Fundraising Directory

Setting Expectations – at the beginning of the year

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:10:18 +0000

Now’s the time to ramp up the ‘A’ factor in your SMART fundraising goals and let others know what’s in store in 2012.

Fundraisers know the importance of SMART goals: Specific, Measureable, Agreed upon, Realistic and Timely.

But it’s not enough for the committee to be committed to the goals. You want to get as many potential supporters and helpers onside as possible.

That’s where your ‘A’ factor comes in.

With a fundraising calendar set, use the early part of the year, when families are fresh from holidays, to make known your expectations of support—in its many forms.

Don’t get this confused with fundraising promotions. What you’re out to do is put your support network on notice: like an incoming plane on a radar, your fundraiser will be known and can be planned for.

Seek opportunities to talk it up with a captive audience:

An informal BBQ is a great way for new school families to meet others. Assign cheery enthusiastic supporters (not martyrs!) to take families under their wing at the BBQ to meet new school families – and clue them up on talking about what’s been achieved by working together. A morning tea for new parents after first assembly works too.
Enlist the principal’s help. Get on the ‘welcome’ agenda at information nights in the early weeks of the new school year.

Specify how you will be counting on the support. Forget subtlety.

Organise a table of friends now for the trivia or casino night out.
Family photo portraits will be delivered in time for Mothers’ Day – what a great present for the grandmas (as well as Mum).
Five art union tickets will be sent home to every family and every ticket needs to be sold to reach the goal (rather than ‘make a profit’).
Raffle tickets will be sold outside the supermarket every Saturday between 10 and 2 for six weeks, requiring X number of adults in 2-hour shifts.

Here’s one high school P&F’s approach:

“We have a register of interest on orientation day—a special day held weeks before school commences—and typically gather email addresses for 80%+ of new parents. We use email for date claimers initially and follow up the register of interest with ‘asks’ (where appropriate) for assistance or in-kind donations. And we have a special social – for new parents – to welcome and seek their involvement directly.”

Western Australian Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:00:11 +0000

Raffles are a time honoured and popular way to raise funds for your favourite cause. A raffle could be loosely defined as any game of chance where there is a limited number of tickets sold, and where each ticket has the same chance of winning as every other ticket sold. But as you know, there are a million and one ways to go about a raffle. From parking a wheelbarrow full of goodies outside the local shops, to raffling off fancy houses on the Gold Coast, to a good old Friday night chook raffle or meat tray draw at the pub (yes, chook raffles are still alive and well).

In fact you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

Raffles are classified by all Australian States and Territories as ‘gaming’ and, alongside casinos and licensed clubs, raffles are subject to regulation designed to protect the consumer, and the people conducting the gaming. The maze of legislation and regulation which surrounds raffles can be very daunting to the small community based fundraiser [or, for that matter, to the editor. Ed.], and I would not be surprised if some raffles had been still-born in the face of it.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in Western Australia.

Permits are required from the Commission to conduct any Standard Lotteries (including raffles) where the prize pool exceeds $200 in value.
An application fee applies to permits. For a 3 month permit where the prize pool is $5,000 or less the fee is $45. For prize pools between $5,000 and $50,000 the fee is $100.
Where the prize pool exceeds $20,000 in value, a bank guarantee or deposit must be supplied to the Commission.
Each ticket must display the following information.

- permit number;
- price of ticket;
- description and value of prizes;
- ticket number name and contact number of permit holder;
- name of organisation;
- closing date of ticket sales, and drawing date; and
- name/date of newspaper in which results will appear

Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to sell raffle tickets in WA. Where liquor is offered as a prize, persons under 18 years of age may not sell or buy tickets.

Further information is available from the Commission’s website at www.rgl.wa.gov.au
Or by phoning 1800 634 541 or (08) 9425 1888
Or by emailing rgl@rgl.wa.gov.au

What a P&C really does

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:00:19 +0000

Parents who cringe at the very mention of the term ‘P&C’ probably have never been to a meeting. Find out what the P&C really does.

Most schools have a parent representative body, commonly called Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association in state schools (non-government schools may call theirs a Parents and Friends Association).

The P&C is the voice of the parents. It’s at P&C meetings that decisions affecting your child at school are made.

