dance thing to get the parents in. Barbecues are usually good fundraisers as well.
We do a school carnival for homecoming, so I doubt that would fly, but good suggestion.
Small community-how about a charity pot luck supper ?
Pot luck/spaghetti dinner concert is already one of the fundraisers.
Donations to sell on Ebay? If you can't get parents to help sell on Ebay, try an Ebay valet or other service.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cps/5596095562.html
Interesting, I'll research.
Hit up some banks for sponsorship?
Yeah, how do I go about doing this. Everytime I ask corps for help with Appleseed, I get told to pound sand.
Go Fund Me?
I've been looking into this, not sure how to keep it all legal and stuff since it's for school.... more research needed on my end.
My GF donates to this every month, worth a look.
https://www.donorschoose.org/
Yes, I've looked at that one, but it's very controlled. Can only ask for certain amounts and things through a catalouge. I'd have to figure out how to be specific, like say 10 disney tickets or something... again, I just need to do more reseach, THANk YOU!!!
newracer
06-29-2016, 15:56
Here are the basics of the casinos night:
There was a $50 entry fee that got you $100 in casino chips, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks were available at additional cost. Additional chips could be purchased, $50 per $100 in casino chips. They hired a company to run several blackjack and poker tables, two craps tables, and a roulette table. The top three chip holders at the end of the night won cash. I think it was $500, $250, and $50, might have been more. I am guessing there were 150-175 people there.
For the auction they simple got people to donate items to be auctioned off. The big item was a football singed by the entire Denver Broncos team from last year, it went for $5000.
I've got more experience fundraising for non-profits than I'd like. We've been involved with an NP for 10 years now, and the organization (it's quite small) has raised on average about $75,000 a year.
Your goal is huge. Just to be perfectly honest, it's a lot of money to try to get out of what I assume is a small target audience. The problem with multiple small fundraisers is that you're typically asking from the same people over and over again. Giving fatigue is a big problem.
In my experience, if you want people to give big dollars (hundreds, not singles) you have to inspire them for your cause. How you do that is something only you can answer, but you could consider playing some sort of concert and inviting everyone you know. Make it free, and make it clear it's a fundraiser. During or after the music, you give your story, just like you did here. Get people excited about the opportunity to build into the lives of their kids and other's kids. Large attendance is key. Get the kids involved in inviting people. Get their parents involved. You need to expand your circle of acquaintances as large as you can. Set an attendance goal of a MINIMUM of 200.
Make it a big deal. Figure out how you're going to sign people up, maybe you advertise a limited number of spaces and take reservations. Maybe the venue is small so seats are limited. Send our invitations by mail to the people on your list and ask them to RSVP. Follow up.
Make the event something people would really enjoy. Get some other acts if you can and put on a family friendly concert with a spirit of excellence.
Finally, I'd give it a theme. Music from the movies or something. Call it the first annual, setting yourself up to do it every year. Maybe next years theme is a Prince tribute. You get the idea. You'll want to take more than one group, right? Provide a superb product and you'll get return customers (or givers, in your case).
Bake sales and car washes are a pain in the ass, a ton of work, and low yield. Our experience is that it's more effective to do one big bash and go for the big bucks.
Used kids clothing sale! Your target audience has the clothing and likely the need given the way you describe the school, both the sellers and buyers go away getting something real for the money that is spent and you get a percentage of the take. Our school has been doing this for years and when my wife helped run the thing 10 years ago they made over $60,000 in two days. At this point the school is know for the sale and people wait for it as they fill the gym with clothing and the selection is second to none in the area. It will take years to get to this point but I'd bet you could do very well even the 1st time around. PM me if you want to learn more.
Bob
gnihcraes
06-29-2016, 19:37
Middle school up here, has a chili cook off contest. Obviously a lot more students and families, but it works.
