I have been wondering just how much work a scrip program entails. I proposed using Great Lakes to our principal and got back a note asking me to explain it more fully, which I have put off doing because I'm not sure there will be enough time for starting a new program in addition to all of the other things I'll be doing this year (all Trash for Cash programs, 2 book fairs, catalog fundraiser, silent auction, Santa Shop, etc).
Hopefully we'll be able to recruit more volunteers once school starts, but I know my plate is pretty full right now and I don't want to add to it if I can't do a good job of things. Can I get some input from some of you seasoned scrip program users please? Many thanks.
Getting parents to use a scrip program is an on-going education process. If parents and supporters understand the concept "it's the way you pay that makes the difference" then the participation becomes easier when they understand you aren't trying to sell them something they won't use or don't need. Understanding this concept is a big hurdle for some - purchasing a $20.00 gas card through the school's scrip program is only going to cost the purchaser $20.00, the school is going to profit from that sale, and the purchaser gets to spend that $20.00 that were already going to spend anyway. A dollar per dollar exchange for their money. Use PTO meetings and other parent venues to show the powerpoint presentation available from the Great Lakes website. Send newsletter's home or use e-mail to communiate with parents about program reminders and specials.
What does the school use the profits for? Are you working on replacing playground equipment or some other capital project? Let you parents and supporters know where the money is going and keep them updated of the progress.
Finally, how convenient is your purchase/order process. Do you stock inventory that parents can purchase at anytime at the school? Do you have a regular/efficient order system in place? Asking parents to spend this week's grocery money to buy their scrip for next week's delivery date does not necessarily work in everyone's budget. ~ Good luck with your program!
People in my area are not familiar with scrip programs, so I have been reading and researching. For those that do participate, how much did you make in your 1st year? and subsequent years? How is the maintenance? We are a 500 student k-5 school.
Can you offer any advice for generation more interest in the program? Our school participates, but does not come close to selling the amounts I just read in these posts?
