Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within a tight budget that covers the costs of facilities, staff and all of the equipment and materials for operating a quality and stimulating environment for children. It's a balancing act with little room for extras for the center or it's staff.
One way to offset the cost of extra curriculum, supplies or staff bonus programs is through fundraising. Our moms have successfully raised funds for our daycare centers, enabling them bring in additional music, art and science events, animal encounters, host special celebration days - like Hawaiian Luaus, purchase sun shades for the playground and fund the staff bonus pool.
Listed below are fundraising programs that have been successfully implemented that you can take, adapt and use at your center:
Garage Sales. Gather your family's extras and have a group garage sale to benefit your daycare center. Post signs at school to have other families bring their donations in a few weeks before the sale so you can have time to price and organize the items.
Auction. Have an informal auction of donated goods and services in your daycare's lobby with write-in bids. You can also help organize an auction event, complete with tickets that must be purchased to attend. The event usually has catering, a bar, entertainment and live auction and those costs must be factored into the budget.
Donations. Ask the merchants your frequent regularly if they have goods or services they can donate to the center. Describe the center, what you are raising funds for and explain the donation is tax deductible. Many requests will be positively received. We have found that we've received the best response when collecting donations in the spring, summer and early fall so we're not competing with other donation requests around the holidays. These donations are then incorporated into the school auctions.
Open Ebay Store. Large scale auction events are really only practical one or two times a year for daycare centers because of the costs involved. Consider having a committee that solicits donations year long and sells them in an open market, such as Ebay. It expands your fundraising circle from the immediate circle to a global reach.
Matching Gifts. Remind parents that many corporations have matching gifts programs for donations to non-profit organizations and daycare centers usually qualify. Under this benefit, the corporation may match your cash donation by 50 to 100%.
Artwork By Children. Work with the classroom teachers to create artwork that can be displayed a gallery and sold to parents. Creative projects made by the children or that feature a child's picture make wonderful gifts for family and friends and sell well when priced appropriately.
Recognition. Parents can memorize their children by purchasing an engraved plaque for a wall, a stamped brick for a walkway or a large piece of equipment for the playground. Think about how large non-profit organizations recognize their large donors and adapt it to your environment. Have an area in your newsletter that regularly recognizes contributions from the parents of the center, whether they be monetary, time or goods and services.
About the Author
For more great information about expecting and parenting, visit momrecommended.com, a site for moms by moms. Annie Valle is a freelance writer, web designer and a mom. You'll find product reviews, recipes, baby names, free projects and more, when you visit momrecommended.com.
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
If you were to ask 100 parents why they think... Read More
Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
You may remember The Red Couch Project, a book by... Read More
Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are... Read More
Your child's first year of school should be a fun... Read More
MYTH: All teens have to rebel, and the teen years... Read More
Many children are jittery on the first day of school.... Read More
If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
Here are some tips that I have picked up from... Read More
When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Child Party Planning Guideline #1)Pick the ThemeYour child is going... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
You can learn a lot from children.The best part of... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
In an actual war, to be attacked means to have... Read More
In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
All responsible parents would want to support their children, find... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
Parenting |