Here are answers to a lot of questions commonly asked during the No Hassle Fundraiser.  If you have additional questions, please email the NHF chairperson directly in order to get a quick response.

Q: Does NHF replace all other fundraising activities at BW?

A: No, but it does replace all commercial product based fundraising at our school.  This allows our teachers to teach, and our students to be students, not sales people.  It also allows us to keep 100% of the money we raise.  Commerical product sales normally generate more money for the product company than the PTA.  It makes good business sense to simply donate your dollars directly to the PTA.

Q: How much should I donate?

A: That is entirely up to you.  Every dollar counts, and no contribution is too big or too small.  We ask that everyone give as generously as they can, while understanding that people's ability to contribute varies.  In order to provide some guidance, we suggest that families donate $200 per child.  But understand that this amount is based on historic contribution amounts and overall participation rates, as applied to the goal we have set.  It can not be emphasized enough that every dollar counts, and no matter what your contribution amount, your donation is greatly appreciated.

Q: The NHF goal seems like a lot of money.  How was the goal calculated?

A: The PTA budget committee creates a budget every summer that reflects the teacher's, the student's, the parent's, and the school's needs.  This budget is voted on by the PTA officers and executive committee, and drives the activities of the PTA during that school year.  There are four major fundraising events during the school year:  No Hassle, Grocery Cards, Fall Carnival, and Spring Fling.  The revenue from Grocery Cards, Fall Carnival, and Spring Fling are subtracted from the overall PTA budget amount.  The remainder is what we target to raise during the No Hassle Fundraiser.

Q: Is my NHF contribution tax deductible?  If so, will I get a donation receipt for tax reporting purposes?

A: Yes.  Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.  At the conclusion of the NHF campaign, every person who has made a donation will receive a letter of thanks that serves as a donation receipt.  For those who have pledged to donate at a future date, and those who have chosen to make recurring payments, your donation receipt will be sent to you when the full amount of your pledged donation has been received.

Q: Why should I return a pledge form if I cannot donate at this time?

A: So we know that we have reached you.  One of the goals of the No Hassle Fundraiser is to ensure that we reach out to every family at BW, so that we know we have done all we can to maximize the revenue the event generates.  We broadcast information regarding No Hassle thru many mediums, including the BW listserv, the BW PTA website, the Weekly Newsletter, and the big thermometer banner on the front of the school.  However, we don't truly know if we've reached everyone unless we get either a donation or an indication that this is not a good time to donate.  Returning the pledge form allows us to know that we have reached you.

Q: Can I earmark my contribution for a specific BW PTA program?

A: No, all contributions to the No Hassle Fundraiser go into the general PTA account, and are distributed evenly across all programs that the PTA funds.  There are other opportunities to contribute specifically to PTA activities during the school year, but the No Hassle Fundraiser is for raising general funds that support the budgeted PTA activities for the school year.

Q: Should I pay by check or credit card?

A: That is your choice.  There is a 2.9% fee that PayPal charges the BW PTA for all on-line donations made with credit cards, so if you truly want to maximize your contribution, a check is a better choice.  However, the overall fees are small compared to the flexibility that credit card payments allow for.  Therefore, if a credit card is your preferred way to pay, no problem.  If you are indifferent as to how you pay, a check will save the PTA from incurring the PayPal fee.

Q  What is the PayPal credit card fee?

A: PayPal charges 2.9% plus $.30 per transaction.  Paying by check will allow the PTA to avoid this transaction fee.  However, if you prefer to pay by credit card, your contribution is more important than the small fee that PayPal charges, so don't let that keep you from using your credit card!

Q: If I pay by credit card, do I still need to return a pledge form?

A: Yes.  The on-line payment does not currently allow us to capture the details that we get from the pledge form (student names, teachers, parent contact info, etc).  Just indicate on the pledge form that you made your contribution on-line.

Q: Does my NHF contribution include my PTA dues?

A:  The first $10 of your contribution covers your PTA dues.  As a PTA member, you are entitled to participate in PTA meetings, votes, etc.  You also have rights with the state PTA organization, and you get a bunch of nice discounts on stuff like hotel prices, etc.  It is well worth the $10 investment!

Q: How do I find out if my place of work will match my NHF contribution?

A: You need to contact your company's HR department (or look on your company's HR website) to understand their policy regarding matching grants.  Many companies do have a matching grants program, and match your contribution dollar for dollar!  So make sure to check w/ your employer.  It is a really easy way to maximize your contribution to the PTA and your child's education!

Q: What is the BW PTA's non-profit ID, so I can fill in my company's matching contribution form?

A:  74-6085685