Did you know that more than 70 percent of school playgrounds are funded through the efforts of PTO and PTA groups? We recognize that it takes time, hard work, creativity and perseverance to make your playground a reality. We can help.
To really raise the money you need, you have to think beyond the bake sale. Think of unique ways to engage residents and businesses in your community. Make it worth their while to participate in your playground fundraising efforts. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Traditional fundraising
Recognition is a great way to get people motivated to contribute. For businesses, it's a great way to get some good PR, and for residents it's a special way to honor a loved one or important event. Some ways to recognize donors include:
- Putting their names on a custom sign at the playground
- Selling bricks that will be custom-engraved with their name and date
- Recognizing donors in your press releases and other media contacts
- Putting donor names in your playground grand opening program
- Offering several levels of participation, such as Silver, Gold or Platinum
Another idea is to let donors sponsor a certain area of the playground. In other words, let them choose if their donation goes toward a slide or a swing or an freestanding climber. Allow them to choose their childhood favorite!
Silent auctions are usually very successful. It's important to get great stuff to auction off, as well as lots of people to bid on them! Invite everyone! Think beyond bath baskets...people may be willing to donate a week at a cabin, airplane rides, a home-cooked meal, pet-sitting services and more. You may even be able to persuade a local celebrity to donate their time to have dinner with a high bidder.
Think about a nickel drive or a dime drive at your school or in the community. It's amazing how fast those coins add up when everyone contributes. And the cost to set up the drive is minimal--just some jars with secure lids and signage.
There are always the old standbys, too. But, consider adding a twist. Instead of a bake sale, how about a baking contest? Everyone pays a small amount to enter. Then, customers can line up to buy all the award-winning goods! And don't forget, your local stores like Target, Albertson's and others will donate when customers designate their credit card purchases. Another way to raise money is to search the Internet with www.catchtomorrow.com. This search engine donates 50 percent of revenues to the public school district of your choice.
Remember, every little bit helps, and with some creativity, you will reach your goals in no time! To get you started, we have provided a key tool--a sample fundraising letter above that you can customize.