Fundraising Importance and Strategies
Groton Community School is a private, non-profit organization. As such, fundraising plays an essential role in generating revenue needed for our school’s break-even budget to cover operating expenses and for special purchases, which enhance the curriculum, staff, and/or building and grounds. While raising money is an important goal, there is also a sincere desire to build community spirit with a network of committed volunteer parents and to reach out to the community.
ANNUAL FUND
Our main source of fundraising is our appeal to current GCS families, past families, alumni, and the community with our Annual Fund. We deeply appreciate the support of the community to help meet our expenses and enrich the educational experiences and learning environment at Groton Community School. Donations are always welcome and are tax deductible!
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Our Board of Directors adds to fundraising efforts by hosting a major fundraising event each school year, such as GCS Auctions and the Groton Community Home Tour, involving both the school and our greater community.
GCS Auctions
Thank you to community members for a very successful November 2025 “A Chapter of Giving” Auction 2025! We are so appreciative of the support through contributions of goods and services and all of our Bid Beacon participants. Congratulations to all of the winning bidders!
Learn more
Groton Community Home Tour
Our renowned Groton Community Home Tour provides attendees with opportunities to tour unique and distinctive homes and shop with amazing artisans and vendors,, and also showcases an incredible Chance Table Drawing with fabulous prizes to win. Our 20th Anniversary Groton Community Home Tour in November 2024 was a huge success!
GCS APPAREL
Show your School Spirit!
A variety of Groton Community School apparel and merchandise can be purchased at the school with a check or cash. We have a selection of items for children and adults, including caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, insulated totes, shopping bags, water bottles, and more! It is a great time to wear GCS Apparel when we have special school-wide events, such as Peace Pole celebrations, Spirit Days, and our annual Family Picnic, but you can show school pride any day!
Contact us at fundraising@grotoncommunityschool.org with any special requests or questions you may have at any time! All proceeds benefit our nonprofit school.
GCS holds Apparel Sales several times throughout the school year, with apparel and items on display to see in person.
Look for our next Apparel Sale as GCS celebrates NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child 2026, from April 6th to 10th!
ASSORTED ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
Each year the Board of Directors also offers a variety of smaller fundraising projects for families and friends to choose from. Past fundraising projects have included children’s special events, plant sales, yard sales, school photos, and the sale of specialized merchandise. Read on to learn more about ongoing fundraising activities each year.
RAISERIGHT GIFT CARDS
Take advantage of our GCS “RaiseRight” promotions! Purchase gift cards for family, friends – or even yourself at places you regularly shop – and earn a percentage for GCS at no extra cost to you!
Click Join a Program and register with your email and our GCS enrollment Code (on display in the Front Lobby or contact us), and be ready for holidays, general gift-giving, home-improvement projects, and everyday shopping.
Orders can be made to support GCS at ANYTIME, with free shipping during special GCS RaiseRight promotions.
BOX TOPS
Families and Friends of GCS are encouraged participate in the Box Tops for Education Program. Click on the icon/link below to get more information on how to select “Groton Community School” as your charity of choice! A percentage is then given to the school for each purchase you make!
The Box Tops for Education team has worked hard to build a NEW-and-improved, user-friendly Box Tops mobile app, available now. The new app features state-of-the-art technology that allows you to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to our school’s earnings online.
SQUARE 1 ART
Families can capture precious memories and support GCS by participating in our Square 1 Art fundraisers! Each child’s artwork is imprinted on a wide variety of creative and fun merchandise available for sale each spring. Stay tuned for details in GCS communications.
MABEL’S LABELS
GCS asks families to label their children’s belongings, and Mabel’s Labels is a great resource! Did you know they also make clothing stamps and silicone bands for water bottles? Please log into Mabel’s Labels (campaigns.mabelslabels.com) and enter “Groton Community School” to place your order and to also help support the school at the same time!