By Alicia Miller with Tim Sullivan (from PTOtoday.com)
Picture this: You make your usual weekly visit to the grocery store. You fill your cart as always — with fresh fruit or frozen french fries, tenderloin or tofu — and head up front to check out. Your purchases are scanned and bagged, you get your total, and you pay your $100. Guess what? You just made $5 for your kids’ school. On the way home, you pick up a video and a pizza. There’s another $1.10 for good old AnySchool Elementary.
How’s that possible? Welcome to scrip, a decade-old fundraising concept with roots in California and a large, national future. The concept is simple. Schools purchase gift certificates, or scrip, from popular retailers (like Pizza Hut and Blockbuster and grocery chains) at a discount, which the retailers are happy to give because they’re guaranteeing themselves customers and some goodwill advertising. Parents then buy the gift certificates from the school at face value. The difference in price is kept by the school. Parents then spend the scrip at the retailer, where it’s worth the full face value; they haven’t spent an extra dime to help the school, nor have they had to change stores.
And school earnings can really add up. The most successful scrip schools earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year from scrip. Typical schools with modest programs can earn $3,000–$10,000 without an undue amount of effort.
Some quick math is the best way to demonstrate the earning potential of scrip. An average family spends $5,000 at the grocery store ($100 per week). The school gets a 5 percent discount on grocery scrip. Over the course of the year, the school makes $250 (5 percent of $5,000) just from one family’s grocery bill. Now consider what that family might spend on pizza and gas and toys, items with typically higher discount percentages. And don’t forget holiday shopping. Multiply that family’s earnings by, say, 20 families and you’ve got $10,000 for your school. With the right support, scrip earnings can really add up.
We'd like to tell you about a wonderful way to raise money for many programs that benefit all the students at Baker. You nor your children have to sell anything and it won't cost you a single penny! Does it sound interesting yet?
The stores and restaurants where you already spend your money will donate a percentage of the amount you spend back to Baker School. We're not asking you to spend any more money than you would normally spend at these stores. We're not asking you to buy chocolates or magazines, or anything else that you wouldn't ordinarily buy. What we are asking you to do, is to pay for the things you buy with SCRIP instead of cash, check or credit card.
What is SCRIP?
SCRIP is a gift certificate. It is accepted the same as cash. It is a substitute for cash. Since it is virtually the same as cash, it should be secured just as you would secure your cash. You can also sign up for eScrip (electronic SCRIP).
How
does the school earn money through SCRIP?
When you purchase $100 of Nob Hill SCRIP (there are many stores to choose from), you pay $100 and receive SCRIP certificates that will buy $100 of merchandise at Nob Hill (or the store or your choice). Baker Home & School Partnership has previously purchased the SCRIP certificates at the discounted amount of $95, thereby earning $5 or 5% for our children. The percentages of profit range from 2% to 20%. In past years, we have been able to provide Baker school with basketball hoops and poles for the primary playground, a new kindergarten playground structure, playground balls for all grades, a lighting system for the multi-use room, and we have been able to reduce the overall cost of science camp.
How
do I buy SCRIP?
For your first SCRIP order, simply fill out an order form for the stores and denominations that you want. These forms are available in your child's Wednesday envelope or can be found in the school office. Write a check payable to Baker Scrip for the full face value of the SCRIP you are purchasing. Your SCRIP will be ready for pick-up Wednesday morning in the office or it can be sent home in your child's Wednesday envelope. You can also request a regular standing order such as a weekly order and again you can specify which method of pick-up you would prefer. SCRIP is for sale in the office during school hours.
How
is SCRIP accepted in the stores?
SCRIP is accepted the same as cash. The stores vary regarding how much change they are willing to give you back from your purchases. Some stores will give full change. Some will limit the amount of change back to $5 or less. Some stores use 20% as a guideline, and some stores will give SCRIP as change. But remember, we sell various denominations of SCRIP to help alleviate some of these problems.
I
don't think I'll use much SCRIP, why should I bother?
