Question: Kids allowed to donate or do fundraisers

Our school is doing Kids Helping Kids project where they raise money to help feed other kids in need. The mission is to raise enough funds to be able to participate in the food packing event. Therefore, we ask the students to gather up loose change and try to get donations, so everyone who wants to participate has the opportunity. The question is do we need to get permission to allow kids to ask for money for this particular event?

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi,
You may need to get the green light from the school to hold the event and it is important to know what the rules are concerning fundraising at your school. For example, it's common when PTOs run fundraising that involve sales that they specify in the information sent home what the rules are (as in children are not allowed to go door-to-door selling without an adult). As always, you want to make clear that it is a voluntary opportunity for all the students.

Community Advice

LegacyPTO writes:
We got the green light from our school and we have specified that they cannot go door to door. What the concern is from another school who wants to participate. The principle at the school thought that we needed other approval from his side to advertise this event. Not sure why, which got me to think that I may be missing something here. Thanks.

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi Legacy,
The concern is about advertising? So, the other principal wants to approve the advertising before the folks at his school can participate?

Community Advice

LegacyPTO writes:
I think it was more than just advertising. The concern was that the kids would be gathering money for this event and the thought was since the kids are getting the money that it would not be sponsored.

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Ok. So, I guess the bottom line is if this other school's principal isn't comfortable with the way you are going forward with the fundraiser, then that's his position. It sounds like you have squared things away at your school - - your principal is on board and you've been clear about the rules. So, your school community can move forward with it. It sounds like the other school has to work things out with its principal.

Community Advice

LauraJan1 writes:
I know of a way to take your great idea to the next level. It's online, safe (started by a dad), keeps track of the money raised, sends the money every month to whoever you wish it to go to with no door to door selling at all, no costs or fees to you or your school, includes a cool store you get to use with low prices up to 80% less than retail, some free shipping and 15% of every order is donated to your school, team, charity, individual or special need or diadvantaged families. LauraJan1 at aol or call 954.438.9843