School Fundraising

Please review the DSD Policy Manual for full district policies and procedures. Key guidelines:

• Fundraising should stay within the school's attendance area unless approved in advance by the school director.
• Fundraising cannot be for a specific individual (a student or staff member facing illness or hardship).
• Elementary students may not participate in door-to-door fundraising outside their own family.
• All fundraisers must be included in the school's fundraising plan.
• All school fundraisers are subject to a district audit.
• Schools may hold no more than 3 fundraisers per year, each lasting no longer than 5 consecutive school days. A school’s PTA may sponsor one additional fundraiser with prior approval from the principal.

We are committed to keeping fundraising safe, ethical and aligned with district values. Thank you for your cooperation.

Co-venture fundraising happens when a local business—such as a restaurant, car wash, grocery store or retail shop—donates a portion of its sales to a school. The business continues its normal operations; the fundraising is secondary to its everyday commerce. Common examples include “dine-out nights” where a restaurant gives back a percentage of that evening’s sales, or “round-up” campaigns where customers can add a small donation at checkout.

When working with a co-venture company:

• Students and staff may not perform work typically done by employees (waiting tables, clearing tables, washing cars or working in a kitchen).
• Co-venture companies do not need to be on the approved vendor list. Schools can reach out to a local business directly to arrange a fundraising night or campaign.
• The fundraising component must remain secondary to the business’s regular trade—schools cannot operate the business itself.
• Questions or exemption requests should be directed to Risk Management.

The vendor types and fundraising methods below are not allowed and will not be approved:

• Third-party crowdfunding: GoFundMe, Kickstarter, Snap Raise and similar platforms may not be used for school fundraising.
• Online collection and reimbursement: Outside fundraising companies may not collect money online and then reimburse the school.
• Prohibited items: Blow-up toys, mechanical bulls (contact Risk Management with questions), fireworks (exceptions require Risk Management approval), firearms, weapons, alcohol or drugs.
• Givebacks: Approved FOR PTA USE ONLY and only for membership dues and fundraising efforts for their school. Schools are not allowed to use this for fundraising.