Introduction
Fundraising is an essential way for school councils to enhance student learning, improve school resources, and support extracurricular activities. Whether raising funds for classroom technology, playground improvements, or student programs, school councils and parents play a key role in organizing and managing fundraising efforts while ensuring compliance with school board policies.
Under Policy 606, schools are limited to two major fundraising events per year. Additionally, individuals and businesses can donate directly to the school board, designating funds for a specific school or purpose while obtaining a tax-deductible donation receipt.
This guide covers fundraising ideas, school council guidelines, things to watch out for, and a donation request letter template for businesses.
1️⃣ Understanding Policy 606: Fundraising Guidelines
Policy 606 establishes the rules for fundraising in Catholic schools to ensure all efforts align with the school’s mission and benefit students.
📌 Key Guidelines from Policy 606:
✔ Each school is limited to two major fundraising events per year.
✔ Fundraising must support student programs, activities, or school improvements.
✔ Participation must be voluntary – students and families cannot be required to contribute.
✔ Funds cannot be used for staff salaries, administration, or regular school operations.
✔ All fundraising activities must be approved by the principal before launch.
📌 Before organizing an event, check with your principal to ensure compliance with Policy 606!
2️⃣ What Can & Cannot Be Funded Through School Fundraising?
✅ What Schools Can Fundraise For:
✔ Classroom resources (books, learning materials, STEM kits)
✔ Extracurricular activities (sports teams, clubs, student leadership programs)
✔ Library upgrades (new books, seating areas)
✔ Playground improvements (equipment, shade structures)
✔ School events & guest speakers (career day, family engagement nights)
✔ Hot lunch & snack programs (PPM 150-compliant meal options, also a source of fundraising)
✔ Graduation ceremonies & student recognition awards
❌ What Schools Cannot Fundraise For:
❌ Teacher and staff salaries
❌ School maintenance and repairs
❌ Basic classroom essentials already funded by the school board
❌ Fundraising that pressures parents into participation
📌 All fundraising proceeds must be transparent and reported to parents and school council members to maintain accountability.
3️⃣ Hot Lunch Program as a Fundraising Source
Many schools use hot lunch programs as a consistent, reliable source of fundraising while providing students with healthy, PPM 150-compliant meals.
📌 How the Hot Lunch Program Helps Raise Funds:
✔ Parents purchase pre-approved meals through the school council’s vendor.
✔ A portion of the proceeds goes toward school fundraising efforts.
✔ Parent volunteers help distribute meals to reduce costs.
✔ The funds can be used to support school events, classroom resources, and student programs.
📌 Tip: Many schools allow parents to prepay for a semester of hot lunches, ensuring steady fundraising revenue.
4️⃣ Creative Fundraising Ideas for Schools
📌 Traditional Fundraising Ideas
💡 Bake Sales & Food Fairs – Parents and students sell homemade or donated treats during school events.
💡 Read-a-thons & Walk-a-thons – Students collect pledges based on how many books they read or steps they walk.
💡 School Spirit Wear Sales – Selling branded t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories with the school’s logo.
💡 Community-Based Fundraisers – Partnering with local restaurants or businesses to donate a portion of sales from designated days.
📌 Tip: The best fundraisers are simple, community-focused, and align with student needs. Avoid fundraisers that create financial pressure for families.
5️⃣ Things to Watch Out for in School Fundraising
🔸 Overloading Parents with Too Many Fundraisers
• Since Policy 606 allows only two major fundraising events per year, it’s important to select high-impact fundraisers that will bring in the most value.
🔸 Ensuring Financial Transparency
• Fundraising committees must track all incoming and outgoing funds and provide a clear report at school council meetings.
• Parents should always know how funds will be used before contributing.
🔸 Vendor Selection for Fundraising Sales
• Always choose reputable vendors when selling items like hot lunches or school spirit wear.
• Ensure products comply with school and health regulations (e.g., food safety for hot lunch programs).
6️⃣ How to Donate Directly to a School & Get a Tax Receipt
📌 Did you know?
Anyone can donate directly to the school board and allocate funds for a specific school or initiative (e.g., technology upgrades, arts programs, library resources).
📌 How to Make a Direct Donation to a School:
✅ Contact your school office or board website for donation instructions.
✅ Specify the school and purpose (e.g., “Library books for [School Name]”).
✅ Receive a tax-deductible donation receipt from the school board.
💡 This option is great for businesses, alumni, or families who want to contribute beyond regular fundraisers!
7️⃣ Donation Request Letter Sample for Local Businesses
📌 Use this template to request donations from local businesses that may be willing to support your school!
[Your Name]
[Your School Council Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Business Name]
[Business Address]
[Business Contact Name]
Subject: Support Our School – Donation Request for [School Name]
Dear [Business Contact Name],
On behalf of [School Name] School Council, we are reaching out to seek your support in enhancing our school’s resources and programs for students. This year, we are raising funds to [briefly explain purpose, e.g., “expand our library collection and purchase sports equipment for student activities”].
Your generous donation would directly benefit our students by providing them with [specific impact, e.g., “access to more diverse reading materials and improved physical education programs”].
How You Can Help:
✔ Donate any amount directly to [School Board Name], specifying [School Name] as the recipient.
✔ Sponsor a specific initiative (e.g., book donations, STEM kits).
✔ Provide in-kind donations such as [specific items, e.g., “sports gear or learning tools”].
As a registered educational institution, [School Board Name] can provide an official tax-deductible donation receipt for your contribution.
We truly appreciate your time and consideration in supporting [School Name]. Please feel free to reach out to us at [Your Email] with any questions or to discuss potential partnership opportunities.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to education!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Role, e.g., School Council Chair]
[School Name]
Conclusion: Fundraising Strengthens Schools & Builds Community
School fundraising, when done right, benefits students, supports educators, and fosters a strong school community.
📌 Key Takeaways:
✅ Policy 606 allows only two major fundraisers per year – choose wisely!
✅ Schools can fundraise for technology, books, playgrounds, and programs.
✅ Businesses can donate to the school board and receive a tax receipt.
✅ Hot lunch programs are a consistent and valuable fundraising source.
✅ Financial transparency ensures a successful and trustworthy fundraising process.
💬 Do you have fundraising ideas to share? Comment below!
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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