Businesslike Approach Urged In Fund-Raising

Schools getting into the fund-raising business are advised to proceed in a very businesslike fashion: comparing rates of return, checking references and keeping careful records.

Russ Lemieux, executive director of the Assn. of Fund Raisers and Direct Sellers, said the association’s members must adhere to a code of ethics, but are not required to guarantee any particular rate of return for charitable organizations.

Lemieux said firms offering the highest rate of return may not always be the best choice for a school. For example, a firm giving back 40% may provide services or a simpler selling system than does the firm offering a 50% return.

With so much competition between firms, he said, fund-raising companies are scrambling to attract schools and other groups. It is by offering higher returns, simpler sales mechanisms like computerized order sheets and much better service.

Kathy Cates of the district PTA said she is aware of companies offering splits as low as 25% to schools. She advises schools to seek higher percentages.

Finally, Cates said, schools or groups handling large amounts of money, no matter what method was used to raise it, should be bonded to protect all involved.

Lemieux urges schools to be sure any firm they contact for fund-raising is a member of the Assn. of Fund Raisers and Direct Sellers, whose 450 members must adhere to an ethics code. To contact the association, call 404 252-3663.