We have started adding a line to each flyer that says the 50% of the money earned (or whatever the percentage is) goes to the school, but if you donate money we get to keep 100% and take the tax write-off (we're a 501c3). That seems to motivate a lot of donations.
You could put in instructions to send checks and who to make it to. I really like the idea. If I have anymore chocolate, I'll lose my weightloss contest with my husband.
We have a family in our school that does it. Just sends back the envelope with a note saying for all you do here is a donation but doesn't want the items.
My concern would be collecting too much cash. The past year we learned it better to take checks whenever possible.
I know that the reason adults don't like it - in the case of the Fraternal Order of Police concerts, ect. is that they won't get their productivity bonuses and don't care about real donations.
For the kids, I think they just don't know how to do it.
Our school always posts a statement on fundraiser flyers, that money donations are welcome!! Sometimes families are not interested in buying the item for sale, but wish to contribute. Quite a few donations of money come in with each one of fundraisers. We recently had a spaghetti dinner and families sent in money even though they did not order any tickets.
I am not sure why kids selling items for the school would not accept money donations. Maybe an announcement to the kids that accepting money donations is OK
-Diane
