We have done this and called it the No work Fundraiser. It's done well and we have K-12 with 1400 students. We noticed a majority of donations were sent from grandparents and other family members. We did also need to make sure this was a tax dedutible contribution - this was so we then did a thank you letter with the donation listed. A parent volunteer that had a CPA practice was a huge asset!!
Waht we did was to send a letter simply telling parents our goals and programs we need to fund adn hope that they would rather just write a check than sell more wrapping paper. An envelope was attached for their convience and a bag a tea (we invited them to enjoy a cup of tea on the PTO while they read the letter and take some time to think how much they would have spent on the usual fundraiser). Our costs were under $75 for stationary (we did buy nicer paper for the letter) the tea, and evelopes. We did find it easier to recieve % off than donations when we did this last.
Also we used a very simple spead sheet for the Treasurer to keep track of donations as she shared the names and adresses with the Secrtary for thank you note sending. Ah yes, putting everythign together was done on two nights, first during a PTO meeting and we (the board )finished the next night with a pot luck dinner and movie for the kiddos. Okay we had fun....
We have done a no bake bake sale. We ask people to send xx amount of money not to bake something for a bake sale. We had a sheet that listed cupcakes, brownies, pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, loaf of breads, etc. and a price beside each one. We ask the parent to sign up to not to bake one of the items and just send in the money for that item. This way instead of just asking for a donation you make it a little fun...
Has anyone ever done a no stress fundraiser in which a flyer goes home to parents and asks for donations. We are going to try it this year and would like some input. We are a middle school of about 1600 students.