P&C meetings are usually held once a month. Any parent or guardian can attend.

P&C associations are a great way to:

get the inside story on what’s really happening in the school (not the gossip). The principal usually is available to answer questions and teachers sometimes attend too
influence school policy (want to change the uniform? Lobby through the P&C)
have a say in the development of school activities such as excursions and camps and curriculum
guide school management in its financial planning by helping prioritise the resource wish-list
contribute to the school’s resources through various fundraising projects
meet other parents

Schools have their own budgets —but invariably they need more than the budget allows. That’s where the P&C becomes a really valuable partner.

P&Cs often run or manage services like tuckshops (or canteens), uniform shops or after school care/vacation care.

Some school P&Cs have special interest sub-committees that focus on, for example, a sport or the music program or the school grounds.

Fundraising is an exciting way in which to help your school get much-wanted additional resources—from extra library books to a shade cloth over a play area, new tuckshop kitchen; even a new swimming pool.

P&C fundraising can take many forms from product drives to special event stalls (for Mothers’ Day or Fathers’ Day, for example) and social events—for students (like school discos), parents (such as casino nights or wine tastings) and families (like trivia nights and BBQs). P&Cs are also the driving force behind big community events like fetes or carnivals.

Search the Fundraising Directory’s suggestions of ways to make money and read our free ebook, The Essentials of Fundraising: 22 lessons for A+ results.

All money raised by a P&C must be used for the benefit of the school. But as a P&C member, you get to vote on how funds are used—and ultimately, that can only benefit your child too.

Out of the hot seat: Air conditioners for classrooms

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:36 +0000

Last year, groups of parents in Western Australia successfully lobbied their education department for a review of funding for classroom air conditioning. In 2011, parts of the state saw thousands of students and staff members swelter in the hottest summer in thirty-three years.

Robert Fry, president of the WA Council of State School Organisations, welcomed the review.

“You put everyone in a stifling hot, stuffy classroom, no one is going to respond well or be able to learn,” he said. “Why should children and teachers be denied comfort in their learning environment?”

In her 2011 article, education commentator Jane Caro argues that it is “outrageous” for students and teachers to spend hours every day struggling through temperatures of over thirty-five degrees.

It’s understandable that our public servants—the very people who create policies around funding for schools—deserve to work in cooled offices. Shouldn’t our kids have the same rights? Shouldn’t teachers be entitled to assist students and prepare lessons in conditions that are comfortable?

Increasingly, school community groups like P&Cs are looking for ways to raise money for air conditioners for their students and staff. State funding policies vary across Australia. In some states, like Western Australia, full funding goes to places in an “air cooling zone” that record twenty-two days of “uncomfortable weather”.

For most schools across the country, however, the responsibility falls to school P&Cs to make up the funding for both air conditioner units and the electricity to run them. Doug Garske, fundraising co-ordinator at Lane Cove West P&C in NSW said, “If it wasn’t for the P&C the school would be hard-pressed to have air conditioning in the rooms.” It’s vital for a fundraising group to make it clear to parents where the money will be spent, as well as the project’s time goals. For instance, parents will certainly be more likely to help if they know their own children will still be at the school by the time the air conditioning project is complete.

In order to choose the best option for your school, consult the Energy Rating website so that the air conditioning units you choose will be kind on the pocket and the environment. The Queensland education department offers a manual for fundraising groups to help them achieve their cooling goals as sustainably as possible.
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One Brisbane state school’s P&C has just completed their air conditioning project. 34 rooms were air conditioned in just over three years, at a cost of $358K. The kids and teachers love it!

The ‘Red Tape Monster’ strikes again…

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:53:41 +0000

This morning I went to a consultation put on by the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC) about the new regulatory framework that is being proposed for charities. The room was full of interested parties.

I won’t go into great detail on the proposed changes – you can find out more here. In a very brief nutshell, the commission aims to consolidate and simplify much of the regulation for the charities sector from July 2012, and then potentially extend it to the not-for-profit sector from 2014. Most smaller not-for-profits, even those with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, will therefore be unaffected for the foreseeable future.

What struck me at the session was a comment from one gentleman about making certain that volunteers were somehow protected from the onerous compliance burden of ‘improvements’, for example on reporting or various applications. The comment was the only one to draw a wholehearted round of applause from the audience.

