Purse Strings Are Tightening. Here’s How Members Are Helping Kids in Need.

Why it matters: As the economy grows more volatile, Idaho’s public school students and their families may need help covering the necessities so children can focus on learning. That’s where the Idaho Education Children’s Fund can help. 

• The IEA Children’s Fund was founded 30 years ago under the direction of then-IEA President Monica Beaudoin, a Sandpoint educator who was inspired by the success of similar funds in other states. 

• Since then, it has raised and donated more than $1.5 million in the form of grants. Any IEA member may request a grant from the IEA Children’s Fund on behalf of a student. Common grant requests include money for basics like glasses, shoes, backpacks and warm coats. 

How IEA members step up: Every year, local unions around the state host their own fundraisers for the IEA Children’s Fund. 

• Earlier this week in Region 3, which includes the far western part of the state, members gathered for a bowling night in nearby Ontario, Oregon, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Fund. Region 3 President Stacy Wescott said the bowling fundraiser has been happening for at least 25 years. 

• At IEA Delegate Assembly in April, members donate prizes that are auctioned off at a hyper-competitive silent auction. 

• Countless other local unions solicit donations through their websites, by passing the hat at meetings, or holding one-off events. 

Pro tips:  In Region 1, which includes the Panhandle, the North Idaho Education Association Retired Chapter has found success partnering with local businesses to raise money. For the past two Januarys, NIEARC has partnered with Bardenay in Coeur d’Alene to host a fundraising evening. Bardenay patrons buy food and drink, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Children’s Fund. Meyer and NIEARC have built other community fundraising partnerships, too. 

NIEARC fundraiser Tama Meyer shared her best practices for hosting your own fundraiser. 

• Know your ‘why’: “Fundraising is all about connecting your vision, values and work to the passion of the giver,” Meyer said. “Who doesn’t want to help children in need? Offer them the opportunity to be part of something larger.” 

• Lead with stories. Use real examples of how the Children’s Fund has helped children in your area. Stories make donors feel like partners, not ATMs. 

• Set a target: Even if your fundraising goal is modest, having a number can go a long way toward defining your event — not to mention rallying donors with a figure they can help you reach. 

• Make it personal. Make your fundraising asks in person. Try handwritten letters asking for donations and deliver them in person and be clear what you are asking for. If they say yes, deliver (in person, if possible) a hand-written thank-you. If they need to mull the request over, follow up a week later with an email reminder. “Don’t be pushy,” Meyer said. “Try to build a positive relationship.”

• Network, network, network: NIEARC’s charity night at Bardenay came from a single cold ask for a dinner gift certificate. A school orientation meeting led to a brewery bingo night. That connection opened to the door to a taco fundraiser. One yes could lead to another. 

• Ask for help. NIEARC uses its network of members to spread the word, advertises in town, calls on IEA connections, and assigns tasks like setting up, greeting customers, thanking patrons, and designating storytellers who share real-life successes from the Children’s Fund. 

• Use your imagination. This year, NIEARC is running a “Really Big Raffle,” featuring 10 to 12 prizes across four themed categories, assembled from more than 30 business donations, sold over four months. Members who sell 15 tickets earn a free entry. It’s fully replicable at any scale.