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Development What is development?Nonprofits formulated the term development to focus on improving resources for their existence (sustenance). A director of development is charged with the responsibility of improving/building resources for the school. The title used by most nonprofits still is Resource Development Director.
What can I expect from the development office?It is the intent and responsibility of this office to:
Are all of the school's fundraisers organized by the development office?No. The development office focuses on large fundraisers. Annual events have included Pumpkin Fest, Golf Outing, Rummage Sale, Kraig Kenning Concert and Auction. In the past, other fundraising activities have included the ?Paver? program, Phase I and Phase II appeals, Birding Event, ?No Foolin? Around for Floorin? campaign etc.The PSO (Parent-Staff Organization) conducts its own smaller fundraisers. Their mission is to support the teachers and classroom activities. Some of the PSO fundraisers include sale of Butterbraids, Bulb Sale, Plant Sale, Scrip, Target for Education, school supplies, Tyson A, Box Tops, Shop N Share, cartridge recycling etc. The money raised through this program does not support the capital fund.
Since the early years the school has been raising money for buildings. Now the buildings are going up and construction is almost over. Why do we still need to raise money?Beginning with the Phase I capital campaign and ending with the 2005 Pumpkin Fest, money was raised to provide equity for purchasing the Kennicott building, the Wright Schoolhouse, the underlying land; to build the Anna B. Comstock building (Phase I); and now to build an additional classroom and a multi-use gymnasium (Phase II). Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company has provided us with $9,315,000 in construction financing. In order to meet our construction budget and finalize construction financing for Phase II, we eliminated many items from the building. We continue to solicit contributions to be able to ?reverse? these eliminated items. Examples include lockers in the classrooms, bleachers in the gym, and gym equipment beyond the bare minimum already included. Our construction loan requires monthly interest payments through June 2007 (estimated at $838,000 in fiscal year 2006-2007), then converts to principal and interest payments (estimated at $938,000 in fiscal 2007-2008 assuming a 25-year amortization) until the loan comes due in a balloon in June of 2008. We will need to secure a long-term mortgage before the balloon payment is due.
Are we going to raise $550,000 for the next 30 years?The straight answer is "no." This figure is based upon the Per Capita Tuition Rate for the next fiscal year, estimated operating costs, and the current level of debt service. We anticipate that the PCTR will increase over time, and when we are able to secure long-term mortgage financing, our debt service will stabilize. This should reduce our need for fund-raising over time.The school's Director and the Director of Development will work on presenting a long-range development plan to the board for approval. Raising enough money to set up an endowment fund is one of the avenues being explored.
Am I required to contribute funds?As a parent you are one of the most important stakeholders the school has and naturally a majority of you do support the school monetarily but, because we are a public school, these are strictly voluntary donations. The school?s volunteer policy clearly states: ?Parents of Prairie Crossing Charter School students are welcome to volunteer for many school activities in the classroom; as chaperones and drivers for field trips; as helpers in the maintenance of the school; as coaches; as participants in Parent Staff Organization (PSO); as members of the school board or its committees, task forces, etc.; in contributing special talents and skills; or by providing financial contributions to the school. However, no parent is required to volunteer at the school or provide financial contributions. Children will not be discriminated against in any way if parents are unable or choose not to volunteer or contribute financially. Volunteerism and financial contributions are not requirements for enrolling in or remaining at Prairie Crossing Charter School.?
"I am a new parent and I am not sure of all the ways I can help the development office. Can you explain"?To reach the target of $550,000, we need the support of many volunteers. Currently, parents and community members assist the development office in the following ways:
Why "Director of Development and Community Relations" and not just "Development Manager"?In fundraising, there is a philosophy that fundraisers have to be ?friend?raisers before they raise funds. By carefully educating our stakeholders (educators, philanthropists, parents, community members, politicians, etc.) about the school?s mission, purpose and needs we are building partnerships to find solutions together. ?Community Relations? becomes an integral part of improving friends and funds. Eventually the school will have many ?ambassadors? promoting our cause!
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