States are going bankrupt. States provide money for schools. It doesn't take an 'A' in math to realize this equation equals zero when it comes to school funding. What, therefore, is a parent to do?
Where government has failed, corporate sponsors and other entities have gotten involved to make sure your child's education doesn't get an âFâ. They can't do it alone. Here are tips for how you can help from Leith Toyota:
- A Direct Donation - The great thing about donating money to a school is you get to choose what it's used for. Don't think the club your son or daughter wants to join has enough funding? Donate. Think the basketball team needs new uniforms? Buy them. Don't like your daughter's science teacher? Well, there's not much you can (legally) do about that.
- Business Fundraisers - Find stores that contribute a certain percentage of their sales to a particular school. In the past, many nationally prominent retail outlets have designated a portion of money used to buy school supplies toward the school of your choice. Find out which these stores are and patronize them.
- Business Partners - Partner with a local business and ask it to donate a percentage of one day's profits to your school. Here's how it works. Your school, club, or organization distributes fliers to bring to a particular restaurant on a particular day. Anyone bringing in a flier has a certain portion of the money spent that day go to a specific school or club. It's a win-win. The business gets more business and the school or club gets more money.
- Recycling - Earn green by going green. Regardless of which "green" you prefer, schools can raise money by recycling old ink cartridges, cell phones, and other electronics. A simple Internet search will provide numerous organizations that accept used electronics and give money or supplies to any registered school.
- Leading the Charge - A portion of your credit card purchases can be given to the school of your choice. Some stores already have a program in place--Target, for example. Find out which stores in your area have a program, register and shop there. There are also numerous e-shopping outlets that have similar programs.
- Corporate Sponsors - This is similar to teaming up with businesses. Schools can gain sponsorships from computer stores, local TV networks, or home improvement outlets to receive heavily discounted items. The corporate sponsor, in turn, gets good publicity.
- Fundraisers - Children have been raising money for their school for years by selling magazine subscriptions, useless doodads, or buckets of cookie dough. If you really want to help out your child's school, buy some fundraising items.
