Eco-Friendly Fundraisers

Every year when my kids go back to school there seems to be an even longer list of volunteer opportunities. Fact is, most schools are cash-crunched and short on help these days, so parents who volunteer their time, talents and fundraising know-how are more important than ever. As our fundraising efforts grow, it’s even more important to pause and consider their impact on both the planet and our kids’ health. Luckily, there are now plenty of green options for moms and dads who want to make a difference, many of which have the added bonus of enriching kids’ curriculum.

4 fresh ways to raise some green for your child's school

   
1.  Rethink, Reduce, Recycle
Steer clear of fundraisers that feature junk food, candy and wrapping paper. Instead, go for the green! Terracycle.net helps you create a recycling brigade to get money for your school, plus they have up-to-date companion curriculum series for teachers. If your school still wants to sell products, Go-Green-Fundraising.com has several smart alternatives, including flower bulbs, savings cards, live tree kits, and healthy food products. You can also check out EqualExchange.coop/fundraiser for sustainable, organic and fair-trade options.

2.  Wear Your Art on Your Sleeve
Community events are another great way to raise funds and rally support. With musical parents willing to donate their time and talent, you can put together a concert and sell tickets. Or showcase the kids’ artistic talents. Artist Johnny Murphy (iDreamOfJohnny.com) made his Sacramento debut last spring when he partnered with Retail Therapy for a fundraising event at ArtBeast. Now he is creating T-shirts for Folsom’s annual Children’s Music Festival (Saturday, August 28, 2010), with designs submitted by local kids. And at least two local schools—American River Montessori and Brighton—plan to work with him on projects that will combine arts education with fundraising.

3.   Help Schools Go Organic
School gardens are on the rise, teaching children about the cycle of life while improving kids’ health and knowledge of nutrition. RealSchoolGardens.org is a beautiful site to help you get going. Small space? Try WoollyPocket.com’s Woolly School Garden program. Also, talk to your local nurseries about donating plants in exchange for parent newsletter exposure.

4.   Go Green, Get Grants
CaptainPlanetFoundation.org gives grants for school programs that promote understanding of environmental issues. MGAEF.org provides funds for school programs that emphasize solving problems with ecological knowledge. If you want to inspire kids to take care of the environment or their community, Nickelodeon has “The Big Help” campaign, with a “Million Dollars for a Million Moves” grant program at Pro-Social.Nick.com.


Terra Wellington is the author of The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green. For more links to grant possibilities, plus green living tips for families, visit TerraWellington.com.