Anyone can enter with their recipe, and everyone else buys a $5 bowl and spoon. You get 5 tickets to drop in the voting bag at each chili you sample - if you think it's a winner. Drop one ticket or all five, just vote for whatever you like.
About 50 chili entries from Red, Green, Vegetarian. Basic ingredients must be listed - for those with allergies. (also note if it's HOT or mild etc)
Tally up the voting tickets at the end of a set time frame. 2 hours or whatever.
They also have a silent auction, various donations of things like movie tickets, tours, products (avon, mary kay) stuff like that.
Usually nets $15,000 or so.
Sorry mine is difficult, we've donated to it but never used it from the other side.
Very cool. Obviously I have a lot of reading/research to do coming up.
TimK, I appreciate the advice! Will give it some planning.
GilpinGuy
06-29-2016, 21:34
Here are the basics of the casinos night:
There was a $50 entry fee that got you $100 in casino chips, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks were available at additional cost. Additional chips could be purchased, $50 per $100 in casino chips. They hired a company to run several blackjack and poker tables, two craps tables, and a roulette table. The top three chip holders at the end of the night won cash. I think it was $500, $250, and $50, might have been more. I am guessing there were 150-175 people there.
For the auction they simple got people to donate items to be auctioned off. The big item was a football singed by the entire Denver Broncos team from last year, it went for $5000.
I used to work for one of the "casino night" companies. Pretty darn fun for folks that don't normally go to casinos. And they generated some good cash.
Having an auction the same night is a good idea. I'd volunteer to deal poker or blackjack, but you would need several dealers, so getting one of the companies would be a better way to go unless there are a.bunch of guys on here that get by dealing.
I worked for Crystal Rose years ago. They were a pretty good outfit back then. We did lots of corporate events, New Years parties, etc.
Banks are usually open to sponsorship if they are given some sort of recognition in the community. Involving some prosperous businesses that actually have something to do with the music industry may also rase interest and capital.
Disney is a very lofty goal. I know that it gave your childhood a very special glow; have you given any thought to seeing if there are studios closer (even within the state) that may offer the same sort of program to your students? It may be something that is more attainable, and if it is within the state there may be merchants and musicians that would be eager to sponsor and donate in exchange for recognition.
Contact Kolacny Music in Englewood/Denver. Dave probably won't be able to give you money, but he knows about every professional and aspiring-pro musician in a 300 mile radius and he might have some ideas of some folks to contact.
RblDiver
06-30-2016, 10:33
Something that my company does (doesn't raise a lot, but a bit) is a Cinco de Mayo salsa contest, where you vote for your favorite with money. So, food contest with money voting could be something.
I used to work for one of the "casino night" companies......
How do I find a casino "company"? Do I literally just call a casino and say "Hey, ya'll wanna come run some games at my school?" HA!
Banks are usually open to sponsorship if they are given some sort of recognition in the community. Involving some prosperous businesses that actually have something to do with the music industry may also rase interest and capital.
Disney is a very lofty goal. I know that it gave your childhood a very special glow; have you given any thought to seeing if there are studios closer (even within the state) that may offer the same sort of program to your students? It may be something that is more attainable, and if it is within the state there may be merchants and musicians that would be eager to sponsor and donate in exchange for recognition.
Yes Ma'am. And in that statement lies the inherent problem. No large bank in the area, one small credit union. No corporate/prosperous large business in the area unless you count the gas station and dollar store! You might be right in that I'm setting my sights waaaay too high. There are no other studios in the nation that offers the degree of curriculum that Disney does. However, the military does come down about one every other year to play with us and hold sort master classes that kind of do the same thing. I may just have to stay with that concept.
Contact Kolacny Music in Englewood/Denver. Dave probably won't be able to give you money, but he knows about every professional and aspiring-pro musician in a 300 mile radius and he might have some ideas of some folks to contact.
Interesting, I never heard of 'em... but will use the mighty google.
