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! Simply click to Donate.
GCS APPAREL AND MERCHANDISE
2023 FALL APPAREL SALE: October 2nd through 6th in the Lobby!
Click here for our Apparel Order Form Fall 2023
Show your school spirit! Groton Community School apparel and merchandise can be ordered or purchased at the school with a check or cash. We have a selection of items for children and adults, including caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, 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!
GCS holds Apparel Sales several times throughout the school year, with apparel and items on display to see in person.
Contact us at merchandise@grotoncommunity school.org with any special requests or questions you may have at any time!
See our Spring Apparel Order Form 2022-2023 to view our current GCS offerings.
ASSORTED FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Each year the Board of Directors offers a variety of smaller fundraising projects for families and friends to choose from. Past fundraising projects have included community auctions, children’s special events, plant sales, yard sales, school photos, and the sale of specialized merchandise.
Raise Right Gift Cards
Formerly ShopWithScrip
Take advantage of our GCS “Raise Right” 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! Orders can be placed on paper or online during active Groton Community School Raise Right Card Fundraisers, with payment by cash or check.
Register at www.raiseright.com/enroll with our GCS enrollment Code (contact us), and be ready for holidays, general gift-giving, home-improvement projects, and everyday shopping!
Download the new RaiseRight App for ease!
Orders can be made to support GCS at anytime, with free shipping during special GCS Raise Right promotions.
CORPORATE SPONSORED OPPORTUNITIES
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!
Box Tops
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.
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!
GCS WORKSHOP SERIES
GCS Presents…. A Community-Building Workshop Series!
Stay tuned for our 2023-2024 offerings…
Craft with Us!
In April 2023 workshop, the Board of Directors hosted a workshop for adults AND children!
It was an afternoon of fun spring crafts to be enjoyed together at Groton Community School. Tickets were $25 for a grown-up and child, and included instruction, materials, and light refreshments!
Valentine’s Day “Gal-entines” Tea & Dessert Making Workshop
In our February 2023 workshop, participants could snack, sip and socialize with friends while creating and plating a delicious array of sweets! Each participant took home a decadent platter of treats perfect to surprise a Valentine or share the LOVE at Super Bowl plans! The workshop began at 1PM on Sunday, Feb 12th at 163 West Main St, West Groton. Thank you to the Groton Center on behalf of the GCS Board of Directors for the use of their fabulous catering kitchen.
Winter Wreathmaking Workshop 2022
Attendees got in the holiday spirit and met other GCS families and members of the community in this Board hosted event!
Here are a few images of this wonderful winter workshop…
Look for more GCS Workshops in the future!
#GCSWinterWorkshops #CookwithGCS
SEASONAL FUNDRAISERS
Support GCS with special fundraisers related to different seasons and aspects of the school year. Click to learn more about our Chance Calendar! for January 2023.
HOME TOUR
A Board of Directors fundraising focus for many years has been our annual Groton Community Home Tour, touring unique and distinctive homes, and offering an amazing selection of artisans and vendors, along with a Chance Table with fabulous items to win. We hope to return to our annual community event next year!
In the interim, please see the fun alternative Groton Community Tour held in October 2020 and again in 2021!
