This type of educational program needs a steady source of income to support it. It cannot rely on the hit and miss funds received through a special fund drive or grant proposal. However, I also believe that the technology plan should incorporate contingencies for large donations, gifts, or grants. Another thing to keep in mind with these types of fund raisers is that people like to give to things. If the technology program is defined well, there is a plan of action, and all that is missing is the necessary funding, that will be provided when the need is made known.
People are hesitant, however, to give to a faltering or unguided program.
Of the four funding models, this one will provide the surest source of income and is also the easiest to control in terms of amounts taken in, paying bills, etc. because it can be set up as an individual bank account controlled by the technology director. This mode also makes the parents of the students directly responsible for the costs of training their children in technology. The fee can be assessed as part of the Education Fees at registration time or set up as a separate fee paid throughout the year. I have found that working with a computer fee paid by the parents gave me greater freedom in planning and implementing technology in our school. I knew how much money was going to be available and when.