Scrip Information

So what is scrip exactly? You need scrip information. Well look no further! Is a scrip program right for our school? Is this one of those bad fundraising ideas? Of course not! Scrip can be very profitable but you need to do your research.

Gathering scrip information and figuring out scrip programs is vital to making your decision. If your school is serious about taking on a great way to raise money…it’s scrip. It is sustainable, reputable and habit forming (which equals sustained revenue).

How It Works

“Scrip” is a Latin term that means “anything used instead of money.”

Your organization orders and purchases gift cards and certificates from a scrip program. These gift cards and certificates are exactly the same as you would purchase from the retailers. However, they are purchased in large quantities by a scrip company and a discount is received. The scrip company retains a small percentage and then passes on the remaining discount to your organization. Your organization sells scrip at face value for purchases that a typical family makes anyway. The profit is between 1-15%.

An Example Will Explain

If a typical family spends $525 a month on gasoline, groceries, clothing, fast food, toys, home improvement, etc. this family can generate over $250 yearly for your organization. Just think of the profitable habit that scrip could generate for your organization.

You do need to consider that scrip is like money and needs an effective and secure order taking and delivery system. Generally a volunteer committee should take ownership of the program from marketing to delivery to ensure a robust and sustainable program.

Other Ideas

Many scrip companies offer online alternatives to make the process streamlined for your organization and your customers. Also, the better the variety of scrip you can offer to your purchasers the more loyalty and traffic will be built.

Ask the scrip company you chose to offer references of an organization similar in size to yours. Contact these other organizations and ask some hard questions about customer service, organization and quality of scrip (do they offer want people want?) A reputable scrip company will be happy to give you references if their business is built on integrity.

In Summary

Scrip can be highly profitable for your school or organization. It is a commitment from a organization's perspective because of the ongoing volunteer commitment. For many organization's scrip becomes a habit that can pay off considerably. Remember, just like other fundraising ideas, please do your homework before you take the plunge!