Often, fundraising is undertaken to give District programs an extra boost when it comes to money and resources. It helps buy things we need, get services, and even spruce up our facilities. But, to keep things organized – and considerate of local businesses and community members – we’ve set up a fundraising approval process to guide the solicitation and acceptance of donations, as well as assure communication and accepted processes.
It is important to understand the following definitions:
Fundraising = Activities, events, campaign, solicitation, if it is $10k+
Donation = Value of $10k+
So – any time someone asks for money or an item(s) donated in-kind, whether it’s from individuals, groups, or businesses, on behalf of the District, school, or program, a Fundraising & Donation Request Form must be submitted. Yep, even those grant proposals count!
Step 1: A District staff person from your building (likely Administrator) must watch the “Fundraising & Donations in the District” online training video. Hopefully he/she has already done this assigned training and provided you with the “Fundraising & Donations in the District” Handout (see link below).
Step 2: Through the submission of a Fundraising & Donations Request Form (see link below), requests to fundraise will be reviewed before the project/program kicks off. What will be reviewed? The scope, timing, and methods that will be used to solicit potential donors. If your school, group, or event is planning a fundraiser or fundraising campaign that meets the financial thresholds stated above, you are required to complete the Fundraising & Donations Request Form on this page.
NOTE: if your campaign aims to improve District facilities, the District Operations team will also need to be contacted before you get a thumbs up. Reach out to them at 319-558-2202. If your campaign will include any type of technology contact District IT at 319-558-2249 before you complete the Form.
For fundraising undertaken that do NOT have an associated 501c3 (tax-exempt status entity) such organization will have to become a fiscal agent of the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation. This partnership will handle large donations and all the paperwork that – often! – goes with it. Contact the Foundation at 319-558-2400.
If your fundraising group DOES have an associated 501c3 (tax-exempt status entity), you STILL need to submit the Fundraising & Donations Request Form on this page before you start solicitations.
Regardless of tax status, you DO need to submit the Fundraising Request form on this page before you can solicit donors, order materials, or start any facility improvements.