In our group, we really try to emphasize the different aspects of the PTO and shy away from the sterotype image of the PTO as simply a fundraising machine. Fundraising is necessary, but since we are theoretically buying "extra" things for the school - there's a lot of room for increasing or decreasing the fundraising effort considering external factors like the economy. We push the idea that volunteerism is our number one objective, and the fundraising is actually about 4th on our list of priorities.
We, too, push the "no brainers" like Boxtops. It's easy, it doesn't cost anyone anything. They can participate or not. We don't go in with the expectation that we must raise X amount of money each year. For us, it's only one piece of the picture. In bad economic times, we focus more on volunteerism or school spirit. Low budgets can often generate amazing creativity.
Our area is facing large budget cuts so instead of asking for parents to spend I wanted the PTO to get involved in more of the "no brainers" and many of the parents I've talked to said the same thing. They are tired of being asked for money every month for so many different fundraisers and events.
Cindyk3, I suggest you send out a flyer stating what your parent group funds and sponsors. If the parents and staff sees where there money is going maybe that will get them more enthused. On the flip side, if your funds are running low, start cutting programs and projects and let them know why. When they see the "normal" activities are missing, hopefully then they will step up to the plate. Everything costs money.
Thanks so much for all the input and suggestions! The "sad" thing is that we have tried most of the ideas but our parents just don't (won't?) participate. Our principal suggests every year that we ask for an up-front donation in lieu of fundraisers but we have only gotten maybe TWO families to contribute!! Our school district is middle to upper-middle class so it's not like people can't afford it. I really don't understand what the problem is. We will just keep plugging away ... after the summer break I'll have my enthusiasm back! :cool:
CindyK3 - Have you looked into Kathryn-Beich (a Nestle Co.)? They have a catalog with all kinds of gifts and goodies (chocolate), wrapping paper, etc. It's like several different catalogs in one. I frankly hate selling this stuff, but our PTO was blown away last fall when we made $12,000 on the catalogs (50 % split, and the vendor pays for all the prizes and incentives). Our school has 600 students, 40 percent minority. I think participation rate is about 65 percent overall.
In the spring, we held a Carnival (first one) which was a huge success for a lot of reasons. One, we made good money ($5,800), and two, it was a great p.r. event for the school and the PTO. It's always nice to do something that parents and kids can participate in together. Now that we know what we're doing, I expect to make between $7,500 and $8,000 on the Spring Carnival next year. We did four big fundraiser in 2001-2002. That was way too many on top of the many 9/11 "mini fundraisers" that followed that tragic event. We plan to do 3 fundraisers next year: the Entertainment Book (which I hate, but the principal loves); Kathryn Beich catalog; and the Spring Carnival. We also sell Spirit T-shirts (short sleeve in the fall and long-sleeve in the winter), but nobody considers that a fundraiser, although it is pure profit for the PTO.
