The Board of Education recognizes that student participation in fund-raising activities for the schools and nonprofit, nonpartisan charitable organizations can help develop a sense of social responsibility in students, enhance the relationship between the school and community, and contribute to the improvement of the school program.
(cf. 1325 - Advertising and Promotion)
(cf. 4135/4235/4335 - Soliciting and Selling)
(cf. 5022 - Student and Family Privacy Rights)
(cf. 6142.4 - Service Learning/Community Service Classes)
Whether solicitations are made on behalf of the school or on behalf of a charitable organization, students shall not be barred from an event or activity because they did not participate in fund-raising. Potential donors, including parents/guardians and members of the community, should not be unduly pressured to contribute to the school system or charitable organizations. Staff is expected to emphasize the fact that donations are always voluntary.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are informed of the purpose of fund-raisers.
Solicitations on Behalf of the School
With the prior written approval of the Superintendent or designee, official school-related organizations may organize fund-raising events involving students.
(cf. 0420 - School Plans/Site Councils)
(cf. 1230 - School-Connected Organizations)
(cf. 1260 - Educational Foundation)
(cf. 3290 - Gifts, Grants and Bequests)
(cf. 3554 - Other Food Sales)
Pursuant to Education Code 5121, prior approval of the Board or its designee shall be required for sales or solicitations whenever any portion of the funds raised is applied to the costs of the fund-raiser or to the costs of merchandise sold. Such approval shall not be required if the total proceeds of a solicitation are delivered to the school without deductions for expenses.
In regards to fund-raising activities at district schools, the Board's designee shall be the site principal.
Solicitations made on behalf of schools must comply with the state disclosure law (Business and Professions Code 17510-17510.7). This law requires volunteers eleven years and older to present potential donors or buyers with information, including the purpose of the solicitation and the address from which further information about revenues and administrative expenses may be obtained.
After the fund-raiser has been held, parents/guardians shall be informed how much money was raised and how it was spent.
Solicitations on Behalf of Charities
When approved in advance by the Superintendent or designee, nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations that are properly chartered or licensed by state or federal law may solicit students on school grounds during school hours and within one hour before school has opened and one hour after school has closed. (Education Code 51520)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
51520 Prohibited solicitations on school premises
51521 Unlawful solicitations of contribution or purchase of personal property for benefit of public school or student body; exception
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE
17510-17510.95 Charitable solicitations
PENAL CODE
319-329 Raffles
REVENUE AND TAX CODE
6361 Sales tax exemption for certain sales
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 8
11706 Dangerous activities and occupations
Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
Healthy Food Policy Resource Guide, 2003
ATTORNEY GENERAL PUBLICATIONS
Guide to Charitable Solicitation, 1999
Attorney General's Guide for Charities, 1988
WEB SITES
Office of the Attorney General: http://caag.state.ca.us
Policy RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: June 26, 2018 Riverside, California