Business Donations * Sponsorships * Grants * After School Programs
Below are fundraising ideas to get you started, as well as guidelines to remember.
Fundraising Guideline Reminders
Fundraising is the means to carry out some goals and work of your PTA, however, it is not the main purpose of a PTA. Every PTA activity, including fundraising, should be focused on our mission: to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
Use the 3-to-1 rule. For every fundraising activity, there should be at least three non-fundraising projects/events aimed at building a strong, engaged school community and enhancing student success. See Event Tools for great family engagement ideas!
Adults should raise PTA funds. PTAs are strongly encouraged to avoid activities that require children to sell to strangers. If students are involved, ensure you are encouraging an understanding of philanthropy and the value of giving.
Communicate your goals. Ensure you have communicated the problem you are trying to solve and the solution (what you are buying) to your full school community and whenever possible, explain the connection between your project and the world (community outside the school). Remember, you only want to raise funds necessary to meet the needs of the current year's activities and projects, as outlined in PTA budget approved by your General Membership- you are NOT trying to make a profit.
Evaluate Effectiveness. Evaluate the return on your investment of time and money (divide expected costs by anticipated revenue).
National PTA's Fundraising Guide is filled with ideas, suggestions, resources, and more to help you organize fundraising activities, while simultaneously supporting family engagement. You may also like to refer to the National PTA Back to School Fundraising Quick Reference Guide (you will need your password).
Use the 3-to-1 rule. For every fundraising activity, there should be at least three non-fundraising projects/events aimed at building a strong, engaged school community and enhancing student success. See Event Tools for great family engagement ideas!
Adults should raise PTA funds. PTAs are strongly encouraged to avoid activities that require children to sell to strangers. If students are involved, ensure you are encouraging an understanding of philanthropy and the value of giving.
Communicate your goals. Ensure you have communicated the problem you are trying to solve and the solution (what you are buying) to your full school community and whenever possible, explain the connection between your project and the world (community outside the school). Remember, you only want to raise funds necessary to meet the needs of the current year's activities and projects, as outlined in PTA budget approved by your General Membership- you are NOT trying to make a profit.
Evaluate Effectiveness. Evaluate the return on your investment of time and money (divide expected costs by anticipated revenue).
National PTA's Fundraising Guide is filled with ideas, suggestions, resources, and more to help you organize fundraising activities, while simultaneously supporting family engagement. You may also like to refer to the National PTA Back to School Fundraising Quick Reference Guide (you will need your password).
Business Donation Opportunities
In addition to asking your school families for a direct donation, you can take advantage of businesses donation opportunities that allow your families to support your PTA work while doing their regular weekly shopping or enjoying a meal out.
- Box Tops for Education
- Harris Teeter Together in Education
- Giant A+ School Rewards
- Amazon Smile
- Spirit Nights (Business gives your PTA a % of the profit from your families purchases)
- CertifiKID
- Pizza Cards (Vocelli, PapaJohn, Pizza Hut)
- Food Trucks (some may already be approved by LCPS)
- 5Ks and Fun Runs (Many give money back to your PTA)
Corporate Sponsorships
Increasingly, PTAs are working with local businesses to create corporate sponsorship arrangements where the company supports an event, program or specific fundraising goal in return for public acknowledgment (but not endoresement).
There is no limit to the amount of corporate sponsorship income that can be received by a 501(c)(3) organization, but you need to ensure that the the benefits that are given back to the corporate sponsor fall within IRS guidelines.
It's easy to get started! Create a sponsorship flyer that lists the advertising benefits you will offer to sponsors based on levels of donation AND what the sponsor's money will be used to support. Some of the advertising opportunities you might consider are: logo placement at your events, in your newsletter, on your website, in your PTA app, on flyers in backpacks, on the back of student agendas or on spirit wear or DARE shirts.
There is no limit to the amount of corporate sponsorship income that can be received by a 501(c)(3) organization, but you need to ensure that the the benefits that are given back to the corporate sponsor fall within IRS guidelines.
It's easy to get started! Create a sponsorship flyer that lists the advertising benefits you will offer to sponsors based on levels of donation AND what the sponsor's money will be used to support. Some of the advertising opportunities you might consider are: logo placement at your events, in your newsletter, on your website, in your PTA app, on flyers in backpacks, on the back of student agendas or on spirit wear or DARE shirts.
Grants
Grants can be an excellent source of funding it you are trying to accomplish something specific. To receive most grants, you will have to identify a need, develop a plan, and be prepared to report back to the funder of the grant explaining how you used the money and what you achieved. The National PTA offers over $100,000 worth of grant opportunities every year!
Note: Sponsorship money or in-kind donations cannot be solicited nor accepted from companies that manufacture products or take public positions inconsistent with National PTA's positions and resolutions (e.g., alcohol, gaming, adult content, tobacco, or firearm companies).
Note: Sponsorship money or in-kind donations cannot be solicited nor accepted from companies that manufacture products or take public positions inconsistent with National PTA's positions and resolutions (e.g., alcohol, gaming, adult content, tobacco, or firearm companies).
After School Programs
Offering after school classes can be an excellent fundraiser for the PTA that also provides a resource for families that need after school care and teachers that would like additional income. After School classes do create new financial and tax obligations for your PTA, so please visit our After School Programs page for helpful tips and resources.
Disclaimer
The Hunt District PTA makes no endorsement of any of the businesses or companies included on this website and no warranty is implied or expressed by any reference to businesses or companies. View our full disclaimer.
