DUO DOLLARS

HOW DO WE FUND DUO SANTA ROSA?

Our DUO Dollars come from civic organizations, businesses, and individual contributions.  We hold fundraisers throughout the school year, apply for grants, and ask for sponsor donations.  All monies go to our students’ critical needs. Board members volunteer their time.

HOW DOES THE MONEY REACH THE STUDENTS?

At the beginning of the school year, we give each principal of our 38 Santa Rosa County Public Schools a debit card worth $1000.00 along with a guideline of what we consider valid critical needs.  The staff of each school assists the principal in focusing on children who need help and whose parents do not have the resources to cover such expenses: examples include eyeglasses, a pair of shoes, a winter coat, a warm blanket.

HOW CAN PRINCIPALS BE SURE THAT A NEED MEETS DUO’S CRITERIA?

Occasionally, when the principals are not sure if a need is critical, they call a board member, and we are able to give the principals answers quickly.  Funds for critical needs are never turned down.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NEED SURPASSES A PRINCIPAL’S MONEY?

As our teachers and administrators have become more familiar with our program, they have asked for extra money to help their students with these critical needs.  We absolutely give them more funds.

HOW ARE WE SURE OUR PROGRAM WORKS AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK?

At the end of the year, the principals submit a ledger of their expenses along with each item purchased.  The DUO board over the summer reviews these ledgers to understand better the needs of the students in our community.  Our review helps us stay in line with our goals and drives our fundraising throughout the year to assure that we will have sufficient funds to meet those critical needs of our students.