Fundraising

Each individual school is responsible for raising the funds to cover the cost of materials needed for the pond. Fundraising is a very important aspect of the project and may be the most tiring. Since this is a school wide project and all students will benefit, the fundraising can be a school wide effort. Some schools may have funds available for use, but the use of these funds must be voted on by the student council or the school board. This might be the first approach to take.

Some other ideas that may help with funding are:

• Contact your local city council. They may have an environmental fund that is available for educational purposes. Some municipalities earmark funds for education in ecology
• The local forest preserve staff will likely be excited to help with funding since they are dedicated to preserving prairies and wildlife and educating the public on how to accomplish this. They may also help out with developing the curriculum for students.
• There are many different types of student fundraising activities such as selling candy or wrapping paper, or you may try to keep the fundraising related to the environment by selling birdhouses crafted by the students. Again this is an opportunity to get the entire school involved--the art department, the student council, the science classes--in all grade levels.
• Fundraising does not have to be kept local. There are state agencies such as the Illinois EPA which has grants available to schools for $500 programs just like the Ponds for Kids Program. Applying for grants does take time, but your efforts will be rewarded. Remember the building of the pond is only the beginning, the benefits will last forever.