Businesses across the US are recycling used ink cartridges and personal electronics to equip their favorite charities and local schools with funding for new technologies and supplies.
Reports by the National Association of State Budget Officers in 2010 estimate that nationwide K-12 budgets were cut by $1.8 billion and anticipate $2.5 billion in cuts for fiscal year 2012. Approximately 23 states have made “identifiable, deep” cuts in pre-k and/or K-12 education, according to the Center on Budget Policies and Priorities.
“Times are tough everywhere,” said Sean Michaels, president, FundingFactory. “Our program gives the private sector an opportunity to take sustainable action and help nonprofit organizations fill budget gaps without having to spend a dime.”
FundingFactory’s fundraising-thru-recycling program is a no-cost way for all businesses to help support their favorite schools and nonprofits. The process is simple: Commit to recycle used cartridges and small electronics, choose a local or national organization to receive recycling points – points that can be used to purchase classroom technology and supplies, or converted to cash – and ship recyclables in FundingFactory’s pre-paid boxes.
Elk County Catholic School System in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, has been involved since 1999 and has earned more than $25,000 through FundingFactory’s program, with help from several St. Marys area business supporters.
“It’s an incredible community effort and not a bad return for mailing in garbage (for free),” says Marlene Stubber, Elk County’s technology coordinator.
One of Elk County’s business supporters, Metaldyne, agrees.
“I know Elk County needs all the help it can get. With very little effort and no financial commitment, Metaldyne is able to help make an impact which benefits the school,” said Keith Simons, Metaldyne employee and a former student and current boys basketball coach in the school district.
“Since 1996, we have been able to share more than $26 million with schools and non-profits due in large part to the efforts of business supporters,” said Erika Dauber, program manager, FundingFactory.