First of all, it's not a bother and it is easy. Second, you might think of it this way; if you don't use SCRIP, you're denying your children and all the other children at Baker funding for some wonderful programs that we wouldn't have without this SCRIP fundraising effort. A family purchasing $50 every other week at the average percentage of 5% will raise $55 in a year. The biggest seller we have, is our grocery SCRIP. And let's face it, we all have to eat! The average family, spending $150 every other week to buy groceries, would raise $165 for our school in one year! If just half of our 300 families bought $150 of grocery SCRIP every other week, we would raise over $20,000 !!! And that's just the grocery SCRIP. We also have a wide variety of restaurants and department stores for which you can buy SCRIP. Won't you please give it a try? You have nothing to lose, and our children have everything to gain! If you have any questions, please call the office 874-3200 and ask that one of the SCRIP Chairpersons give you a call.
SCRIP FAQ's
What is scrip?
Using the scrip program is kind of like buying yourself gift certificates. The difference is that you get MORE than you pay for. Each of the businesses that we carry scrip for give a percentage of the money back to you. This money is held in an account for you and can be used for just about any church event. It's kind of like a church-wide scholarship program. When you buy scrip you earn FREE MONEY to pay for camps, activities, and events!
What kind of scrip does NCC carry?
We carry a variety. We have most major supermarkets such as Stater Bros. There is also a large selection of restaurants. We have fast food, like Burger King, to sit-down, like the California Pizza Kitchen. We also carry store scrip. We have Macy's, Bath and Body Works, Home Depot, and Best Buy just to name a few. We even offer gas cards!! Not everything is in stock, but any scrip on the list can be ordered and usually comes in by the next week. To get a complete list of all the scrip we carry stop by the front office and pick one up. It is a great program, especially for those things you have to buy anyway, like groceries and gas. It's also great to give as gifts!
How do I order scrip?
Scrip can be ordered at the front office Monday- Friday, 8:30am- 5:00pm. This is also where scrip orders can be picked up. To buy scrip on hand our Scrip Lady, Cindy Kennedy, can help you out. She is in Mondays from 2pm- 6pm, Tuesdays from 11:30am- 2pm, and Thursdays from 10am- 1pm. Her desk is located in the Student Ministries Office.
Does it really save me money?
Yes, yes, yes!!! Several parents pay the entire balance of Junior High activities entirely through their scrip account, and it doesn't cost them an extra penny! This program was designed and adopted by the church to act as a scholarship program, we don't make any profit. It is a service we offer because we know that camps can be expensive and if you are determined that your student will go to camp this is a great way to minimize the cost of those activities. Friends and family can help too by buying scrip and requesting that it goes to your account. This way grandparents and other relatives can help send your student to camp.
Any more questions?
Feel free to contact us (760) 724-6700 or email our Scrip Lady, Cindy, here.
If you or members of your family buy $400 worth of scrip in a month (for groceries, clothing, gifts, restaurants, etc) at an average of 5% discount for your organization you have contributed $20 that month. If you do this every month for a year you will contribute $240. If 50 members of your organization do this you would raise $12,000 in a year.
So get started today! After all you're just spending the same money you would normally be spending every day.
Private Schools
Public Schools
Churches
Synagogues
Community Organizations
Athletic Teams
Hospitals
Service Clubs
Historic Associations
YMCA
Boy and Girl Scouts
And more!
|
# of Participants |
20 |
40 |
60 |
100 |
200 |
|
Weekly Scrip Purchases |
$100 |
$100 |
$100 |
$100 |
$100 |
|
Total Weekly Revenue |
$2,000 |
$4,000 |
$6,000 |
$10,000 |
$20,000 |
|
Average Profit % |
5% |
5% |
5% |
5% |
5% |
|
Weekly Scrip Earnings |
$100 |
$200 |
$300 |
$500 |
$1,000 |
|
Yearly Scrip Earnings |
$5,200 |
$10,400 |
$15,600 |
$26,000 |
$52,000 |
New England Scrip™ is based in New England so we are able to offer you local merchants that don’t do business in other parts of the country.
New England Scrip™ has Account Managers who are part of your community and who work with your scrip administrators in person to help them every step of the way: analyzing the organization’s potential for a successful program, helping to get the members of the organization interested in having a scrip program, presenting the program to the membership, signing up participants, putting together record keeping, accounting, and ordering methods, tracking inventory, and more! Someone is always available to help you or give you ideas.
Scrip is actually the same as currency. Essentially, scrip is a certificate used as temporary substitute for money in exchange for goods or services. Paper money used to be called scrip. Any card or certificate that has a specific value is scrip-like gift cards and telephone cards.
