| You have planned a school trip and want all of the | | | | merchandise distribution and monetary transactions |
| eligible students to participate. This is a common goal | | | | either before or after school. |
| and many school sponsors are using fundraising as a | | | | - Communicate with parents. Send a copy of the |
| means of achieving it. I recommend you select a | | | | fundraising guidelines home and require a permission |
| reputable fundraising company with a proven track | | | | slip be signed by parent or guardian for participation in |
| record. I also recommend getting your PTO, booster | | | | the activity. I also recommend stating on the |
| club or a similar parents' group involved in the project. | | | | permission slip that all monies collected are the |
| As the trip sponsor you have many responsibilities | | | | property of the school in the event an individual |
| and can use as much assistance as possible. | | | | withdraws from the trip. Another good idea is to |
| Consider the following recommendations when | | | | include language stating that in cases where students |
| planning your next fundraiser: | | | | lose their trip eligibility all of the money will be used to |
| - It takes a lot of planning to organize a successful | | | | defer the trip costs of other students. |
| fundraising effort. I recommend beginning the drive a | | | | - Proper record keeping, banking transactions, and |
| minimum of 8-10 months prior to the trip. A good rule | | | | payments to the tour provider require organization |
| of thumb is to start fundraising just prior to or at the | | | | and attention to detail. I recommend designating one |
| beginning of the trip enrollment period. Everyone is | | | | individual to handle these responsibilities. Experienced |
| excited about the excursion and will want to take | | | | fundraisers report that the fewer people involved in |
| part in the activity. More importantly, it will maximize | | | | the monetary transactions, the less chance for |
| the amount of time for students to raise money to | | | | problems to occur. |
| pay for their trip. | | | | - When selecting items that the school or club must |
| - Have a written plan spelling out all of the | | | | purchase in advance of sale, (e.g. candy), always limit |
| responsibilities and details. Items to include in your | | | | the quantity available to one individual and require the |
| plan are: the fundraising rules/guidelines, beginning and | | | | money to be returned to the school in order to |
| ending dates, and a parental permission slip. Always | | | | receive additional quantities. |
| keep your priorities in order. Teachers and | | | | If you consider these tips when planning your next |
| administrators don't mind fundraisers that are held | | | | fundraiser you will be more likely to increase student |
| before or after school and don't detract from class | | | | involvement and help off-set the costs of the trip - |
| time. You will be more likely to get the okay if you | | | | two of the key elements used by trip sponsors to |
| prohibit sales during school hours and schedule | | | | plan a successful student travel experience. |