I think we should start with the local businesses and get them to donate. I know SEF is a non-profit organization and it may be best to go through SEF on this one. Lisa, thoughts?
We could easily create a goal on our initial priority list for 2014-2015 school year:
And then push out to businesses to get this money raised.
Ugh…just typed a long response to this and it was lost when I tried to publish it.
ReplyDeleteRetyping a shorter version…this is where it gets tricky. If SEF is asking businesses for money, then Book Haven is, then Park Side is….it makes us look organized and it might put off some businesses. For example, a lot of outreach is going on to local businesses right now to get sponsorships for Much Ado. Not saying we don't reach out at the school level, just saying that it requires good communication.
SEF does not currently have--but is trying to recruit--a Business Partnership Coordinator who can do more with the local businesses. This has been a problem too. Anyone interested?
Separate from the Much Ado outreach, there are some businesses that have been regular supporters. Sometimes the businesses reach out to the schools directly--for example Copperfields and Mary's Pizza. Other times they work through SEF --for example Baskin Robbins, the Toyworks, and Glass Fusion. And then of course Mombo's and Sebastopol Hardware do so much for both schools.
It's been my experience that the businesses are far more likely to make an in-kind donation or to do a "dine and donate" type of event than to give cash.
For support of drama specifically, I was wondering if there has been any kind of partnership with Main Stage West or the Shakespeare in Ives Park people. I know that Main Stage West is always in need itself. So, perhaps they're not in a position to donate money to us. But would they be willing to have a sign at intermission and a donation jar? Would Hook & Ladder be willing to donate a portion of their proceeds from the wine sales for 1 show a month? Just a thought...
One more comment - Fundly is an interesting idea. So are the online auction sites like bidding for good. Plumfund is a crowdsourcing company based in Sebastopol. Their fees are cheaper than Fundly.
ReplyDeleteAnother place that you might want to check in with is the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, in the Vets building on High St. & adjacent to Ives Park. They are very supportive of the arts in schools, and may be able to steer you on some fundraising ideas.
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