Scrip as a fundraising program for charities got its start on the West Coast about fifteen years ago. A private high school in California was looking for a way to raise funds. The school was looking at the possibility of being closed, and realized that traditional fundraising methods wouldn't be enough.
They worked out discount arrangements with merchants. The retailers agreed to it because they realized it would bring customers into their stores while simultaneously helping out the school. They raised $30,000 for the school and the school was saved from closing! Scrip became a fundraising star.
Scrip is not well known in the Eastern states, but it’s very popular on the West Coast. One scrip center in California has helped non-profits raise over $200 Million for their programs.
There are only a handful of scrip centers, but until now none were focused on the East Coast. That is one reason for the founding of New England Scrip™.
Best of all, scrip is a 365 day a year program bringing in a steady cash stream for your organization.
SCRIP/Grocery Certificates
Frequency Asked Questions
Brad Roth
Q. How do I order?
A. Complete a Scrip or Grocery Certificate order form, write a check to APFIM for the appropriate amount, and give them to me. You can either mail them to me (Brad Roth, 2795 Winter Park, Rochester Hills, MI 48309), put them into the Adams Band mailbox in the band room, (but not during the summer), or bring them to me at my home or a band event.
Q. If I order both Scrip and Grocery Certificates, do I have to write two checks?
A. No. One check for the total amount is fine.
Q. How do I get an order form?
A. You can download them from this website. The Scrip form is usually published in the Bandfare. Forms are available in the band room during the school year. When you order, I will give you a new blank form with your certificates. Although the order forms make everything easier, I am willing to accept email orders (basically, I would fill out the form for you, based on your email). But you still have to physically give me the check, so this won't really make things simpler.
Q. When do I order?
A. The deadline for placing orders is on the 1st and 15th of each month. I need to have the order in my hands (not merely postmarked) by the 1st or 15th.
Q. Can I send you an order over email and then give you the check when you deliver the certificates?
A. Sorry. I realize this would in some ways be simpler. But there is so much money involved, I want the check in advance.
Q. How are my certificates delivered?
A. It varies. If you send a self-addressed stamped envelope, I will mail them to you (but beware that if you have a large order, it may not fit in a small envelope, and you need sufficient postage). You can stop by my house (2795 Winter Park, in the Shadow Woods subdivision, off Powderhorn Ridge, between Tienken and Walton, and between Brewster and Adams), but should probably make arrangements in advance to be sure I am there (call 248 375-2703). Or, I can bring them to band events. You can indicate on the form how you want them delivered. If you do not indicate anything, I will call you once the certificates arrive to make arrangements.
Q. How long does it take for the certificates to arrive?
A. Say the deadline for ordering is on the 1st. I will call the order in on the morning of the 2nd (assuming I am on the ball). The certificates take 2 or 3 days to arrive. So, they should be ready to be picked up by about the 5th. I don't promise that it always will work this fast, but I will try to be prompt. Warning: they do not take orders on weekends, so if the 1st or 15th falls on a Friday or Saturday, expect a day or two additional delay. If for some reason there is an extended delay, check the APFIM Scrip website (http://www.oakland.edu/~roth/scrip.htm) for updates.
Q. Are all the Scrip retailers listed on the form?
A. No! A full list can be found at http://www.glscrip.com/retailer_frame.htm. We simply can't list all of the retailers on our 1-page order form, so we selected the ones we thought you would most likely use. You can order from any of the Scrip retailers listed on their website. For instance, there are 15 gas stations listed, including Mobile and Shell. If you want a retailer not listed, just add the information in the blank rows at the bottom of the form. I will order it.
Q. I heard that sometimes we can't order Kroger and Farmer Jack Grocery certificates. Why?
A. Both Kroger and Farmer Jack have $250 minimum orders (that is, a minimum for APFIM after I have totaled up all the individual orders). If on the 1st of the month I only have two orders for Farmer Jack certificates, each totaling $100, then the $200 total falls below the minimum order. In that case, I will call those who ordered certificates and decide what to do. They can cancel their order, or change it to something else (thereby not having to bring me a new check). It is an annoying situation, but I don't see a simple way to avoid it.
Q. Can I pay for the certificates with a credit card?
A. No. I realize some of you may be getting rebates or frequent flier miles from your credit card purchases. You will have to decide which is better financially, the credit card rebate or the Scrip rebate, and do the one that saves you the most money.
