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Band Trailer Funding

Posted by Advice on 9/11/2024, 12:58 pm

Hello all,

Our program is in need of a band trailer to equip our needs. However, like all districts in Texas, we are all operating on a budget deficit. The school board is not willing to move to buy a trailer at this time, which is totally understandable. However for this year, our district did allow us to be able to rent Penske truck for all away games and contests. So thankfully, this year we will manage.

My question is this: I want to use our band boosters as a big component in this and was wondering is there a process and regulations on asking businesses to sponsor our goal to obtain a trailer for our programs needs. I am looking to raise at least 50% of the cost of a new trailer which would be priced between $40-60k to meet our needs. I really don't want to do hodge podge fundraisers due to our community is not a wealthy community and I don't want to burden an already oversaturated fundraising market on our community between all the different organizations already doing hodge podge fundraisers. What other options would you suggest to help meet our goal?

Thank you all so very much!

Re: Band Trailer Funding

Posted by Bond, James Bond on 9/12/2024, 11:08 pm, in reply to "Band Trailer Funding"

Our trailer was funded through a bond. Is your district planning any major construction coming up? See if you can tag on to that.

Re: Band Trailer Funding

Posted by Four ideas on 9/11/2024, 1:56 pm, in reply to "Band Trailer Funding"

1. Sell ads on the trailer. You can make a couple thousand from that.

2. Sell ads in your programs. May make a couple hundred.

3. File for grants.

4. Do a no-cost donation style fundraiser, like a chicken spaghetti dinner/luncheon and get your local grocery store/big box store to donate the ingredients.

Re: Band Trailer Funding

Posted by Advice on 9/11/2024, 5:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Band Trailer Funding"

File for grants. I would love to but how do I start that process??

Re: Band Trailer Funding

Posted by Four Ideas on 9/12/2024, 7:38 am, in reply to "Re: Band Trailer Funding"

A grant can take up to a year to be delivered from the conclusion of the application - so know that this process isn't a quick fix. Since that's the case, I would recommend you go to one of the annual "grant writing tips" sessions at TMEA this year for more information, since mine is limited.

That being said, search online for educational funding grants, music grants, various grants for schools, and the like. Read through the requirements and see if it's something that fits your needs. Then begin the process of filling out the application.

Re: Band Trailer Funding

Posted by And... on 9/13/2024, 6:45 am, in reply to "Re: Band Trailer Funding"

...if the application requires a written proposal to go with it, have a professional grant writer do the proposal for you. Many districts have someone on staff that can do this.

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