Are you interested in doing a feature on school/youth group fundraising? The Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers invites you to browse for story ideas about issues of interest to all fundraising organizations (schools, parent-teacher groups, booster clubs, youth sports leagues, churches, etc).
Contact Jon Krueger for assistance with background information, interviews and graphics.
Consumer Media Story Ideas
Schools and Youth Groups Earn $1.7 Billion Each Year by Selling Popular Consumer Items
Nearly $1.7 billion worth of band equipment, athletic team uniforms, field trips, playground equipment and other youth products, programs and services are made possible every year through product fundraising programs, according to the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers. Learn more about how product fundraising helps schools and youth groups enhance educational experiences for children around the country.
Most Americans Support School and Youth Group Fundraising
Eight out of 10 Americans – and 9 out of 10 parents – support school and youth group fundraising by purchasing at least one item, according to a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 Americans. Furthermore, 7 out of 10 parents actively sell products to help out. Read a press release on the survey.
Parent Groups Say Selling Products is the Best Way to Raise Money
The majority (64%) of parent groups at elementary schools say selling popular consumer items is the most profitable method for raising money, according to a recent online survey conducted by AFRDS, in conjunction with PTO Today. Furthermore, the survey confirms that product sales are one of the least labor-intensive (requiring only an average of seven volunteers) school fundraising methods. Read a press release on the survey.
Workplace Fundraising Do’s & Don’ts
More and more parents are looking at their co-workers as potential fundraising customers. Likewise, more and more businesses are placing limits on what they consider appropriate for fundraising among co-workers. Read an article on workplace fundraising do’s and don’ts for some tips on tactful office fundraising.
Consumer Media Graphics
- Most Americans Support School Fundraising (pdf)
- Support for School Fundraising Strongest Among Parents (pdf)
- Americans Believe in School Fundraising (pdf)
- School Fundraising Promotion Equals Success (pdf)
Trade Media Story Ideas
Staying Focused on Fundraising Goal is Critical to Success
Research shows fundraising organizations that set realistic goals and stay focused on those goals experience the best results. Learn how to set goals and develop a “goal statement.” See a pie chart which shows how Americans react when aware of an organization’s fundraising goals.
Fewer Fundraisers Can Lead to More Dollars
Too many fundraisers create fatigue and apathy in the community. Avoid the burnout effect by planning fewer overall fundraisers and staying focused on the programs which generate the best results. Read a press release on a recent survey which shows product fundraising is the most profitable method of school-wide fundraising. Read an article on how to get “more with less” by reducing your overall number of fundraisers and focusing on the programs which yield the best results.
How to Identify a Reputable Fundraising Company
Selecting the right fundraising company is a critical step toward a program’s success. In some areas, dozens of companies offer myriad fundraising products and services. For fundraising organizations, it’s important to ask the right questions when evaluating a fundraising professional. They should know what to look for in a fundraising agreement and know how to measure a company’s credibility. The Fundraising Report Card, courtesy of the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors & Suppliers, can help sponsors make informed decisions on which company will best meet their group’s goals.
Tips for Finding and Keeping Volunteers
Volunteers can be hard to find. Unfortunately, in these times of dual-income and single-parent households, many potential volunteers will lay low and avoid eye contact when asked to help with fundraising. Here are 10 tips for recruiting new volunteers and keeping them motivated. Transition planning is also important for fundraising organizations. Learn how to train tomorrow’s leaders today.
Motivating Principals and Teachers to Get Involved
When it comes to school fundraising, the principal’s endorsement is worth its weight in gold. Principals, if they’re willing, can play a major role in the success of their schools’ fundraisers by working with the PTA or PTO to get parents, teachers and students excited about the program. Getting teachers involved will also help the school reach its fundraising goal. Read about how principals can positively impact school fundraisers. And see how to motivate busy teachers to play a role in a successful school fundraiser without committing too much of their valuable time.
Protecting Against Fraud
It’s hard to believe. But sometimes trusted volunteers do not always have the best of intentions when it comes to safeguarding a non-profit group’s assets. Dozens of parent organizations are victims of embezzlement by dishonest volunteers each year. Learn what it takes to protect a parent group from fraud.
Product Fundraising: It’s Not Just About Schools
Schools aren’t the only organizations raising money by selling popular consumer items. Product sales are a tried-and-true method utilized by various types of organizations. Booster clubs, music programs, churches and youth sports leagues are just a few of the other types of fundraising organizations that rely on product fundraising to fund their programs and activities. But whether it’s a school, a church or a booster club, successful fundraising organizations share common traits. For a step-by-step guide to fundraising, check out the Fundraising Handbook, courtesy of the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors & Suppliers.
