Yes, we can fundraise! There are many misperceptions about what Head Start and Early Head Start agencies can and cannot do when it comes to fundraising. Agencies can legitimately engage in various types of fundraising activities without violating federal law or the terms of federal grant awards.

No federal grant funds can be used to support the cost of fundraising activities.

Because fundraising activities cannot be supported financially by any Head Start funds, staff time, program funds, and program resources cannot be used for fundraising events or activities. All programs and parents should check their respective organization’s policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure compliance prior to conducting a Dollar per Child event or activity.

Staff can participate as long as staff members are volunteering their time when they are not working. It is important that staff members are not required to participate and only do so if they wish to volunteer.

Programs can keep track of funds acquired by Dollar per Child campaign activities as long as they are put into an unrestricted budget account and ensured they are sent as contributions for Dollar per Child campaign. They must not be comingled with restricted federal funds. Programs should check with their organization’s financial policies and operating regulations to ensure compliance.

While Head Start resources (e.g., facilities, equipment, etc.) cannot be used at any time, including when the Head Start program is closed, a noted exception is the de minimis use of office equipment to tabulate, record, and track the donations by staff during non-working hours.

All donations to the Dollar per Child campaign are tax-deductible because the recipient, NHSA, is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. This should be communicated to all contributors for their donations or resources for campaign events and activities.

Download the Dollar per Child Fundraiser's Guide for guidance on how to develop an enjoyable fundraising strategy that best fits your program. The toolkit contains fundraising ideas, tips for recruiting volunteers, and guidelines for developing fundraising goals and timelines. Let’s all do our part to support Head Start!

Individual programs may collect funds acquired by Dollar per Child Campaign activities as long as they are put into an unrestricted budget account and tracked as contributions for advocacy. They may not be co-mingled in an account with restricted federal funds.

If you prefer, you may send them directly to:

National Head Start Association
Department #3 Donations
P.O. Box 829929
Philadelphia, PA 19182-9929

Or keep it really simple—give to Dollar per Child today online!