Parent Handbook 2011-2012

Fundraising

There are two basic "kinds" of fundraising: fundraising which counts towards your "Fundraising Commitment" and fundraising that doesn't count towards your "Fundraising Commitment."

A. Fundraising Commitment

The Fundraising Commitment is really just an extra fee that CAN be earned or raised rather than simply paid. It is an attempt to make our swimming program more affordable. So, as a way to offset our membership fees, we separate out part of the membership fee and provide ways to earn or raise the money. However, no one is ever required to participate in the fundraising programs; you are welcome to write a check for the full Fundraising Commitment to the club.

The Fundraising Commitment is $500 for Jr/Sr families and $225 for age group families and is prorated by the month for families who join later in the year. We provide the following programs which can be used to fulfill the fundraising Commitment:

•  Swim a long (100% counts against the fundraising commitment) Takes place in January

•  Food Coupons (5% counts against the fundraising commitment)-buy from Food Coupon sellers at BAC during most practices

•  Great Lakes Scrip Program (% varies by retailer from 1-16%)

•  Event sponsorship in major meet programs (50% counts against the fundraising commitment)

•  Ad sales for major meet programs (100% counts against the fundraising commitment)

Please note that the monies put towards the $500 and $225 Fundraising Commitment are NOT tax deductible. Since it is a requirement and actually part of our FEES, it's not a voluntary donation and by law is not a tax deduction. However, if you give more than your required amount, the portion of your donation that is in excess of the value you receive is. In practicality, that means that the scrip and food coupons are not tax deductible in any circumstances. The event sponsorship, ad placement and swim-a-long monies which are in excess of the $500/$225 are. We will provide letters for anyone who has fundraising which meets this qualification.

We are always happy to have people exceed their fundraising commitment. For example, many people buy food coupons routinely, whether or not they have met their commitment. BSA still makes 5% profit on the coupons and the profit made keeps our membership fees as low as possible. Our major income sources are membership fees, fundraising commitment fees, other fundraising fees and profits from meets. When we have more fundraising fees, we can minimize the yearly increases in our membership fees.

B. Fundraising that Doesn't Count Towards your Fundraising Commitment

The second kind of fundraising we have at BAC is fundraising that doesn't count towards the Fundraising Commitment. We run some fundraisers just to raise money for BSA;to make our budget; and to keep the membership fees as low as possible. These fundraisers vary from year to year. In general, they are not tax deductible because you receive goods or services equal to the money you pay. If we have a fundraiser where that is not true, you will receive a receipt for your donations. In the past these kinds of fundraisers have included: pins sold at JO's; the Berkeley Bear sales; T-shirt sales; etc. 100% of the profits from these sales goes towards BSA's budget and since we try to sell at "market value," there is no tax deductible donation possibility.

C. Shop with Scrip Program

We have enrolled in the "Shop with Scrip" program that enables us to purchase a variety of Gift Cards from many different vendors. You will receive an allotted percentage toward you fund raising commitment based on the vendor chosen. The process is very simple, and all you have to do is follow the instructions in the box above.

D. United Way

BSA is a member of United Way and you can contribute to BSA by donating to United Way through corporate sponsorship. The advantage of this donation is that some corporations will make matching gifts to BSA, doubling your contribution. However, it cannot count towards your Fundraising Commitment since it is tax deductible. Any donations are a big help in meeting our budget as explained above. To make a donation to BSA through United Way, simply give our United Way number (Blue Streak Aquatic, Inc. #017541) to your United Way coordinator and the money will be forwarded to us. You will receive a receipt from United Way and from us. Please let us know the amount and your employer if you decide to make a donation in this manner because the checks are often not well labeled and it's difficult to know who has donated the money.  If you have any questions, please contact the United Way Coordinator listed on the Contacts List.