955 Policy: Fundraising Activities

The purpose of this policy is to establish parameters for district-wide and building fundraising activities for school-related or charitable purposes.

I. FUNDRAISING FOR SCHOOL-RELATED PURPOSES

The Board of Education supports the general concept of fundraising and other related activities by independent organizations that support students and school activities.  Examples of such organizations include the Richfield Public Schools Dedicated Fund (RPS Fund), the Spartan Foundation, PTOs, booster clubs, student clubs/co-curriculars, or other parent and student groups.  Fundraising or other activities must satisfy the following conditions:

A. Any district-wide fundraising or related activity has the approval of the Superintendent and any building-related fundraising or related activity has the approval of the building principal or appropriate administrator or appropriate administrator.  Approval must occur for all new fundraising activities.  Approval must be reviewed yearly for ongoing and/or continued fundraising activities.  The superintendent shall be responsible for updating the board with a summary of district fundraising activities.

B. The purpose for the fundraising or related activity is school-related and benefits students.

C. The fundraising or related activity can be conducted with minimal student involvement during class time, minimal loss of instructional time and minimal endorsement of products. 

D. The purpose and methods of fundraising or related activities and the financial record-keeping and accounting are consistent with the requirements of law and Board policy, and convey a positive image of the District.

II. FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES

A. Student Involvement in Charitable Fundraising

The Board of Education recognizes that student participation in charitable fundraising and related activities can develop responsibility, citizenship, and a commitment to service.  Accordingly, students may participate in fundraising and related activities for charitable purposes under the following conditions:

1. The fundraising or related activity has the approval of the building principal or appropriate district administrator.

2. The fundraising or related activity can be conducted with minimal loss of instructional time and minimal endorsement of products.

3. The methods of fundraising or related activities and the financial record-keeping and accounting are consistent with the requirements of law and Board policy, and convey a positive image of the District.

4. The recipient organization is private, non-profit, and philanthropic, and does not promote religious or political causes.

B. Employee Involvement in Charitable Fundraising

The Board of Education authorizes up to one combined charitable fund drive annually.  The annual charitable fund drive may incorporate fundraising in support of the RPS Fund and the Spartan Foundation.  If a fund drive occurs, it is to be conducted in accordance with administrative guidelines developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:  December 3, 1996

REVISED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

• November 6, 2006
• November 19, 2018

REAFFIRMED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: October 7, 2002