Ask area resterants to designate a night for your school. Anyone coming in for dinner that gives the server your school name with have 20% of the check kicked back to the school. Barnes and Noble has a great program as well and if you have the teachers come and read stories after school, the kids are sure to come in and buy a book. Lowe's Toolboxforeducation has the grant program, target has a kickback program, and Hamburger Helper has a grant program as well.
Our school held a walk a thon, but a dance a thon, hop a thon will also help. Kids were excited to do something themselves to raise money for their new play area. We raised $15,000 in 3 months and got our first 2 phases completed. We didn't use the company to assist us though. We kept 100% of the proceeds. Also, ask your local government, local Lions Club, Elks Club or whatever you have in your area. Sometimes they will lend support to local projects especially since residents use your playground.
Making a positive difference one project at a time <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
Think out of the box. here some are removing structures due to maintenace or liablity issues, and putting up (cheaper and easier maintencane) basketball courts, handball walls, four square, and states games painted on blacktop, buying balls , jump ropes, etc etc. there are lots of good alternatives to consider. we have had about one fracture per week on the structures and sometimes you wonder if its really worth it.
As Far as a fundraiser with great returns try, www.themall.cc
I think its 40% return, no start up cost and an additional 10% if you committ early for next year! its worth a try. summer's advice about grants is excellent as well!! they have a movie that explains the fundraiser as well, www.impactmovie.com/mall_fundraiser
summerb, that is awesome news! And what a great idea about having the principal fill out the apps. I've been doing some heavy duty searching here on the boards and have come up with some awesome ideas. My brain was spinning so much with ideas last night that I didn't get to sleep until almost 1am. Oh, well, it's for the kids, right?
We applyed for a Lowes grant for $5, 000 and got it! The principal wanted to carpet our basement so the kids would have someplace to play when the weather was bad.The teachers are very excited about this!! My advice is that you have the principal fill out the online application, there are alot of things that only they will know. We sent ours in the on the last day and got the news about 8 weeks later. They are a great company and $5,000 dollars is a great start.
