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.
Detox To Conceive.. If you're having trouble conceiving... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son.... Read More
School authorities often complain that classes are too large. They... Read More
We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
Does your child pout, blame and brood? Does he gripe,... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
One of the most difficult struggles in life for a... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
I WAS AMAZEDI could hardly believe what I was hearing.... Read More
Kitchens are where everything happens. It's not just where meals... Read More
Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
In his recent newsletter "Happy Kids", parenting expert Michael Grose... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Many parents seem to be more than a little confused... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
There has been much attention in the media of late... Read More
The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
Ok. So you're a dad to be. If you're like... Read More
Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus... Read More
When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
Parenting |