Fundraising is used to supplement District financial and human resources. Fundraising may be used to purchase materials and services. It may also be used to undertake facility improvements. In order to coordinate fundraising activities and acknowledge the burden that can be placed on local businesses and individuals without such coordination, the District has established a fundraising approval process.

For the purpose of these guidelines, the term fundraising includes any request of financial or in-kind assistance made by an individual or group to an individual, group, or business on behalf of the District or a District school or program. This includes grant proposals. The Fundraising Approval Committee, appointed by the Superintendent, reviews all fundraising proposals prior to implementation and provides feedback on items such as the size and scope, timing, and campaign donor solicitation.

The Fundraising Approval Committee coordinates with the ICCSD Foundation. Applications to conduct a fundraising campaign should be sought from the Superintendent’s office and submitted per the guidelines contained therein. While fundraising may be targeted to benefit the District in areas other than facilities, it is noted that, for any campaign with a purpose to alter or improve District facilities, the Fundraising Approval Committee will consult with Operations prior to considering an application.

Staff members who conduct student fundraising activities without prior approval from the Fundraising Approval Committee may be subject to disciplinary action.

In addition to seeking approval from the Fundraising Approval Committee, all campaigns with a sponsor/sponsoring organization that does NOT have tax-exempt status are required to use the ICCSD Foundation as the campaign’s fundraising arm. This provides the campaign with oversight of these larger-scale donations and the proper documentation necessary for both the donor and the District. These campaigns will be subject to the provisions outlined by the ICCSD Foundation as they relate to fees and procedures. Campaigns that hold tax-exempt status will be asked to verify said status prior to commencing an event.

Approval must be secured from the Fundraising Approval Committee, and all applicable funds must be collected and in possession of the District (for campaigns run by tax-exempt sponsors) or the ICCSD Foundation (for campaigns run by non-tax-exempt sponsors) before an order for materials or services may be placed or before construction on a facility improvement may begin. Fundraising pledges are important but do not constitute collected funds for the purpose of this guideline.

Any questions about these guidelines should be directed to the Chair of the Fundraising Approval Committee, Kristin Pedersen, at pedersen.kristin@iowacityschools.org.