Fundraising
Why do we do fundraising? Following the defeat of a school referendum in 2001, the G/T department lost approximately 8% staff and almost half of their supplies budget which covers not only paper and pencils but also printing of materials, professional magazine subscriptions, professional seminars such as the National Association of Gifted Children conference, and teacher training. While gifted education had never before been adequately supported by the state, this was a defining moment for us at EPCGT. We felt that we needed to do what we could to “step into the breech,” not only for gifted staff directly but also for academic programs and services that help gifted students.
We have raised funds in a number of different ways and, more importantly, put money raised back into varied academic programs at all grade levels. Our science nights are not primarily fundraisers, and therefore not listed below, but any profits made there are used to further science education in the schools. For more information on how funds have been used, please see Service to Our Community and Mini-grants.
Wish Lists
Our first response to the monetary need was to start publishing (in our newsletter) Wish Lists for g/t staff in our schools, hoping that we could help staff members stretch their budgets while providing practical gift-giving ideas to members of EPCGT. We were also able to match up good-condition used items at home (lab coats, board games, catalogs, puzzles, etc.) with a place and use for them in the schools. Many items have been donated over the years from many different families. The lists are still published periodically in the newsletter, and you can view updated lists on this site by choosing the particular school link in the sidebar.
Annual e-fundraiser
During the holiday shopping season, we are reminding our members and their families/ friends to access Amazon.com, Mindware.com and BarnesandNoble.com through our website. By taking this extra step, EPCGT will receive 4-10% of total purchases made.
Concession Sales
This year during our annual science night, we sold cookies and bottled water. All the money raised will be used for mini grants and our teachers' wish lists. Thank you for your support.
Amazon.com
For many of us, Amazon is a good shopping source. EPCGT has set up an “Associate” relationship with Amazon.com, so any purchases made there by way of our website (link in navigation bar, at bottom of home page, or on Gift Ideas page) will provide a 4% return to us. We would appreciate it if you would keep that in mind and, in what we hope is a painless way, continue to help us support academic programs. Many of the items on our Gift Ideas list can be found at Amazon.
MindWare
In November of 2005, we added MindWare as an affiliate because we think their selection of products is great and we like the fact that they are a local company. If you link to them through us (icon at bottom of home page or on Gift Ideas page or any of the specific product links on the Gift Ideas page), we will receive 10% of your purchase.
United Way
For those of you who have the opportunity to give to the United Way through your employer, we’d like you to know you can specify that your contribution go to EPCGT’s parent organization, the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT). Unfortunately, because we do not have 501c3 status as an official nonprofit organization, you cannot donate directly to EPCGT. However, MCGT will forward any percentage of your donation on to our chapter, EPCGT, at your request.
If you choose to make your donation to MCGT and/or EPCGT, just let the MCGT office know that you have made a donation and let them know where you would like the money to go. It’s that easy! The MCGT office can be reached at (952) 848-4906.
If you do intend to make a contribution to EPCGT, please let our Treasurer know, too, so our records can be kept current. Thank you for your support!