5 Essential School Fundraising Safety Tips

Keep school fundraising safe and fun with these ideas.

School fundraising is something of an American pastime. However, things have changed a bit since Mom and Dad were involved in school fundraisers. Regarding school fundraising, we realize that neighborhoods are networks, and our endorsed policy is only to approach family, friends, and coworkers you enjoy a positive relationship with when soliciting sales.

However, many schools and neighborhoods still participate in door-to-door sales, reaching new networks and engaging the community in supporting educational success. If door-to-door sales are in your plans for fundraising with your child this year, keep these safety tips in mind.

Start Fundraising with Family and Friends

As mentioned above, your best bet for excellent results and a positive fundraising experience is to reach out to those you know personally on behalf of or with your child. This can be face-to-face or via written communication with instructions on learning about what you're selling. This is a low-risk, high-reward situation, and they will likely want to help you reach your goals.

Even though you know them well, express your gratitude for their time and purchase! Good friends are great repeat customers.

Hold Their Hand

Well, maybe not literally.

If you plan on asking neighbors or nearby acquaintances by knocking on doors, stay together at all times. Your child may feel independent and empowered by the fundraising experience, and we think that's great. However, safety is paramount; you should always go to the door with your child.

It's worth reminding students that they can still do all the talking and take ownership of the experience. Remind them that you might be an asset that helps garner their trust and answer questions they may not know the answers to.

Wear Reflective Clothing and Be Noticeable

This oft-overlooked staple of any outdoor recreational activity is essential for students and parents selling fundraising products in the evenings and afternoons when traffic is heavy, and the sun is setting. Make yourself visible and distinct to passers-by. Carrying a flashlight and charged cellphone is also a good safety habit.

Fundraise in Groups

Going door-to-door with a group of parents can be a great bonding experience providing camaraderie. Join up with parents and other students in your neighborhood to divide and conquer for increased sales. More sets of parental eyes mean more accountability, but all the rules above should still be followed! No child, even in a group, should knock unaccompanied.

Follow the Rules

School fundraisers have met their match many times with neighborhood covenants and restrictions. These rules must be followed; you don't want to earn a bad reputation for your school or child. Check with your homeowner's association or neighborhood board to learn about their policies regarding door-to-door school fundraising. If there are rules against it, be proactive in finding a workaround if you still want to use your neighborhood as a sales audience.

Fundraising in your local area can be a potent way to build a sense of community amongst folks looking for a simple way to give back in their neck of the woods. If you still don't feel comfortable going door-to-door with your child, that's fine. Drop a polite request to friends or approach coworkers at an appropriate moment (not on company time!) about the upcoming school fundraiser, and perhaps offer to support their children in return at a future date.

No matter what route you choose, we're here to support you in your fundraising success. Let us know what questions you have!

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.