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Just three weeks before the 2009 CSF spring benefit, a Board member’s phone rang. It was the Superintendent calling. And he asked a challenging question, “Was there any chance that CSF could still fund the purchase and installation of SMART Boards and document cameras across the entire third grade so that they could be up and running by the fall?”
The Board member responded that the grant cycle was complete, and that it was unlikely that the benefit would yield more than had already been projected and allocated. The Superintendent asked, “Would CSF try? The school budget would have no room for this project.”
And try we did. And the community responded. In just eight weeks, by mid-June, $75,000 was raised and the mission was accomplished!
How did it happen? CSF Board members created a plan to approach parents of young children – 1st and 2nd graders -- whose kids who would receive the immediate benefit from the project. Parents sent emails to their friends. The PTA graciously participated, making a $5,000 gift. New Castle Now published an article about the challenge. An anonymous donor reached out and offered a substantial matching gift. Small gifts and large donations arrived – and the campaign ended successfully.
Lessons learned? Both large and small gifts matter. There were several impressive donations and many many small gifts that added up quickly.
When the community found out what the project was, there was an outpouring of support – telling prospective donors how their money will be spent is vital.
And perhaps most importantly, the community wants outstanding educational tools for its kids – and if the school budget can’t include it, the community will nevertheless make it happen.
CSF is very appreciative of all the efforts of so many in making this project a quick success.
But who are even more appreciative? All of the District’s 350 third graders, who walked into their classrooms this September and said, “Wow!”
Moral of the story: Help us help your kids and our schools!
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