Fund-Raising Ideas!

We at LMC understand that school budgets are tight, therefore fundraising is an essential part of the LMC experience. It is also a great way to get your students involved in the preparation for a trip. Many of the schools that visit LMC run fund raising programs throughout the school year. The following are a few examples we've heard about.

Spaghetti Dinners, Pancake Breakfasts: Encourage your local grocery stores to donate the ingredients, and hold an event in your community for a small fee. (Or solicit the talents of some cuisine gifted parents!)

Bagel/Doughnut Sales: Have a committee sell bagels or doughnuts for $1 every morning before school -- you'd be surprised how quickly the money will add up. (In order to make a profit, you'll need to find a supplier that charges less than a dollar.)

Wrapping paper sales, Poster sales, Greeting card sales: This is your typical fundraiser. Find a good vendor, and send students out into the field. Try to find some environmentally friendly products to sell. Or get creative, and make your own.

T-shirt Sales: Everyone likes t-shirts! Again, look for a vendor who works either with non-profit organizations or advocacy groups; they usually offer the best deals.

Hold a Carnival: Let your students be creative! Have them come up with some fun games and activities, and hold a day for all families. Charge a small entrance fee for each activity.

Car Wash:All you need for this is an available parking lot and a water source. Look into using environmentally friendly soaps, and other supplies. A local store may be able to donate the supplies.

Bake or Craft Sale: Here's a typical fundraiser. It's always a good way to bring in extra money.

Yard Sale: For those looking to do some spring or fall cleaning! Have people around the area donate items, and then have a big yard sale or auction.

Litter-A-Thon: A great idea that will also get your students involved in a hands-on envrionmental cleanup! Have your students get pledges for a litter pick-up. This could be done by the hour or the bag. Perhaps you can find an area of concern in your community and bring about some positive changes.

Can/Bottle Collection: Recycling centers pay the going market rate for recyclable aluminum beverage cans and glass bottles. Have your students start collecting at home once a month, or ahve them bring what they've got to school. Then take the bottles and cans to your local center for redemption.

Educational Grants: Many schools subsidize or entirely pay for their visit through educational grants available from local, state, and/or federal government agencies, or local philanthropists.

Letter Campaign: Many businesses and organizations seek to support worthy causes witin their immediate areas. Consider the impact of twenty or thirty letters to a local company written in the hands of your students. Even national organizations like Wal-Mart and United Airlines give preference to smaller, community based causes and greater attention to educational requests.

The possibilities are endless! Let your students be creative!