Fudraising and Resource Development

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.

Types of Fundraising & Considerations:

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.

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)
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising (ex: Networking through your school community )
Crowdfunding Campaigns (ex: Goal driven fundraising to meet objective)
Recurring Giving Programs (ex: GiveMN)

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

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)
Concerts or Galas
Talent Shows
Trivia or Bingo Nights

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

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.

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.
Adults should raise PTA funds. 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.

Important resources:

Fundraising Quick Reference Guide

Inside you'll find information on: Mission-Driven Fundraising, Strategies, Tracking & Reporting Revenue, Legal Implications, Tax Receipts for Donations, and more.

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.

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.

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 their website for more information.

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