Policy 704.06: Online Fundraising Campaigns/Crowdfunding

 Status: ADOPTED
Original Adopted Date: 06/19/2023 | Last Reviewed Date: 06/19/2023

The  Board of Education believes online fundraising campaigns, including crowdfunding campaigns, may further the interests of the district. Any person or entity acting on behalf of the district and wishing to conduct an online fundraising campaign for the benefit of the district shall begin the process by seeking prior approval from the  board or their designee.  Any fundraising efforts conducted using the district’s name, symbols, or imagery will be conducted in accordance with all policies, regulations and rules for fundraising within the district.  Money or items raised by an online fundraising campaign will be the property of the district only upon acceptance by the board, and will be used only in accordance with the terms for which they were given, as agreed to by the board. 

Approval of requests shall depend on factors including, but not limited to:  

  • Compatibility with the district’s educational program, mission, vision, core values, and beliefs;
  • Congruence with the district and school goals that positively impact student performance; 
  • The district’s instructional priorities; 
  • The manner in which donations are collected and distributed by the crowdfunding platform;  
  • Equity in funding; and
  • Other factors deemed relevant or appropriate by the district. 

If approved, the requestor shall be responsible for preparing all materials and information related to the online fundraising campaign and keeping district administration apprised of the status of the campaign. 

The requestor is responsible for compliance with all state and federal laws and other relevant district policies and procedures. All items and money generated are subject to the same controls and regulations as other district property and shall be deposited or inventoried accordingly. No money raised or items purchased shall be distributed to individual employees. 
 

NOTE: This is an optional policy.

 

NOTE: Online fundraising campaigns have become an increasingly popular mechanism for individual educators to raise money. “Crowdfunding” can be defined as, the use of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a project, business venture, or to fundraise for a specific cause or charity. For examples of organizations dedicated to crowdfunding for education please visit:

•    DonorsChoose.org, an organization with a mission to empower “public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials and experiences for their students.” 
•    AdoptAClassroom.org, an organization with a mission to give “teachers a hand by providing needed classroom materials so that students can succeed.”

 

NOTE: As districts determine the appropriate approval process, consider other issues that may need to be approved in addition to the project itself. For example, does the administrator approve the text of the entry that will appear online or photographs of the classroom and students? 

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.42; 565.6.

 

I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code  § 279.42 Directors – Powers and Duties-Gifts to Schools
Iowa Code  § 279.8 Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code  § 565.6 Gifts to Governmental Bodies

Cross References

Code Description
504.05 Student Fund Raising
504.05-R(1) Student Fund Raising
508.01 Class or Student Group Gifts
704.04 Gifts – Grants – Bequests
904.02 Advertising and Promotion