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 Just about everything associated with elementary schools can be fun for both parents and the kids.

Whether it's the Christmas program, parent-teacher conferences, a school carnival, or even a fundraiser, you'll find at least one way to enjoy yourself.

Advantages

Elementary School kids are enthusiastic. They are new to all school activities, including fundraising. Many times, their parents are also rookies in the drive to raise much-needed school funds. Therefore, you have an excited and energetic sales force.

Younger children are also strongly motivated by the prizes or incentives offered to top sales people. A well-planned and enthusiastic fundraiser kick-off assembly can be very effective at this age.

Challenges

Since the kids are still so young, parents are heavily relied upon to do the work of fundraising. Older students can take much more of the responsibility involved in fundraising events, but for the time your kids are in elementary school, you will have to do the bulk of the work. Click here to read an article about lessons your older children can learn while fundraising.

Trends

Many schools are looking to add an element of environmental awareness and health consciousness to their fundraisers. While chocolate and candy sales are still very popular and a sure-money maker, other products are gaining in popularity. Healthy alternatives like fruit, bottled water and even low fat cookies are now available. Another healthy alternative is activity based fundraisers like walk-a-thons.

School carnivals continue to be a staple of the elementary school calendar. Carnivals are not only a fundraiser, but also a family time activity and something special for the children. Auctions are another way to raise funds for your elementary school. They are most often seen in private schools but public schools can hold auctions as well.

Also, many schools are starting to offer an opt-out option of school fundraisers all together. This program allows families to pay a predetermined fee ahead of time and then they are excused from all future fundraising activities for the year. This is beneficial since 100% of the opt-out fee goes to the school, rather than just a percentage when it comes to traditional product sales.

Grant Outlook

With a little research, there are numerous grant opportunities for elementary schools. Visit the website GrantsAlert.com for many helpful links to foundations, corporations, and federal sources that offer specialized grant opportunities. 

Although the wide world of grant writing may seem intimidating to some, it can be greatly demystified with a little studying and research at sites like Step By Step Fundraising.