Thank you to the exactly 100 respondents to the Fundraising Survey for Sargent.  We learned a lot about what you like and what we could do better.  Over half of you, 55.4%, said the amount of fundraising was “just right”, compared to 39.1 % who said “too much’ and 5.4 % who said “too little”. 

One thing we can do better is communication.  There was a large variety of fundraisers this year, and many of you appreciated the selection.  However, some felt pressure that participation in each fundraiser was a requirement, and that fundraising was overwhelming.  In the future, we will make sure that our fundraising approach is better communicated.  We will plan the fundraisers before the year begins so you know what to expect and what works for you and your family.

We want to make sure our plan is based on your desires, too! 

Current and Future Fundraisers in order of Positive Responses:
1. BoxTops for Education and collection programs - Current program, 77.8 %
2. School Wide Events ‘Socials for Profit’ - Future program, 70.3 % positive
3. Supporting Local Businesses (Taki’s, Pie Sales) - Current program, 66.7 %
4. Direct Donation – Current program, 61.6 %
5. Family Event outside of School – Future program, 60.6%
6. Mother – daughter tea (Town-wide) 49.5%
7. Adult-only wine tasting event – 46.2 %
8. School-wide events outside school – ex. CoCo Keys – 41.4%
9. Adult-only Auction evening – 29.7%

Catalog Sales, in 10th Place
Catalog Sales found favor with 24.2 % of respondents, which makes it the 10th favorite fundraiser.  The Holiday Catalog participation rate was about 30% for the school, and the profit was over $10,000.  This is significant data for our future plans.  Although not the favorite fundraiser, it was our largest source of revenue for the year, and if we had a participation rate of 24.2%, it will still provide significant funds for the school.

Finally, OneCause (online buying) and Scrips (Gift Cards) came in 11th and 12th place with 22.2% and 21.2 % respectively.  These programs are like “BoxTops” in that they are “no brainers” once you understand the program.  We will continue to educate families about the benefits of these programs.

The comments section of the survey was also very interesting.  Two comments asked if we could ‘just give a direct donation instead’ – and we did ask for Direct Donations in the beginning of the year!  We also received ideas for Sargent Spirit Wear and other suggestions.  Several comments mentioned how overwhelming Fundraising is.  Others thanked us for our work.  Moving forward, we will incorporate what we learned in the comments section as we plan next year. 

Thank you again for your participation.