Fundraising
Fundraising is vital to ICP because it is our only source of income other than tuition. As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is used to help pay for director/teachers’ salaries, rent, excursions, family education speakers, books, crafts, outdoor equipment, and classroom supplies. Co-ops offer families a high value at a low cost compared to other school options. We are able to keep prices low because we supplement our income with fundraising.
Fundraising is easy and fun! Each ICP family has a fundraising requirement that can be met in many ways:
ICP T-Shirts
We sell ICP T-shirts and hats in child and adult sizes. These are great for field trips, park play dates, and to show your support! Shirts and hats are available for purchase year round. Ask your class coordinator for information. Order forms are distributed at the beginning of the year. Any T-shirt purchase proceeds go toward ICP’s general fundraising.
Poinsettias and Wreaths
Our annual winter fundraiser is wreaths and poinsettias. These beautiful holiday decorations are easy to sell to local businesses and friends, and the profits are tax deductible. We partner with a local nursery as our supplier. The fundraiser typically runs through the month of October, and orders are delivered to the school in late November or early December.
Local Restaurant and Merchant Fundraisers
Each month, we try to partner with a local restaurant or merchant who will donate proceeds or offer in-kind matching/giving to meet fundraising requirements. Past partners have included Sirena Gelato in Kirkland, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Totem Lake, and California Pizza Kitchen in Bellevue. For a designated time, parents and friends patronize the business and a portion of the bill goes to ICP.
Scrip
Scrip allows you to meet fundraising balances without selling anything. Scrip is another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards. You purchase gift cards at face value through ICP’s www.shopwithscrip.com customized site, and ICP obtains them for you at a reduced price. The difference between the face value and what ICP pays is recovered as a contribution to your family’s fundraising requirement. Scrip offers over 300 of the country’s biggest brands, including grocery, coffee shops, department stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, home improvement, and more.
Opt-Out and Matching Gift Programs
If you prefer to opt-out and pay your fundraising contribution up front, you can write a check (tax deductible) to ICP. To have the tax deduction for this year, checks must be received before December 31st. Many local employers offer matching cash donations! Microsoft will even match your volunteer hours in the classroom if you are an employee. Please check your employer’s policy to obtain a matching gift. See our FAQs below for more information about fundraising.
Fundraising FAQs
What is the fundraising requirement?
Fundraising requirements, $50 Toddler Class; $100 2/3 Class; $150 3/4 Class and Pre-K Class as outlined in the Parent Handbook and defined by the Fundraising Committee. For families with multiple children enrolled, there's a 50% fundraising discount for younger siblings, not exceeding $200 per family. As a non-profit organization, ICP relies heavily on fundraising to keep our tuition and costs low. The money raised by our families helps pay for excursions, family education speakers, rent, books, supplies, director/teachers’ salaries, playground improvements, fun events like our Halloween party, and many other costs associated with running a preschool.
How do fundraisers count toward my requirement?
We have plenty of fundraisers scheduled to help you reach your requirement! Many of our fundraisers have a percentage given to your fundraising requirement. When a fundraiser kicks off you will be notified of that percentage in the paperwork you receive.
What happens if I don't meet my fundraising requirement?
The remainder of your fundraising balance will be due on at the end of the school year. The treasurer will send you an invoice.
What other options do I have to meet my requirement?
If you do not wish to participate in the school fundraisers, you may choose to opt-out by paying the minimum fee of $150 (one child)/$200 (multiple children). Please remember that we are a non-profit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible. To get the tax deduction for this year you need to make your donation before December 31st. Also, please check with your or your spouse’s company to see if they will match your donation. Many companies have a matching program, and Microsoft will even match your volunteer hours in the classroom if you are an employee. It’s a great way to meet and even exceed your fundraising goal.