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PTA Fundraiser

Schools rely on the PTA fundraiser to help them fill the holes in their budget. Cutbacks often put programs at risk of being cancelled. Rather than allow this to happen, the PTA or parent teacher association, bands together and raises the funds necessary to keep the programs alive.

PTA members learn something new every year about fundraising. There are lessons learned from past the PTA fundraiser of the past that can help the groups with their current fundraising event and improve the possibility of a profitable project.

Select a team leader. This doesn't have to be a person who is the 'boss', but it does need to be someone who is willing to be the go-to person when the team has questions. Often the PTA has its own leader and this is not a problem; however, if the group subdivides for fundraisers it might be necessary to select a leader. Without a team leader the group can run into chaos when trying to determine who does what and who to turn to for help when they have questions.

Set a goal. The PTA fundraiser should have a goal that it is working to reach. It should not be a shot in the dark venture that comes up short because no one knew what they were trying to accomplish. The goal needs to include any expenses that might come with the project. These have to be deducted from the profit. The community and family members of the students aren’t going to comprehend the idea of just raise as much money as you can. They need to know how much money is needed and exactly what it is going to fund.

Set the duration. This is simply to keep members from procrastinating and to aid in planning for funds. If the PTA fundraiser is a sales event, choose a date that orders and money must be turned in and do not waiver from that date. If the project is a festival or other large event the duration is not as important as the preparation. Choose a date for planning and set milestones that keep the project flowing right up until the day of the event.

Choose prizes. Prizes are excellent incentives in fundraising projects. Team members need to have their individual goals and have a prize that waits for them if they reach that goal. The PTA can also offer an overall prize to the person who earns the most for the fundraiser. Choose prizes that match the age group participating in the fundraiser. If it is an adult team, consider gift certificates for dinner or gift cards. Younger participants can receive gift cards or actual prizes chosen by the PTA.

Choose the target. The PTA fundraiser must be a project that fits well with the community in which it is being held. Schools often like to use festivals and auctions as fundraisers because these events allow families and individuals to participate. Product sales are another popular fundraiser used by schools. The school organizes the project and the students take the catalogs or products home to sell them. There are many different products available to use in a fundraiser. The leaders of the project will have to decide which one fits their needs the best.

The news of a PTA fundraiser being held is not news to most people; it is simply another school day project that is required to help students get the education they deserve complete with activities and clubs that are often cut when budgets are tight. Communities typically come together and make these events successful for the students.