Innovation in Fundraising: A Reflection on the financial challenges of public school principals

Most schools participate in fundraising activities. These activities are common in the school and are considered as part of the work of principals. Schools face increasing pressures to provide quality services and reduce funding, which reveals the need to use fundraising activities.

The purpose of this study was to identify the objectives, obstacles and potential ways of fundraising from the viewpoint of school principals and deputies.

A semi-structured interview with nine school principals and deputies who had adequate experience was used to collect data. To analyze the data, content analysis and coding process was used.
Findings: The results show that educational services are the most important goal of principals for fundraising. The socio-economic status of the family and principal communication skills are the main obstacles to these activities. Also, renting school space is the most important potential way of schools for fundraising.

The results show that principals' goal is to raise funds for improving school quality. Also, the transparent expression of fundraising activities along with unambiguous school performance is one of the key factors behind the success of these activities. School principals can use their creativity and innovation, and according to the special school conditions, to plan and use fundraising activities.