Organizing faith-based campaigns to raise funds for schools

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Abstract

The local public schools in the Greater Homewood area in Baltimore, Maryland, were in dire need of resources such as school supplies, school uniforms, books and volunteers. The Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance raised money from congregations in 30 churches to aid the ailing schools through a Campaign for Better Schools and Looking Good Program. In return, the schools opened their doors to the congregations to see how the donated resources were being used and to explore the schools' remaining needs. This effective practice was shared at the AmeriCorps*VISTA Faith-Based and Community Organization Conference at the University of Indianapolis, August 20-22, 2001.

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Issue

With public schools losing funding and struggling to make ends meet, donations from community and faith-based organizations can make a big difference in the quality of education children receive.

 

 

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Action

The Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance (GHIA) developed three projects to assist the local schools.

The GHIA embarked on a Campaign for Better Schools to raise money to support six targeted schools in Greater Homewood. The campaign raised more than $15,000, which was divided among the six schools. The money could be used on resources such as books, computer software, and playground equipment, depending on the schools' needs.

The Looking Good Program raised money to purchase school uniforms for families that could not afford them. The campaign raised $14,320 for school uniforms and accessories such as socks.

The GHIA organized school tours of the six target schools. Congregations were invited to take a tour of the schools and explore their needs. Also, contributors could see how their money was being used. Community members were also welcome to attend to meet the congregations or view the schools. After the tour, churches partnered with schools to begin planning how to meet the schools' remaining needs.

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Context

The six target schools in Greater Homewood consist of students from various backgrounds. The majority of students come from low-income families. All the six schools qualify for federal Title I funds and are in need of resources. 

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Outcome

The principals were interviewed to determine how the GHIA programs improved the conditions of their schools.

Margaret Brent Elementary School used a portion of the money to purchase new books and instituted a program that required each student to read at least 30 minutes a day and do either a written or oral report on what he/she read. As a result, the proficiency level in the school increased.

Abbottston Elementary experienced an increase in student attendance. The administration attributes the increase to the students feeling more comfortable wearing their new uniforms to school.

Less than one week after Mildred D. Monroe Elementary held its school tour, Saint Phillips and James Catholic Church purchased approximately $400 worth of art and classroom supplies for the kindergarten and first-grade classrooms.

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Posted On

August 14, 2001

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For More Information

Brandi Roberts
Greater Homewood Community Corporation
Phone: (410)261-3501

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