Q. Do certificates expire?
A. Each retailer has its own rules. I've looked over the policies of several. They often seem to have expiration dates after about a year.
Q. I saw an old Scrip form that had different rebate percentages than the current form. Why?
A. The retailers are constantly changing their rebates and the denominations of their certificates. Also, frequently retailers join or drop out of the Scrip program. The Great Lakes Scrip Center sends me updates with all these changes. There are more changes than I want to list here. I assume the Great Lakes Scrip Center list is up-to-date. I will try to keep the percentages listed on our order form updated.
Q. Why do they call the program "Scrip"?
A. I originally thought it was an acronym. Apparently it is not. The Great Lakes website says "Scrip is a term that means substitute money". That is consistent with my Webster's dictionary, which defines scrip as "any various documents used as evidence that the holder or bearer is entitled to receive something."
Last modified June 7, 2004
How
long are certificates valid?
The expiration date varies
by certificate but the shortest time we have seen is 1 year. You will
not need to plan to use the certificates immediately after you
purchase them. In fact, some families like to accumulate them over a
period of time as if saving up for a special purchase.
No, these are national retailers so the certificates are valid anywhere a participating store is located.
They look like a credit card with the magnetic strip on the back. Encoded into the magnetic strip is the value of the card. When you go to the gas station or the store the card will be swiped. The amount you are purchasing will automatically be deducted from your card. The difference will be what is left on the card for you to use the next time.
That varies from store to store. Many store will give you change if you have used 90% of the value of the certificate. That is just a guideline. The best answer is consult the Participating Retailers List and to ask before you use the certificate.
JC Penney is the only store where SCRIP is accepted for charge card balances but you must go into a store to pay.
Yes. Learn more about SCRIP in this PDF file. CLICK HERE!(PDF format)
Q.
What is SCRIP?
A.
SCRIP is the hottest game around these days for raising money for
schools. SCRIP are store issued gift certificates, sold at face
value, which can be used in lieu of cash or credit cards to purchase
food, gasoline, clothing and services, and in some cases even to pay
bills!!!
Q.
This sounds to good to be true, how is it possible you are not asking
me to pay more?
A.
The
National SCRIP Center purchases gift certificates in a high volume at
a discount from local and national merchants. A portion of the
discount is passed on to non-profit organizations participating in
the program, like St. Rita School.
SRS then sells the gift certificates to you at full face value. SRS benefits from purchases you ordinarily make at absolutely no additional cost to you. The more Scrip you buy, the more SRS earns. Simply buy Scrip from your SRS SCRIP volunteers, dollar for dollar. There is no minimum or maximum purchase.
Q.
Where do I buy SCRIP and when do I get my order?
A.
|
Days |
Inventory Schedule Time |
Place |
* In the rain, snow, hail and intense Texas heat you will find us in the lobby of the school office |
|
Mondays |
7:40 - 8:15 AM |
Plaza |
|
|
Mondays |
3:00 - 3:30 PM |
Harvet Hill lot |
1. Buy from inventory (see sales schedule) |
|
Thursdays |
7:40 - 8:15 AM |
Plaza |
2. Leave order and payment in office |
|
Fridays |
3:00 - 3:30 PM |
Harvest Hill lot |
3. Call, e-mail or fax to 972/934-0657, anytime |
Q.
How do I pay for my SCRIP?
A.
We
accept checks payable to St. Rita School and Visa and MasterCard
credit cards.
A 3% fee will be added to credit card payments. A
SCRIP coordinator must electronically swipe credit cards for payment.
Q.
How long is the SCRIP valid?
A.
Generally, the SCRIP gift cards will expire one year from purchase.
Please check with the retailer if you are in doubt.
Q.
Can I get a refund or exchange a SCRIP card from the SCRIP
coordinators?
A.
No, sorry all SCRIP sales are final.
Please refer to
merchants for store policy on refunds or exchanges of their
merchandise.
Q.
Can I send or receive my order via my school messenger child?
A.
YES,
provide SCRIP coordinators with student's name, grade and homeroom
number or complete information on order form.
|
Cindy
Washlesky |
Connie
Pritchett |
Mary
O'Hagan |
|
Holly
Finegan |
Geri
Rousso Sanders |
Beth
Stehling |
How
does Scrip help Holy Name School?
