Hey Maggie,
We are in a situation our school is getting geared up for it's second fundraiser and we haven't been in school a month yet!! The PTO hasn't even voted on what we want to do but because of the school we have had to find ways to raise funds without sending our kids out.
Barnes and Noble Bookstores do a book fair for your group but it's ONLY once a fiscal year and you are relying on a good retail night! Our first brought in $500 or so but our last did $145. I did read the contract (once I got the Prez stuff) and found out we could have done gift wrap for tips.
Also I know Sweet Tomatoes does a fundraiser but that one you have to hand out flyers ahead of time, can't do it at the door, or on the cars in their lot, and a few other dumb things I can't recall.
I don't know if you have Papa Murphy's Pizza but they do a fundraiser. That one I can't remember the details but mmmmmmmpizza!
Oh Maggie, I'm tapped. I know there are other businesses that help schools but my brain is mush. Hope this helps though!

I'm afraid I don't have any ideas to share, but I definitely feel sympathy. We're in the same boat. Last year, the kids in our school sold an amazing $41,000 (and we retained 45% of that). This year, timing, the economy in our area, 2 outside fundraisers unexpectedly hitting our parents immediately before ours, other factors, and (to a lessor degree the terrorists attacks)all combined to undermine our prmiary fundraiser. I haven't heard the total, but it looks like $12,000 - $15,000 gross. So, we'll obviously be scrambling to work with about 1/3 of our expectations.

I really wish you luck. It's going to be a tough year.

hey guys, ok here is our latest situation. We started out the year with 2000$. At this point we have probably 500$ left of that initial money. (5th grade field trip was 1000$, already spent) and then random reimbursements. Anyhow, due to the horrendous terrorist attacks here and in ny, the gift wrap fundraiser has pretty much tanked. It will not bring in what it did last year by any stretch of the imagination. We are looking at 1250 in hand right now with another 10 days to go. I'm hoping it brings in 5000$, but I'm not holding my breath. So, how do we make money to cover the field trips, the end of year party for 5th grade, etc. Fortunantly, we don't need anything major. (ie playgrounds) I would like to continue with our "family" activities such as the dance and bingo, we are going to have to cut quite a bit though. Other events are being put off until next year such as our auction since we just really don't feel right about asking for donations right now when so many people really need stuff. I have 2 days to come up with ideas, I could really use some suggestions. (PLEASE!!!!! :> )) Thanks, maggie