Thanks for the input Tim... Quick note, I by no means intended to "Trash" any programs out there, don't read iinto the "junky" line that much [img]smile.gif[/img]

Ty

To me, it's simple.

If you're putting yourself in the "big fundraiser" category (you want a group to run this as one of their big fundraisers, as it seems you do with the "junky, embarrassing products to sell" line), then 90%+ of the decision would be based on: "how much can we make?"

Groups don't need to run a "good cause" (reading) fundraiser, if it's not going to bring them in bucks. They need to run a "good profits" (almost anything) fundraiser, so that they can get back to the "good cause" that is their actual parent group work. It's a common misconception that the fundraising is the work. The fundraising is a means to do the good work.

That "almost anything" is fairly easy to define. The product needs to be something that: 1) would/could easily be attractive to a huge % of potential buyers; 2) is consumable, so that the crazy people (who account for a disproportionate % of sales) can buy multiples and buy again next year -- gift wrap, candy, catalogs, cookie dough = good examples; and 3) be at a fairly low price point.

Now, if yours is more of a "program", then the math is different. If you think it's something that groups should run or facilitate, because it's a great program for familes, then that's fine. But -- if that's the case -- you don't want to get into trashing the big fundraisers. It's apples-and-oranges.

Trick is that parent groups actually aren't in the business typically of running/recommending reading programs for parents. Districts might be or reading specialists or elementary teachers... but that's not typically the role of a parent group.

Good luck,

Tim

Thanks for the feedback, it is much apreciated.

Any others?

Originally posted by Students2Authors.com:

More than any other single skill, the ability to read - and read well - allows a child to succeed in school, learn about the world, function in society, and someday have good job options.
With that said...

I disagree- the ability to read well and comprend are one one of many skills needed (not the top)

2- If you had the chance to promote a fundraiser that promoted reading and writing, while at the same time making it fun for the children (some of them find it hard to put down a book after I go over this program with them) but the program only paid $5- per $20- sale, would you go with it? (please look into your heart to answer honestly!)

Depends on what percentage the $5- 20 is- our ultimate goal is to run programs to afford to enhance our childrens education- so if its under 45%- then No
Sorry no FREE lunches

3- What benefits would you like to see included in the program, for example
* No upfront money
* No door to door selling
* No junky, embarrassing products to sell
* Free brochures

Family friendly
Rep support to run program
Rubrics to see if reading is true- how to measure or quantify it to our stakeholders

[ 11-13-2006, 03:13 AM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Before I start out I want to say, wow... I have been lurking around this forum for several months now and as a parent and member of my son's school PTO the information found here is truly invaluable.

You all are experts when it comes to running fundraisers. I, along with several of my partners will soon be starting a national fundraising company soon and I know that there is no other group of people other then you all to help me turn it into a company that will be most beneficial to PTOs, and schools trying to raise funds.


I want to ask you all, as a new company;

1- what should be are key selling points? (meaning what would make you jump aboard and join our company?) Please list whatever you feel is most important when choosing a fundraiser.


More than any other single skill, the ability to read - and read well - allows a child to succeed in school, learn about the world, function in society, and someday have good job options.
With that said...

2- If you had the chance to promote a fundraiser that promoted reading and writing, while at the same time making it fun for the children (some of them find it hard to put down a book after I go over this program with them) but the program only paid $5- per $20- sale, would you go with it? (please look into your heart to answer honestly!)


3- What benefits would you like to see included in the program, for example
* No upfront money
* No door to door selling
* No junky, embarrassing products to sell
* Free brochures
* Your thought
* Your thought
* Your thought,


Thanks

[ 11-13-2006, 07:08 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]