When you
purchase Specialty Scrip from the school, shop with a registered
credit card through Schoolpop, purchase items with a registered
Safeway card through eScrip, shop on a registered Target
Card, or present your Albertsons Preferred Card when
shopping, the participating retailers donate a portion (1-15%) of
those sales to Holy Name School.
Does
it cost me anything to use Scrip?
NO.
Specialty Scrip is sold to the school at a discount, and you
purchase the Scrip at full value. Hence, the school benefits
immediately when you purchase Specialty Scrip. You are not paying
“one cent more” for purchasing the Scrip. Use the Scrip
as you would a Gift Certificate or debit card. There is no cost to
register your cards with eScrip or Schoolpop.
back
to top
How
do I get credit toward my Scrip obligation?
Specialty
Scrip totals will be kept by the office. Purchases through the
eScrip and Schoolpop programs are recorded in statements sent to
you, as well as the office. Albertsons receipts must have
”Thank you for supporting youth and
education through our Community Partners Program”
printed on the receipts. Please return the tallied receipts to
the office to credit your account. Target cards must be
registered as benefiting Holy Name School to count toward your
contribution. Please see the customer service representative to
designate Holy Name School as the benefactor. Holy Name's
Target number is 2963. Please send in your statements, not
your receipts.
How
do I register my Charge Cards with eScrip and Schoolpop?
Enrollment
forms for eScrip can be picked up in the school office or you may
register online. Look at the top line when you click on to
www.escrip.com.
Schoolpop registration is strictly done online - www.schoolpop.com.
You may update and review your accounts online. Please keep a
record of your account passwords. This is private information
and is not distributed to our school.
back
to top
How
many cards can I register with eScrip?
Up to
11cards may be registered with eScrip - 4 Safeway cards, 4 credit
cards, 1 ATM, 1 Debit and 1 Diner Card. They do not have to be
all your cards (eg: you may have your Safeway Club Card, Chevron gas
card, Visa card and your Mother's Safeway card and Master Card all
on one eScrip account). Give the office the names of the
family and friends who have registered their cards for Holy Name
School and you will receive credit for their purchases.
Does
registering my Credit Cards affect the benefits that come with my
cards?
NO. The mileage and other
rebates that normally come with using your credit card are not
affected. It is a win-win situation. You benefit, as
well as the school.
back
to top
Can
I send in Macy's Scrip to pay my bills?
NO.
All Scrip should be considered as cash. The school is not
responsible for lost Scrip. You must pay on your Macy's
statements at the stores. The scrip must be scanned for
it to be credited to your account. Purchase Macy's scrip
to pay on your bills, and 6% of your purchased Macy’s scrip is
refunded to the school.
back
to top
May
other family members and friends participate in the Scrip
program?
YES. Please purchase Scrip for
family and friends to use. We have Holy Name parents who buy Scrip
for their co-workers. We have parents who buy Scrip as office gifts.
Extended families and friends are a great resource for the school.
Please sign them up for eScrip and Schoolpop, and you will receive
credit for their purchases. Please inform the Scrip Coordinator of
their names in order to get credit.
I
have reached my Scrip obligation, may I continue to use Scrip?
YES!
YES! YES! DON’T STOP
SHOPPING! We would like all Holy Name families to use Scrip
all year round. The wonderful benefit of Schoolpop is that your
cards are registered until their expiration dates. eScrip
requires that you reregister yearly. So, please update
your cards with those programs. Also, replacement cards for
lost or stolen cards must be registered as soon as possible.
You may save your summer receipts from Albertson’s and
Target to use toward the following year's Scrip obligation. Please
inform the Scrip Coordinator when you are planning to make a large
purchase at one of the Specialty Scrip retailers. We can order
enough Scrip to cover your needs as well as others. For the
Christmas holiday, (it does creep up on us), please put your scrip
orders in early so you are guaranteed to receive your scrip.
Plan wisely, shop wisely, and Holy Name benefits!
back
to top
Do
I have to re-register if I get a new card?
Yes.
Anytime you get a renewal card or have a lost or stolen card
replaced, you need to notify eScrip
and
Schoolpop
so that the purchases you make on your new card can count for Holy
Name. Please keep your accounts up to date.
back
to top
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask the office at 415-731-4077. If you need assistance in Cantonese/Mandarin, please call Lily Ling during the daytime at (415) 476-6573. Let’s have a successful Scrip year at Holy Name.