Fundraising Idea of the Month: Parental Support
The success of any school fundraiser is based on parental support; the more parents you get involved the more successful you will be. Here are a few points for you to consider getting and maintaining this crucial support.
Put a lot of time and effort into communicating all relevant information to the parents in a timely manner. With the need for parents to work nowadays it is critical that they have plenty of warning to prepare their time schedules, financial budgets or both to support their child and therefore the school. If they find out at the last moment what is going on they might withhold their support even if they could do what you are asking for.
Communication is a two way street! Listen to what your members, in this case Ä parents, are saying to you. If you donÌt listen to them carefully then how will you hear when they are trying to tell you that they donÌt like what you are doing. If they donÌt like what you are doing and you arenÌt listening then you are headed for tough times.
In this age of advanced communications, there is no excuse for not getting the information out at the appropriate time. Use old methods like meetings, newsletters, bulletin boards new methods like a web page. A mix of all methods available is a usually a good way to go.
Be specific in what fundraisers you are planning. Written fundraiser plans are excellent in this regard as it makes sure that confusion is kept to a minimum. Surprises, last minute inspirational fundraisers, are also kept to a minimum and as a result parents can plan ahead to give you maximum support. Do a few fundraisers and do them well is very good advice.
Never miss an opportunity to show your appreciation for all support no matter how big or small. A simple thank you at the right time can go a long way. All those small inputs add up and without them you will find it hard to have any real success over an extended period of time. Show them that you respect them by making sure everyone knows where the money they raised was spent and why. Support will very quickly evaporate if you are seen to resemble a secret sect.
About the Author:
Doug Nash lives in Logan City in Queensland, Australia. He has graciously consented to share a fundraising idea with us every month. Although many of the ideas aren't new, each of them has a unique flair that comes from being developed and refined half a world away from ours. Visit his web site at http://www.home.gil.com.au/~dnash/ for more fundraising ideas.
