I personally like the contract idea and try to always get anything in writing, whether it is a fundraiser, assembly, DJ's, class pictures, renting games for game day. If you have all the details in writing then you can protect yourself if issues arise about what your group was suppose to get. Think about it would you buy a washer without getting paperwork?? I have to say that I have never had anyone turn down a request for a written document outlining the services.
Many companies have contracts but they are more for paperwork documnetation and for the corporate office. I have yet to see a contract that has any legal binding verbage in it. They seem to be more for setting dates, # of kits/students, program...and so on. A good thing with contracts is to get the fundraising company to add your "extra incentives" on it. (extra profit, free product, prizes...) I had one company that would do a fundraiser off an email. No signature or anything!
What state you live in does not matter as whether or not there is a contract. This is completely in the hands of the company you set the fundraiser up with. Some companies we use require a signed contract and others do not. If we are using a company that requires a contract the fundraising chair usually just shows the contract to the president for approval and then the Chairperson signs it and sends it back. Showing the contract to the President is just simply to make sure all are aware of anything the contract may entail.
