A cross-comparison of fundraising initiatives and perceptions in urban high schools

Smith Rideout, Lesley (2002) A cross-comparison of fundraising initiatives and perceptions in urban high schools. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine and describe the initiatives and perceptions of fundraising in urban high schools. The questions explored were: (1) What are the feelings of educators about school based fundraising? (2) Have these perceptions changed in recent years? Do they feel the necessity for fundraising changing (i.e. increasing, decreasing, constant)? (3) How do school administrators view their role in local fundraising? How do they view teachers' roles? What are the parents' roles? (4) In what types of fundraising activities do schools participate? (5) Do high schools in urban areas participate in alternate forms of fundraising, such as business partnerships and charities? (6) How are the locally generated funds spent at the schools? (7) What policies are available to guide schools in raising local funds? -- A case study of two urban high schools was conducted to determine types of activities, amounts raised, the distribution of funds, school administrative, teacher and parent roles, and identification of school board and/or internal school policies on generating private resources at the school level. The principals of the schools were interviewed with open-ended questions and they responded to a written questionnaire. These findings were then analyzed in two stages (1) within-case analysis and (2) cross-case analysis. -- The findings are: (1) principals would not participate in fundraising if it were not necessary. However, in reality, schools have to fundraise to operate. (2) High schools collect fees/donations at the beginning of the school year to offset costs of operation. In addition to school fees, teams, band students and special interest groups are expected to assist in the cost of competitions, travel and equipment and hold most of the actual fundraising initiatives. (2) The level of demand for fundraising has remained constant over the years. (3) Principals view their role as important in the success of fundraising in their schools. School councils are an integral part in the approval, support and promotion of fundraising in schools. Parents are heavily relied upon in schools if fundraising initiatives are going to be successful. (4) There is no current, formal policy at the school and/or school board level on fundraising. Long-range planning for fundraising is not a fully developed concept within the schools. (5) Generally, schools are encouraged to access grant money to enhance programming.

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