Schoolit

How does Schoolit differ from other fundraising websites?

Schoolit is a fundraising platform that provides free, Fundraising Tools for Schools.  Started by PTA parents of Manhattan schools, fundraising through Schoolit is simple:  we donate 100% of our proceeds* from coupons, marketplaces and direct donations back to the local school of our users’ choice.  Schoolit also offers schools a publishing platform to announce all education-related news and events.  Using Schoolit’s website and iPhone application, users can now shop, save money, and earn money for their schools all at the same time! 

We don’t just stop there.  Schoolit also allows merchants to have full discretion over the discount they offer, the duration of the deal and the number of deals issued.  In this way, deals are customized to each merchant so they best fit their business plan.

How does money go to schools?

Of every deal that is purchased, Schoolit donates 100% of our proceeds* back to the school linked with that specific coupon.  At the end of each month, we then write a check** to the schools that are raising money through our website. Once a school receives a Schoolit check, they can use it to support whichever programs they see fit!

How is Schoolit an effective means for schools to fundraise?

Schoolit is effective because it’s easy. Schoolit encourages everyone to participate, alleviating responsibility of just a few individuals, and we also take care of the organization, money-management, and accounting of your school’s fundraising efforts.  We do all this while providing local schools with passive income and reducing the seasonality factor of fundraising.  And it’s FREE!

Are Schoolit donations tax deductible for our school?

For schools that are considered 501(c)(3) charities, all of the donations that Schoolit makes are considered contributions and therefore not part of the school's income.  As a result, Schoolit donations are tax deductible for schools considered to be 501(c)(3) charities.

How do I ensure that the money goes to the school I want it to?

When you visit your school’s page, the businesses that are associated with your school will be listed on that page.  When you buy a coupon, make sure you buy directly from your school’s deal page so that you’re buying a coupon for your school.  Our location-based technology automatically places deals in your school’s neighborhood on your school’s deal page.

How can I participate in Schoolit?

Getting involved in Schoolit is easy, and you can do it on your schedule, when you have free time.  You can participate by helping to sign up a local business, buying a deal for your school from our website, and promoting our program to local schools and merchants in your area.  If you’re a merchant, you can sign up your business by either visiting our site or emailing us directly. We make it easy to set-up your account and your online deal.

How can I help local businesses sign up with Schoolit? 

Think and act locally.  Speak to the owners of the three local businesses where you shop the most, and ask them if they would like to offer a coupon on Schoolit ’s website.  Encourage them to review Schoolit’s website and sign-up online!

How do I know if a certain business is already associated with Schoolit?

You can search for a business on www.justschoolit.com

How much will it cost for our school to participate?

Nothing, Schoolit is FREE!  Schoolit wants to give schools money at no cost to them.

If participating schools are publishing to their network, can they ensure that the privacy of their email lists will be maintained?

YES!  Once a deal is posted, schools will have the opportunity to use their publishing platform on www.justSchoolit.com and email their network on their own accord – schools’ email lists remain confidential and are never shared with merchants or anyone outside of their network.

Are there restrictions on how the money is spent?

There are no restrictions – schools can use their Schoolit donations to help whichever programs they see fit!

Why would businesses want to advertise to local schools?

It’s about community.  Merchants involved with Schoolit show their community that they’re invested in helping local schools.  When schools inform their large networks that merchants are supporting them by offering a deal on Schoolit’s website, merchants receive immediate exposure to the local community, and individuals associated with local schools want to patronize that business. 

Why should businesses participate with Schoolit as opposed to donating to schools directly?

Schoolit is a unique program that benefits schools, neighbors, and local businesses.  When you use Schoolit, you support local companies, and unite a community of people working together to give schools and students the proper tools and support they need to succeed.

Will Schoolit deals hurt our school’s own fundraising efforts?

Not at all!  Schoolit is another fundraising method for local schools, and it will not prevent local businesses from donating. Schoolit’s program will instead encourage local companies to participate in school fundraising.

Why is Schoolit not considered a non-profit?

Schoolit uses its extra funds to invest in tools for schools to better enhance schools' ability to fundraise, as well as to create and maintain advertisements on our website, support school and merchant accounts, implement marketing campaigns, and improve infrastructure for our website, iphone application, and R&D.

*proceeds are net of 4% for processing fees associated with checks and credit cards.

**Schools must raise a minimum of $10 before a check is issued.