He further went on to add that it is the burden of paperwork and compliance that can make it so difficult to attract volunteers into office-bearing positions.

At a grassroots level, what can be done to address this problem?

First, regulators need to look at ways to minimise this burden, and assist volunteers to easily see their way through their obligations.

Another way is for committees to share the burden. Split the jobs amongst many and support each other. Leave a trail so that the next person doing the same ‘gig’ has the benefit of your experience.

Going further, you can seek help from your peak body (should you have one) or buddy up with similar groups in your area to nut your way through the maze of red tape.

Short of this, it is often left to extremely dedicated volunteers to skill themselves up through their own efforts, and singlehandedly take on the ‘red tape monster’.

Miss Fundraising

New South Wales Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:26 +0000

In fact you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

Raffles are classified by all Australian States and Territories as ‘gaming’ and, alongside casinos and licensed clubs, raffles are subject to regulation designed to protect the consumer, and the people conducting the gaming. The maze of legislation and regulation which surrounds raffles can be very daunting to the small community based fundraiser [or, for that matter, to the editor. Ed.], and I would not be surprised if some raffles had been still-born in the face of it.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in New South Wales.

No permit is required in NSW for charitable organisations to run a raffle (‘lottery’) up to a total prize value of $25,000. Lotteries with a prize pool in excess of $25,000 are ‘Art Unions’ in NSW and are subject to different regulations.
At least 40% of gross fundraising proceeds must go to the not-for-profit organisation. Expenses, including prizes, not to exceed 60% of gross proceeds.
Total value of cash prizes is capped at $25,000.
Tickets where prizes include alcohol may not be sold or bought by anyone under 18 years of age. There are no other restrictions on minors selling raffle tickets in NSW.
Tickets must be numbered sequentially, and ticket butts must clearly display the ticket number. Where the prize pool exceeds $5,000 the ticket must also have space on the ticket butt for the purchaser to write their name and address.
When advertising the raffle, organisations must make the following information available:

- the price of the ticket
- the name of the organisation for whose benefit the raffle is being conducted
- details of the prizes and their recommended retail value
- the place, time and date of the draw
- details of how the prize winners will be notified
- details of the way in which the results of the draw will be publicised
It is sufficient for this information to be provided on the ticket.

Further information is available from the OLGR website at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au
Or by phoning (02) 9995 0666
Or by emailing lottery.inquiries@communities.nsw.gov.au

South Australian Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:11:40 +0000

In fact you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in South Australia.

Organisations do not need a license to conduct a Minor Lottery (i.e. one where the total prize pool value is $5,000 or less). A license is required for a Major Lottery (i.e. one where the prize pool value exceeds $5,000).
A child under the age of 15 years is not permitted to sell tickets in a minor or major lottery unless accompanied by an adult.
Lottery proceeds may only be used for the purposes described in the SA gaming regulations. Most fundraising activity will fall into these categories.
Cash prizes are permissible up to the total prize limit of $5,000.
The total retail value of all prizes in the lottery must be not less than 20% of the total face value of all tickets in the lottery.
If tickets are to be sold before the day on which the lottery is to be drawn or at places other than the place at which the lottery is to be drawn:

- the association’s name and the date, time and place of the drawing of the lottery must be printed on each ticket and ticket butt; and
- each sold ticket butt must contain the name and address or telephone number of the purchaser of the ticket and be clearly written on the ticket.

Further information is available from the OLGC website at www.olgc.sa.gov.au
Or by phoning (08) 8226 8500
Or by emailing lottery@agd.sa.gov.au

Tasmanian Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:01:08 +0000

In fact you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in Tasmania.

A raffle permit is only required in Tasmania where the prize value exceeds $5,000. Where prize value exceeds $5,000, the organisation must apply for a Minor Gaming Permit from the Commission.

Prize value must equal at least 20% of total raffle income from ticket sales.

Prizes may be in cash, however total cash prizes may not exceed $5,000.

Children under 13 years of age may not sell tickets in any raffle in Tasmania.
Children between 13 and 16 years of age may only sell tickets in raffles where the total retail prize value does not exceed $500.

Raffle tickets may not be purchased by anyone under 18 years of age.

