Policy Advisory: Fundraising

Updated May 2007

Introduction

During 2006-2007, the ASBA revised the policy advisory on fundraising after a consultation process which incorporated input from key stakeholder organizations. It can be adopted and/or adapted by local school jurisdictions when setting local policy. It is essential that the development of policies and practices related to fundraising reflect the principles of clarity, transparency, fairness and accountability. Fundraising activities are driven by local choice so there is a need to recognize and respond to the diversity that exists among boards and schools across the province. This fact accentuates that consultation with key, local stakeholders is critical to the establishment of policy guidelines and practices at the school and board levels.

Background

In Alberta, K-12 education is broadly defined as a set of goals and outcomes (knowledge, skills and attitudes) prescribed in the provincial programs of study and graduation requirements. Provincial education guidelines outline restrictions on the types of activities that can be included in fundraising and procedures for the reporting of monies collected through fundraising.

Legislative framework

Fundraising societies which have been incorporated under the Societies Act or Part 9 of the Companies Act may provide financial support for school programs. A School Council may fundraise if the board has delegated responsibility to it to undertake a fundraising activity and the school council, at its discretion, agrees to do so. Compliance with this requirement, as outlined in the School Act in Section 22(4b), will minimize the potential for legal action at the board and school levels with respect to fundraising initiatives. School Councils are not registered as fundraising societies. Parent volunteers and individuals may make charitable donations to the school in support of educational programming. A board may register as a charitable organization.

Conducting a periodic analysis and regular monitoring of fundraising policies and practices at each school will support consistency and compliance with board policies. The degree of standardization is determined locally. Provision for training and communication with principals provides essential support related to budget planning and fiscal management. It is important to have clear communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding policies and practices related to fundraising and procedures for waiving of involvement in fundraising activities.

Further information may be found at the following websites:
Alberta Education
Alberta Home and School Councils’ Association
School Act
FOIP legislation
Charitable Fund-raising Act
Societies Act

The ASBA staff are available to provide advice and assistance if a board wishes to involve them in drafting policies related to fundraising. For further information about this policy advisory, please contact , Executive Director, at 1.780.451.7109. For further information about legislative implications, please contact Debra Tumbach at 1.780.451.7133.

Recommended policy statement guidelines

The Board recognizes that fundraising may be used to generate additional revenue to provide learning opportunities which can enhance educational services for students. The following guidelines should be followed with regard to fundraising activities:

  1. Funds raised should be used to benefit students, enhance the quality and relevance of education for learners and contribute to the development of responsible citizens.
  2. Funds raised should complement – not replace – public funding for instructional purposes.
  3. Decisions on fundraising activities and the expenditure of fundraised dollars should be made in consultation with school principals, staff, students, school councils and parents.
  4. Participation in fundraising activities should be voluntary.
  5. Accountability for fundraised dollars contributed to a school rests with the school board. However, schools should communicate with their school community about fundraising activities and should have summary financial statements which are reported to central office staff and kept on public file to provide information about income and expenditures related to these activities.