Donations

FAQ about HTES Direction Donation Campaign

Is the Direct Donation Campaign in lieu of the Great American fundraiser?

Yes, many parents have expressed that they would rather have a fundraiser where the majority of the money spent goes directly to the school rather than a third party. With Direct Donation, 100% of the proceeds will go back to the school. Typically with other fundraisers, only 40% of the money raised gets contributed to HTES.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, HTES PTO is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, qualified under IRS regulations and deductible as allowable by law. We do recommend that you contact your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your donations as limitations may apply. Please note that this is different from the tax credit.

Due to tough economic times, I cannot make a $100 financial contribution. What can I do to help?

We understand that many families are facing hard economic times. Remember that every little bit helps us reach our financial goal. If you can’t give now, we encourage you to give when you can or give what better suits your budget. There are also many ways you can help without spending additional money…collect box tops, bring in old electronics to school to be recycled, collect Capri Sun packages, or volunteer in our garden, library or on a committee. You can also order your produce from Nature’s Garden Delivered or purchase a gift card from our Cash 4 Kids program to use for your daily purchases. Refer to the fundraising section of the PTO webpage, accessed through the main HTES website.

Will the HTES PTO request donations every year?

This was a pilot program for the 2011-2012 school year. Since it was successful,  it will be continued in subsequent school years.

Can I contribute at any time?

In order to have adequate cash flow for PTO supported programs, we would like receive all donations no later than September 30, 2012. If you cannot contribute at this time, donations are always accepted and welcomed.

Will I get a receipt for tax purposes?

Your receipt is on the Direct Donation card that you handed in with your check. Please complete this receipt and use your canceled check as your receipt. If you paid on our websitewww.HTESparents.com, you will have a receipt from paypal sent to your email.

My friends and relatives have contributed to the school in the past by buying items from the Great American fundraiser. How can they contribute this year?

HTES will not continue door-to-door sales similar to the Great American fundraiser. If family and friends would like to contribute, they can make a tax deductible donation through the Direct Donation campaign. In addition, HTES PTO is offering several services that family and friends can participate in such as Nature’s Garden Delivered, Cash 4 Kids and new in 2011-2012, yummy Butter Braids (coming this Fall!). They can also collect Box Tops and electronic recyclables!

Why does the PTO need to raise so much money?

Our fundraising efforts help to bridge the gap between the limits of the school budget and the needs of our students. Last year, the PTO paid approximately $40,000 for teacher instructional aides and library assistance! Since the PTO started, we have supported shade structures, updated technology such as smart boards, physical education equipment, AR reading program, library books, mini-museum, artist-in-residence, teacher supplies, and various recognition rewards. With the continued budget constraints our schools face, PTO financial support is becoming increasingly imperative.

How did the HTES PTO determine the suggested donation of $100 per family?

We determined how much money we would need to raise in order to compensate for the revenues previously generated from the Great American fundraiser. Since this is a new program, we estimated a participation rate for this program and then calculated a cost per family. We also compared our program to schools that have a similar campaign. Depending on the participation in the Direct Donation campaign, we may adjust the suggested donation accordingly in future years.

What other fundraisers will the HTES PTO participate in this year?

Even though we are no longer participating in door-to-door sales fundraisers, the following programs will continue or be introduced this year because they are either considered services to our parents or they are a way of receiving funds for items families typically buy from businesses anyway. They include:

• All Star Fun Run
• Spirit Wear
• Read-A-Thon
• Box Tops for Education
• Butter Braids
• Nature’s Garden Delivered
• Electronics Recycling
• Cash 4 Kids
• Directory and Yearbook
• Spring Hoedown
• Silent Auction
• Edukit
• Barnes and Noble night
• Daddy/Daughter Dance
• And more!