How to Successfully do Dollar per Child Fundraising Tristin Mock OHSA Executive Director Based on the NHSA Dollar per Child Toolkit

At the end of this session you will be able to Understand what the Dollar per Child Campaign is Have concrete ideas on how to run a campaign at the local level

What is Dollar per Child?

Where do Dollar per Child funds go? NHSA Advocacy! The National Head Start Association is a non-partisan, not-for-profit network organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for those more than 1 million children, their families, 28 million Head Start alumni, 200,000 staff, and 1,600 Head Start grantees in the United States. The NHSA advocacy team engages locally, in the media, and on Capitol Hill. Our strategy is to enable parents, families, alumni and supporters to tell their stories about the important roles Head Start and Early Head Start play in in their lives and in their communities.

NHSA in the media NHSA’s media team strives to maximize exposure of Head Start and Early Head Start locally and nationally. NHSA works with local supporters, community leaders, and Head Start program directors to develop a local media presence through letters to the editor and Op- Eds. NHSA works with local programs to publicize local advocacy and Dollar Per Child events. Regular blogs in the Huffington Post

NHSA Government Relations With a nearly constant presence on Capitol Hill in Washington, the team makes sure Members of Congress have the facts about Head Start and Early Head Start and know about and are connected to the programs in their districts and states. NHSA works hard in a nonpartisan way to develop relationships with Republicans and Democrats alike – there are Head Start champions on both sides of the aisle. Not a single dollar of federal funds or membership dues is spent in support of NHSA’s advocacy work. Voluntary contributions – through the Dollar Per Child Campaign - are the critical source of our advocacy support. Tommy Sheridan is the Director of Government Affairs

Limits regarding local programs

Staff involvement in Fundraising Staff time, program funds, and program resources cannot be used for fundraising events or activities which do not supplement Head Start program funds. Staff can participate as long as staff members are volunteering their time after program hours of operation. It is important that staff members are not required to participate and only do so if they wish to volunteer. Programs can keep track of funds acquired by Dollar per Child Campaign activities as long as they are put into an unrestricted budget account and ensured they are sent as contributions for Dollar per Child campaign. They may not be co-mingled with restricted federal funds. Programs should check with their organization’s financial policies and operating regulations to ensure compliance.

Important Reminders for Programs! No Head Start funds are used for fund-raising activities. Costs for such activities are unallowable. No Head Start staff members are engaged in these activities during the hours when such staff members are working. Funds may not be solicited, collected or tabulated during work hours. Head Start staff members may, however, volunteer during non-work time. No Head Start resources (e.g., facilities, equipment, etc.) can be used at any time, including when the Head Start program is closed, a noted exception is the de minimus use of office equipment to tabulate, record and track the donations by staff during non-working hours.

Running Campaigns!

Campaign Timeline Campaign Planning Aug- Sept PC Dollar per Child Campaign Committee Campaign Activities Sept- April There is no limit to the number of activities held or funds raised. Funds Submitted May- June Make every effort to collect donations prior to the NHSA Annual Head Start Conference.

Event Tips Have Fun! Be Creative Involve all parents and program staff Involve the children Don’t get discouraged; ask for help Get community members and businesses to participate in big events Take Pictures

Parents are the leading force in Dollar per Child activities!

Who (what groups) in your community can you connect with to strengthen a fundraising event?

Community Involvement Local businesses Agencies Community groups High Schools Colleges

Dollar per Child Ideas These examples have been successfully used in the past.

My Head Start Story Display Resources Needed 1 page or less stories Poster board and art materials Display area at local business Collection box

Parent’s Night Out Accept donations to watch children one evening Resources needed: Volunteer childcare providers Donated space

Trike-a-thon Resources Needed Outdoor lot or Indoor auditorium for event location Tricycles for all participants Helmets for all participants Event Speaker/Coordinator Stereo System for music Involve the Community Ask local fire/paramedics/police to join you on your day and talk to the kids and parents about various safety issues. Put up posters of the event and invite community members to tour the preschool and possibly hand out enrollment packets. Ask your local resource center if they would like to set up a resource table at your event. High schools have student volunteers or student clubs that need community service hours that may be willing to help. Ask local businesses for raffle gift prizes. All donations are tax deductible.

How can you make more money in addition to pledges?

What spaces could you use to host a Parent’s Night Out?

Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Your program will sell tickets to this breakfast for $10 each and are required to sell at least 50 tickets. Applebee’s will provide the food, (pancakes, eggs, sausage, etc.) beverages and chefs. Your Head Start program will need to provide volunteers to take drink orders. $5 of every ticket you sell will go to your Head Start program!

What other fundraising opportunities at restaurants have you heard of?

What ideas do you have for events?