In terms of grants based on volunteer hours, I don't think there is anything statewide. What I have found it that there are some corporations that offer matching funds if their employees put in a certain number of hours--like ExxonMobil and Verizon. Problem is indentifying the people who work there and getting them to apply on your behalf. You might try a newsletter article that says something to the effect of "please let us know if you work for ExxonMobil or Verizon or another company that offers grants to employees when they volunteer for certain organizations--we will keep track of your volunteer hours and help you with the application." I can't say that's hugely effective--it's not like tens of people come running out of the woodwork. But we did have one parent come forward for us last year as the result of such an article, and we got $1000 out of it. Pretty easy money, if you ask me!
I'm in Virginia, between DC and Richmond. Any idea of grants for which our PTO could apply? In our last school (CA), there were grants awarded based on number of volunteer hours. I haven't discovered anything like that here yet, but I'd hate to miss out on funds. Our principal doesn't seem to know, or maybe it's the effort (grin).
--I'd also like to hear from other PTO people in my area..thanks.
