By Lane Montz
Better Business Bureau
Children will begin returning to school soon. While parents will be focused on getting the best deals on school supplies, some of us may be asked to help raise money for class projects, field trips, and other activities in the upcoming school year.
Fundraising projects range from selling chocolates to holiday gift wrapping, and everything in between. Along with this comes phone campaigns, flyers, and door-to-door canvassers asking folks to purchase ads in school calendars or athletic or other programs, or simply donate to the cause. Many – perhaps even most – are legitimate and worthy of consideration. But unfortunately (of course), some are fake, or their fundraising mechanism is suspect. Be especially on the lookout for organizations who carefully design their materials and fundraising pitches to look like they represent local schools when they really don’t. Businesses are often fooled by these “school ad scammers.” They think they are supporting a local school, but most (or all) of the money ends up far away.
Naturally, BBB strongly encourages helping local schools by volunteering and participating in projects that benefit our children. We just encourage making sure the projects are local, well run, and transparent about their goals and progress. The best advice we can give is: Call the local school before volunteering, buying an ad, or donating to verify it’s legitimately connected and has real benefit. If the school is unaware, think twice.
If you are asked to help your school by volunteering or contributing to fundraising activities, here are some tips:
• Set specific goals or plans before you start to raise funds. What is the total amount needed and how much time do you have to raise it?
• Make sure the school informs parents either online or in hard copy (preferably both!) with any needed instructions about the campaign. Send notices out several times if possible.
• Review the fundraising promotions created to make sure they accurately and adequately explain the nature of the school activities being funded.
• Identify who will be in charge. Usually, a specified parent or other volunteer will keep track of collecting and recording of donations received. They should keep close contact with the teachers or principal to be sure the school knows the progress of the campaign.
• Share information with parents and other volunteers about how much was raised. Regular communication is vital.
• Appreciate the generosity of contributors by sending emails and/or thank you notes to them.
• Create a feedback form that will help identify needed improvements to do an even better job next time.
Lane Montz is president and chief executive officer of Better Business Bureau® and Better Business Bureau Ethics Foundation, Inc. in Toledo.
