You already know that fundraising is the cornerstone of many high school booster clubs and parent-teacher organizations (PTOs). It’s crucial for supporting student activities, educational programs, and community engagement.
Yet fundraising also comes with plenty of inherent risks and potential liabilities. After all, every event carries some risk. Even with the most comprehensive insurance coverage, some activities may pose so much danger that your insurance policy may only partially protect you and your organization.
Our goal is to ensure that your fundraising activities are not only successful but secure, too. In this blog, we’ll help you to understand fundraising risks and how you may be able to mitigate them. We’ll also suggest what events are fraught with danger and safer alternatives that can protect your booster club or PTO from any unnecessary liabilities.
Avoid These Fundraising Ideas
Fireworks Displays: Sure, fireworks get plenty of oohs and aahs. They also make for spectacular fundraising events. However, they come with some considerable risks, which is why we don’t recommend that your group gets involved with them:
- Potential for Malfunction: Fireworks are inherently unpredictable. These malfunctions can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fires. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Along with at least eight deaths, an estimated 9,700 injuries related to fireworks were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2023.”
- Insurance Limitations: Many insurance policies exclude coverage for fireworks-related incidents because of their high risk for damage and injury. Even if your insurance policy does cover some aspects, the coverage may not be comprehensive enough to protect against all potential liabilities.
Athletic Camps: Hosting sports and workout camps, especially for contact sports like football, may seem like a great way to engage students and raise funds. Yet why do we consider them a bad idea? Again, it all comes down to risk and unpredictability:
- Injuries: All contact sports carry a degree of injury risk. Because many athletic camps involve repeated drills, they may increase the potential for accidents and injuries. That can lead to your group facing substantial medical expenses and legal claims.
- Insurance Coverage: Even if you have insurance, coverage for athletic camps might be limited or exclude certain types of injuries. Review your insurance policy and consult with your provider to ensure your group has adequate coverage for such events.
Hayrides and Trailers: Hayrides are popular fundraising events during the fall season. They create lasting memories of riding through a cornfield or pumpkin patch. However, they also come with their worries:
- Injury Potential: Open trailers for hayrides can be dangerous, particularly on uneven terrain. Passengers risk falling off if the trailer hits a bump or if there is insufficient safety equipment.
- Insurance Challenges: Due to the high risk of injury, many insurance policies do not cover accidents related to open trailers or hayrides. Ensuring adequate coverage for such events can be challenging and costly.
Consider the hard work your group puts in all year long. These events have plenty of potential for high risk and severe consequences. Are these fundraising options worth dealing with an accident that could erase all the funds you’ve collected and diminish the goodwill you’ve built? Remember, safety should always be the top priority in your fundraising efforts.
The good news is that there are plenty of other fundraising events that offer high entertainment value while minimizing risk. These events are not only safer but also more likely to be covered by insurance, giving you the opportunity to create exciting and memorable experiences for your community.
Low-Risk Fundraising Ideas
Performing Arts Events: These events create a fun way to raise funds while showcasing student talent:
- Event Types: Consider organizing performances by the school’s band or choir. These events can serve as fundraisers for future trips or organizational needs.
- Showcase and Learning Events: Host a “come and learn” event where attendees can experience a workshop conducted by the students or view a showcase of what students have been working on. This can be a great way to engage the community and highlight student achievements.
- Collaborations: Invite neighboring schools to participate, boosting attendance and providing additional exposure for your students. This collaborative approach can enhance the event’s success and appeal.
Haunted Houses: Hosting a haunted house can be an exciting and profitable way to raise funds, especially around Halloween:
- Event Planning: Design a spooky yet safe haunted house experience. Plan and execute it with attention to safety protocols to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Insurance Considerations: Haunted houses may have specific insurance coverage options available. There is the potential for risk, but that depends on how close you allow your performers to get to attendees and the location where you are presenting the event. Consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have appropriate coverage for potential liabilities related to the event.
Magic Shows: These nights of captivating illusions and trickery can provide an entertaining and unique fundraising option that appeals to a broad audience with much less liability risk:
- Event Structure: Organize a magic show featuring a professional magician. Charge an entry fee that covers the cost of the performer and generates a profit for your organization.
- Logistics: Ensure that the venue is suitable for the performance and that all safety measures are in place. Consider the audience size and venue capacity to optimize ticket sales and event success.
Best Practices for Safe and Successful High School Fundraising
Securing Proper Insurance: One of the most important steps in ensuring the success and security of your fundraising events is securing proper insurance coverage. Event and liability insurance is essential for protecting your booster club or PTO, providing you with the reassurance and confidence you need to carry out your fundraising efforts.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Obtain insurance coverage that is comprehensive and specific to the types of events you plan to host. Ensure that it covers various scenarios, including accidents, injuries, and property damage.
- Consult Your Provider: When in doubt, always double-check with your insurance provider before finalizing any fundraising event plans. Discuss potential risks and coverage options to ensure you are fully protected and prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
We also recommend regularly reviewing your insurance policy and discussing any new or unconventional events you are considering to ensure your group is adequately covered.
Need a provider? AIM covers more events than any other insurance carrier. We offer specific one-day event insurance and annual event insurance coverage for parent group organizations, including PTOs, PTAs, and booster clubs. You can get a quote and buy online in just minutes. Visit https://aim-companies.com/event-insurance/.
Want to learn what AIM covers? The AIM Playlist of Events offers valuable guidance on which fundraising activities are covered by AIM insurance policies. You’ll find a comprehensive lineup of fundraising opportunities for every season of the school year. Reviewing this list can help you select events more likely to be covered and avoid those with higher risks.
Fundraising is vital to supporting your group’s programs and activities. However, it should be approached with caution, considering potential risks and liabilities. Avoiding high-risk events and opting for safer alternatives protects your booster club or PTO from unnecessary complications.
Implementing best practices, such as securing appropriate insurance coverage, consulting with insurance providers, and reviewing event options with resources like the AIM Playlist, will help ensure the success and safety of your fundraising efforts. With the right insurance and the right events, you can ensure your booster club or PTO is protected and your fundraising efforts are a success.