Tickets in a raffle where prize value exceeds $5,000 must have the following information printed on them:

- the name and contact details of the ticket buyer (On the ticket butt)
- the name of the declared community or charitable organisation to benefit from the raffle
- the permit number, where a minor gaming permit is required and has been issued
- the name and full postal address of the permit holder
- the ticket price, ticket number and (where prizes exceed $10,000 in value) the maximum number of tickets being sold
- a description of each prize and its value
- when and where the raffle will be drawn, and the method of publication or notification of the results
- ticket seller’s prize details and market value

Further information is available from the TGC website at www.gaming.tas.gov.au
Or by phoning (03) 6233 6119
Or by emailing gaming@treasury.tas.gov.au

Queensland Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:47:37 +0000

A note of caution: this article is intended only as a general guide. Whilst the information provided is correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of publication, we strongly advise anyone who is planning to conduct a raffle to seek the advice of the regulating authority below.

Regulating Agency: Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation

Key Features:
Raffles are technically known as ‘Art Unions’ in Queensland, and are classified according to the gross proceeds (total ticket sales) they anticipate making.

A Category 1 Art Union (raffle) is one whose sales are up to $2,000.
A Category 2 Art Union (raffle) is one whose sales are between $2,001 and $20,000.
There are four categories in total.

No permit is required to conduct Category 1 or Category 2 raffles.
‘Eligible organisations’ may conduct a raffle up to $20,000 in sales without a permit. Refer to the OLGR website for a definition of ‘eligible organisations’.
The total value of prizes in any raffle must be at least 20% of the estimated gross proceeds (total ticket sales). E.g. if gross ticket sales are $1000, the prize value must be NO LESS THAN $200 in total.
If a Category 1 or 2 raffle is not conducted and drawn on the same day, the tickets must have the name and either the address or telephone number of the entrant legibly written on the ticket butt, or legibly recorded in another way that enables each prize winner to be identified.
Cash prizes may not exceed $10,000 for Category 1 and 2 raffles.
There is no restriction on minors selling raffle tickets. However, a person conducting a Category 1, 2 or 3 raffle cannot sell a ticket to a minor if the prize includes liquor or a gaming product.

Further information is available from the OLGR website at www.olgr.qld.gov.au
Or by phoning (07) 3872 0999
Or by emailing info@olgr.qld.gov.au

Victorian Raffle Rules

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:24:33 +0000

In fact you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in Victoria.

Raffles in Victoria may only be conducted by organisations which have been ‘declared’ a genuine community or charitable organisation by the Victorian Commission for Gaming Regulation. Organisations wishing to apply for a declaration can do so via the VCGR website, and should allow at least 28 days for approval.
Raffles whose total prize value exceeds $5,000 in value must obtain a permit from the Commission (in addition to being a ‘declared’ organisation). At the time of writing (April 2011) permits cost $41.80. Any alterations to the terms of the permit will incur a further fee of $23.80.
At present there no restrictions on minors buying or selling raffle tickets in Victoria, However, the Commission may on occasion attach a condition to a permit restricting who can purchase tickets.
The legislation expressly prohibits the use of cash, stocks and shares as prizes, unless the prize is an accommodation or travel prize in which case some spending money may be included. If the prize is an accommodation or travel prize the value of the cash included cannot exceed 10% of that prize’s total value.
Raffles whose sales are $500 or less have only ONE DAY to sell their tickets or sell the tickets within an 8 hour period. Raffles between $501 and $5000 have three months to sell their tickets. Raffles greater than $5,001 will have 12 months or less.
Where prize value exceeds $500, ticket sellers are required to collect ticket buyers’ contact details.
Raffles whose prize value exceeds $500 are required to have printed tickets. Each ticket must show the following information:

- the name of the declared community or charitable organisation to benefit from the raffle
- the permit number, where a minor gaming permit is required and has been issued
- the ticket price and the maximum number of tickets authorised by a permit
- a description of each prize and its value
- when and where the raffle will be drawn, and the method of publication or notification of the results

Further information is available at the VCGR website at www.vcgr.vic.gov.au
Or by phoning (03) 9651 3630
Or by emailing minor.gaming@vcgr.vic.gov.au