We do both. We generally one very large fundraiser every-other year and a smaller one each spring. We also, each fall, send out a letter that describes the PTO, what we do, how we do it and it includes a large list of what the funds are spent on with a form at the bottom for donations to the group.
We don't have any rules or stipulations (and this is in the letter too) that any parent or guardian has to volunteer so much time or has to give a donation. We just simply thoroughly explain our group's mission and ask. We have had a great response, several hundred $ each year just from the donation "request".
We always do fantastic with our fundraisers too. We've been told by the community that a lot of that has to do with the fact that there is only one large fundraiser every year between the schools. The middle-school has a PTA that does their large fundraiser on our "off" years; so, we go back and forth. This is what works in our community. Some do fine with several smaller fundraisers a year.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Bueller
We have families that do both. We have families who want the school to receive 100% of their hard earned money. Since we are 503c anytime a parent make a donation it is 100% tax deductible. You can not deduct any money donated for fundraisers if you receive a product in return. Even though I am ever active in fundraising. When I added up what I spent and what the school received. I am planning on making a bigger donation this year and cutting back on the small fundraisers. I will still participate in the silent auction but will donate more towards the read a thon.
I meant to include that we are still doing traditional fundraisers: Scrip, Golf Tournament, Entertainment Book, Square 1 Art and a Gala/Silent Auction. The Opt Out is just another option. Parents can then work with their teachers to not have these fundraising requests sent home with their children.
We have tried this for the first time this year. In our PTO packet, we sent home an "Opt Out" envelope to all parents who could choose to provide a check in the amount of their choice in lieu of participating in our school fundraising efforts. We have approx. 1354 students at our school and approx. 920 families. So far, we have had 16 families participate for $860.
Have been talking to a reporter and she's interested in finding parent groups or leaders who've tried a donation approach ("just give cash, please") and who've now -- for whatever reason -- gone back to more traditional fundraisers.
If that's you, could you please respond here or contact me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
