School Fundraising a Billion-Dollar Business

The school year's opening bell has yet to ring, and already a multitude of children are preparing to sell candy bars, cookie dough and coupon books.

School fundraising season is here, with children and their parents pitching family, friends and cornered co-workers to support everything from cheerleading competitions to new band uniforms.

Like it or not, fundraising is an obligation, an opportunity and an increasingly important part of the fiscal plan for many schools, where budget deficits have forced cutbacks in course offerings and activities. It is also big business, with a sophisticated network of for-profit manufacturers and distributors teaming up with school leaders behind the pint-sized Willy Lomans.