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Start FUN-raising the right way!
Start FUN-raising the right way!
All PTA fundraising should support PTA's mission, in both how the funds are raised and how they are spent. Staying mission focused, and developing a number of strategies will help your team build fun and successful outcomes to reach your PTA mission goals.
Key points to remember as you begin your fundraising efforts:
All PTA fundraising should support PTA's mission, in both how the funds are raised and how they are spent. All funds generated by a PTA, including the local portion of dues, should be budgeted for purposes that advance PTA work, such as enhancing student success or improving the school. Read: Is your PTA an ATM for your school?
Identify strategies for reaching those goals before determining the dollar amount needed from fundraising events. You should raise only the funds necessary to meet the needs of the year's activities and projects, as outlined in the PTA's budget.
Use the three to one rule when planning your calendar. Do all your activities need to make money? NO. For every ONE fundraiser, you should have two to three services and/or events in exchange. Learn more about categorizing your calendar activities WATCH: this Youtube video.
Only PTA officers may approve and conduct fundraising efforts. PTA officers must have direct oversight and control of any fundraising conducted under the name of the PTA, or the PTA EIN number. This helps prevent misuse, misrepresentation, control of assests, and reduced liability of PTA officers and it's volunteers. Schools, or other outside organizations may not conduct fundraising on behalf of the PTA, nor claim ownership of public funds raised by the PTA.
Adults should raise PTA funds. In keeping with our mission, National PTA encourages local PTAs to utilize fundraisers in which only adults, not children, are active as fundraisers. PTAs are strongly encouraged to avoid activities that require children to sell to strangers.
Transparency is key. The ways in which funds are raised and spent should be communicated clearly to members and the school community as a whole.
Legal Implications of Fundraising. Before undertaking any fundraising, a PTA should check with federal, state, local, and school authorities to determine whether the planned activity is prohibited or requires special permits. Certain activities in Minnesota are illegal, such as online/digital Raffles. Reach out to the Minnesota PTA office if you have questions or need assistance.
Considerations & Types of Fundraising:
To choose the right type of fundraising for your school community, your PTA board should consider several aspects including demographics, interest, budget, volunteers, mission alignment, profiltibility, ease of execution, and long term potential. Weighing your options carefully and reviewing your fundraiser profitability on an annual basis will help your board select the type of fundraiser and details nessecary to function within your board capacity.
These seven questions will help you analyze fundraising strategies and activities and help you select those that best meet your students', school's, and community's needs.
These basic tools and templates will help a PTA fundraiser to implement a successful fundraising event or program, from grant application and planning to execution and record-keeping.
Inside you'll find information on: Mission-Driven Fundraising, Strategies, Tracking & Reporting Revenue, Legal Implications, Tax Receipts for Donations, and more.
Types of Fundraisers
Types of Fundraisers
Individual Donations
Individual Donations
Direct donation drives can be a time-efficient and cost-effective way to raise the additional funds your PTA needs. Offering a single, direct fundraiser may work well in communities that are experiencing "giving fatigue" from too many events.
Direct Donation Drive (ex: Solicitation letters) READ: Strategies for Direct Donation Drives
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising (ex: Networking through your school community )
Crowdfunding Campaigns (ex: Goal driven fundraising to meet objective)
Recurring Giving Programs (ex: GiveMN, Blackbaud Giving)
Corporate Sponsorships
Corporate Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorship means that a for-profit company provides cash, products or expertise to a PTA, usually in return for public acknowledgment. Sponsorship can be linked to specific events, programs, activities or publications.
Sponsorship is different from endorsement, in which a PTA endorses the products or services of a for-profit entity. Endorsement activities are not appropriate for PTA participation, based on PTA's noncommercial policy.
Events
Events
A well-planned fundraising event serves multiple purposes. In addition to raising money to support PTA programs and goals, it can also further PTA's mission by engaging families and enhancing children's health and education.
Fun Runs and Walks
Charity Auctions (silent or live) READ: Five steps to a successful online auction
Concerts or Galas
Talent Shows
Trivia or Bingo Nights
Grants
Grants
Unlike donations and events, grants are typically linked to a specific project. To receive most grants, you will have to identify a need, develop a plan and (if you successfully receive a grant) be prepared to report back on how you used the money and what you achieved. Grant involve:
Understanding what grants are
Preparing for grant seeking
Finding grant opportunities
Writing a winning grant proposal
Product Sales
Product Sales
Many PTAs use product sales as part of their fundraising strategy. This can include things like: fruit, gift wrap or other gift items bottled water and healthy treats spirit-wear mugs, mousepads, shirts and other items. Take care to structure any sales or agreements to avoid unrelated business income. Read more on UBI Tax on the MN Department of Revenue Website.
Other Important resources:
Local Leader Kit - Fundraising Section
Local Leader Kit - Fundraising Section
Login to the National PTA website to access the Fundraising Section of the local leader kit. Find templates tools and many other resources.
MN Gambling Control Board
MN Gambling Control Board
If your PTA wishes to conduct Bingos, Raffles, paddlewheels, or pulltabs, this may be regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board. Visit the Minnesota Gambling Board website for more information.
Givebacks Campaigns & Fundraising
Givebacks Campaigns & Fundraising
Givebacks offers multiple methods of fundraising within their platform. Visit the support website to browse articles related to setting up a walk-a-thon, a ticketed event, an open donation and other ways to raise funds through the Givebacks platform.
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