The Importance of Sponsorships & Community SupportAn inside look — and how you can help Running the West Band Program costs roughly $30,000 a year, funded entirely through sponsorships and fundraisers that parent volunteers drive. Here's a look at where some of that money goes and why we need your help. Some Examples of Band Costs: Transportation: ~$8,000/year mostly paid to the school district to bus students and equipment/props to all events. Music: ~$2,000/year for marching band music alone — before equipment updates or uniform repairs. Instrument Repairs: ~$2,500/year Where Funding Comes FromWe're a 501(c)(3) run entirely by parent volunteers — no paid staff. Two major fundraisers carry most of the load: We've also run additional fundraisers like SNAP Raise (more on this soon) and last year's winter concert basket raffle. And coming soon — expanded merchandise sales, with 100% of net proceeds going straight to West Bands. Even so, a gap remains. We need to replace outdated equipment — and the district-funded uniform replacement we were counting on for 24/25 was cut at the last minute due to the district's budget crisis. This was the one expense the district was set to cover, and we were finally next in line after YEARS of waiting. What We Need From YouWe're launching more focused fundraising campaigns, and the best sponsorship leads come from parents. A contact at a local business can open a door we can't open on our own. More details on upcoming needs will be shared soon, but we wanted you to understand the why behind the ask. New: In-Kind Sponsorship TierWe've added an In-Kind tier to our sponsorship program, so businesses can support us with goods and services, not just cash — with the same formal recognition as our other sponsors. Thank you to everyone who's already supported us in this way. How this Benefits All InvolvedStudents — continue receiving top-level instruction and opportunities to grow as musicians and people. Parents — sponsorship and fundraising dollars offset costs that would otherwise fall to families. Businesses — as a 501(c)(3), donations to West Bands often qualify as a deductible advertising expense, so a business's support can go further while offsetting what they'd otherwise pay in taxes. (Consult your tax advisor for specifics.) Take ActionKnow a business owner who might support West Bands? Share our sponsorship info linked below. The strongest connections come from families like yours. LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS HERE Have a fundraising idea or connection to share? Reach out to the Band Fans at info@westforsythbands.com or join us at an upcoming Band Fans Meeting — find dates on the main band calendar.
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