Something that my company does (doesn't raise a lot, but a bit) is a Cinco de Mayo salsa contest, where you vote for your favorite with money. So, food contest with money voting could be something.
Yeah, it seems like food based fundraisers are very popular. HA!
newracer
06-30-2016, 14:05
http://www.acescasinoequipment.com/
http://www.funproductions.com/portfolio/casino-nights
http://funservicescolorado.com/CASINOWEB/casino.html
http://www.usacasinoparty.com/
<MADDOG>
07-01-2016, 08:31
Plenty of ideas to raise money, but have you tried to reduce the cost?
Does Disney have any special programs?
Plenty of ideas to raise money, but have you tried to reduce the cost?
Does Disney have any special programs?
Very good question! I've been running with several different tour operations (as well as trying large group things by myself) and it seems like this number ($1200 based on 34 kids) is the cheapest I can find that is all inclusive (travel, hotels, meals, park passes, etc). I could lower it slightly by having the kids purchase their own meals but most of them don't get a decent meal at home to begin with and would probably spend that money on junk, candy, etc, lol. If I get more kids, then the price DOES drop slightly due to group discounts. Current number is based on a (high) estimate of 34 kids. Again, I teach at a small school...
But interesting thought... wonder if I can open it to neighboring schools as well?... research time again.
Would it be possible to do a multi year fund?
Its hard begging for money to fund a vacation. The parents should be the ones shelling out the $$$ to send their kids on vacation. As you said, at $1200 each kid that isn't a lot of money each family has to save up for a year. Plus, what does doing all of this for the kids for free really teach them? I hate to be a pessimist about this but I wouldn't give a dime to fund a frivolous vacation for kids I know much less ones I don't know.
Its hard begging for money to fund a vacation. The parents should be the ones shelling out the $$$ to send their kids on vacation. As you said, at $1200 each kid that isn't a lot of money each family has to save up for a year. Plus, what does doing all of this for the kids for free really teach them? I hate to be a pessimist about this but I wouldn't give a dime to fund a frivolous vacation for kids I know much less ones I don't know.
Very good point. I truly agree with you. Then I think of where they come from and though yes, it is a "vacation"... it's also an amazing learning experience that they probably won't get anywhere else.
But I'm starting to think it won't be possible anyways, so... all good.
Junked cars. Offer to pick them up for free and potentially save on taxes! Scrap price is lower right now, but assuming you can bend this under non-profit rules somehow to provide a tax incentive. All you need is broke people that want to get crap off their property. Take it to the right place and each car you drop off at the right yards might net you $300.00+ (or even $400.00+ in some circumstances) - lots of groups do this such as the ReStore, etc. You just need someone with a winch and trailer willing to help out, a lot. If they are in really shit shape then they still have scrap value.
Interesting idea... could be fun too...
OctopusHighball
07-04-2016, 07:43
My boy scout troop when I was a kid had a fireworks stand as our sole fundraiser for the year and we made a TON of money. We did a lot of activities throughout the year, and this one event funded them all. Obviously this idea is not going to work for this year and timing may not work for next year, but it might work out going forward.
We as kids were involved pre selling fireworks to our neighbors but we were not allowed to work the stands, I don't know if that was due to the laws at the time or because of the state we lived in or if it was a policy thing with our troop. As a result (or maybe by design), parent participation was mandatory.
I've always kept it in the back of my mind a great fundraising activity if I ever needed one. I was just a kid when this all went down so I don't know the economics of it (perhaps capital is needed up front to purchase the inventory, I don't know), but it might be worth checking into.
I get that some people are going to see your event as a vacation of sorts, but really sell them on the opportunity aspect, especially by tying in your experiences with it. Good luck!
wctriumph
07-05-2016, 08:40
I would suggest looking into educational grants, perhaps some letters to philanthropic organizations, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, the Koch brothers, there are certainly organizations dedicated to the Arts with big money to help disadvantaged children achieve.
Good luck.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.