One of the challenges of being a school head is finding funds for school projects. Whether you want to hold a school production or build a new wing to the library, nothing will happen without money. Tuition fees can’t cover the additional construction and it’s unrealistic to pay for it yourself. So, how can a school find additional money to fund school projects?
Start a drive.
When some fees aren’t enough, you can generate income by starting a fund drive. Make sure parents know the specific purpose of the project, such as getting new chairs and tables for the school cafeteria or additional bleachers for the basketball court. When you send out the solicitation letter, clearly indicate the need for such an improvement and how it will benefit the overall standard of the school. You may link the drive with the distribution of the yearbook by selling advertising spaces. Different types of sponsorship can be offered so that parents have attractive options.
Involve the PTA.
The PTA, as an organization, is a valuable resource since it is your direct link to the parents. Why not ask the PTA to adopt a school project and leave it up to them to generate ideas on how to sponsor it? They can hold a bake sale or a fun run. The school can offer the use of its facilities as long as the proceeds will go toward the school.
Tap your alumni.
Once your graduates leave, it doesn’t mean they’ll never have anything to do with your school again. The alumni may just be an inexhaustible resource. Explore how your basketball team could be continuously supported by the alumni. To give back, publicly acknowledge their generosity by citing the batch of graduates that help fund the project. Other batches may well get envious!
Go corporate.
Big corporations can be tapped to benefit your school so all you have to do is ask. You may be surprised to know that a company actually plans to help the community and has budget allocated already. Choose companies that can market their products and services to your students. Of course, you will need to acknowledge the sponsorship by allowing the company to exclusively sell a particular product in your campus or allowing them to put a banner in your school premises. As long as the product is age appropriate and does not set a vice, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Explore the Internet.
Make a link allowing visitors and members to contribute donations to your school on your school website or blog. You may also try www.donorschoose.org which is a site that lets contributors choose specific needs which they would like to sponsor. Selling advertising space on your website is also a good deal particularly with parents who own businesses.
Offer school related services.
Provide services for the students which markup goes towards the school coffers. For example, set up an in-campus office supply store or charge fees for accreditation to school bus services.
Think of ways outside the box to generate much needed funding. If you ask, you’ll be surprised at the generosity of the people and corporations around you. As long as they see that assisting your school is a worthy cause and is valuable to the community, financial assistance will definitely be available.