I think its important to have a goal in mind. You should never have a fundraiser, just for the sake of having one. We are a non-profit organization, so we should also think 3:1 ratio. 3 school programs for every 1 fundraiser. We are not a money-making organization.

You will have better motivated parents/students when you have a specific goal.
HTH,
Lisa @ Tx

I think it's a good idea to have a specific goal for a fundraiser. A couple of years ago, we wanted to finish putting computers and printers in every classroom. We let parents know that was were their fundraising money would be going, and we got a great response. Before that, it was playground equipment. I am currently trying to decide on a goal to focus on for next year -- not just a dollar figure, but something tangible. I think it helps motivate.

We are also facing big budget cuts (is there anyone who isn't?) which makes having a goal even more important, I think. A lot of parents, myself included, don't want to fund things that the school system ought to be paying for. In fact, our bylaws say we will provide things NOT funded by the state/county. So I think it helps to know that your money will go to something specific, and not just evaporate into things like workbooks or file cabinets.

Our high school has an "Arts Partnership" program sponsored by the music department. Any person or company may become a member for a set amount of money. For instance, you can become a "Friend of the Arts" for $25, a "Silver" membership is $50, "Gold" membership is $75, etc. You can set the amounts you think are appropriate and call them whatever works for your school. What we like about this program is that we approached our local businesses and arts foundations for memberships. We then list all our contributors in the music programs handed out at concerts. This will also generate a list for future contributors to the same program next year. Some of our local companies match contributions to any arts charity, so we are able to double the contributions. You might also approach local music stores because they will lose customers if the band program is cancelled. They might be willing to reduce the cost of instrument repair of sheet music. Good Luck!

Our large school district is facing a $30 million cut next year and our school alone is facing a $200,000 cut, thanks to statewide taxing changes. The band program will be cut next year ($14,000) and several positions are being cut back as well. The PTSA would like to fully fund the band program next year (as well as help with some other funding needs). Is it appropriate to fundraise around a particular position? We only do 2 other fundraisers during the year and both are strongly supported by our parents. Mpls. voters have voted 3 times in the past to keep our class sizes small by raising taxes, so the district is really doing what it can. I know it can be sticky to raise funds for positions, but I'd like to hear what other groups have done in this matter. Thanks!