Taking Control of Fundraising Chaos: Christine Parks’ Experience with Follett Destiny Fundraising Manager 

Christine Parks, a seasoned Chief of Communications and Community Relations, found herself facing a growing challenge within her school district: fundraising had spiraled into disarray. Like many districts across the country, Christine’s district struggled with a jumble of fundraising efforts, lacking coordination and oversight, leading to confusion and sometimes even risk. 

Determined to regain control, Christine led an initiative to restructure and secure the district’s fundraising activities, adopting a safer, more organized, and ultimately more successful approach. 

The Challenge 
Fundraising, once a straightforward task, had turned into a headache. The district faced several hurdles: 

• Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen: Multiple platforms were being used by various groups without any oversight. “We had a couple of run-ins with fraudulent fundraisers,” Christine recalled. “It became clear we needed to regain control to protect our community and ensure all activities aligned with district goals.” 

• Fraud Concerns: Scammers had taken advantage of the district’s disorganization, setting up fraudulent fundraisers. It wasn’t just about money—trust was at stake. 

• Overlapping Efforts: The lack of centralized coordination meant that fundraising efforts often overlapped, confusing the community and diminishing the effectiveness of individual campaigns. 

• Outdated Methods: Traditional door-to-door fundraising was no longer feasible, particularly in light of recent safety concerns. Christine knew the district needed a way to move fundraising online without losing the personal connection that made these efforts successful in the first place. 

The Solution 
Christine spearheaded the adoption of a centralized fundraising management system, Follett Destiny® Fundraising Manager, to bring much-needed structure and transparency to the district’s efforts. The goal was not just to implement a new tool but to shift the mindset around fundraising. 

The Plan 

• Clear Communication: Christine worked closely with district leadership to explain the “why” behind the initiative. “When people understand the rationale, they’re much more likely to get on board,” she said. 

• Streamlined Reporting: The new system introduced standardized reporting, ensuring every fundraiser—no matter how big or small—followed the same process, making it easier to track and verify activities. 

• Soft Roll-Out: Christine championed a phased approach, offering the system as an option before making it mandatory. “We gave staff time to get comfortable,” she noted. “This approach helped us gain significant buy-in.” 

• Dedicated Support: Christine positioned herself as the go-to person for any questions or concerns. “Having someone dedicated to supporting staff through the transition made all the difference,” she shared. 

The Results 
The impact was immediate: 

• More Control, Less Chaos: With centralized oversight, the district could easily monitor all fundraising activities, ensuring compliance and legitimacy. 

• Safety and Security: By moving fundraising online, the district kept students safe from door-to-door sales, while ensuring funds were securely raised. 

• Continuous Improvement: Christine made sure the system wasn’t static. She regularly sought feedback and adjusted processes based on staff input. “It’s important to listen and improve,” she said. “Our staff stayed engaged and confident in the system because they knew their voices were heard.” 

Looking Ahead 
Christine’s experience illustrates the transformative impact a well-organized, centralized fundraising system can have. With plans to further integrate other fundraising groups and systems, the future looks bright. 

Conclusion 
Christine’s journey to overhaul her district’s fundraising was about more than adopting a new system—it was about reshaping the way the district approached fundraising. By focusing on transparency, safety, and trust, Christine laid the foundation for long-term success, ensuring every dollar raised directly benefits the students. 

Interested in taking control of your fundraising efforts? Learn more.