I absolutely believe that parents should expect to know where the money they are contributing is designated to go. That may not mean any "big thing" but as luv says, having a budget published at the start of the year that lists the cost of doing business for the PTO and what the goals are for the money raised during that year is critical to maintain a credible relationship with parents. I have children in two separate schools. One school does that, the other doesn't. I am much more likely to support monetarily the school that respects me enough to keep me informed.

I don't believe PTOs should have any expectation of support or success if they don't give parents the respect they deserve. The greatest challenge for a PTO is creating an atmosphere that attracts parents to be part of the team. We can do that by presenting a professional, targetted approach to using their money. If you are on the board, you should push to get the information out there. If you are a part of the general membership you should ensure the board understands your position because if you feel that way I'm sure there are many out there that do as well.
Good Luck
d

Many times our group at the elementary didn't have any specific big projects to fund, but we had many smaller programs/events that were yearly things that we wanted to keep going. We always made a point to publish our budget for the year at the start of the school year and at the end, so parents could see where the money they raised was going to be used. Letting parents know as specifically as you can as how the group's money will be spent is crucial to successful fundraising. Another component to that is making sure that your group doesn't just fill the coffers then sit on the money without any plans for how it will be spent. That can turn parents off too.

If you are concerned that the money you raise is going to just sit in a general fund without a purpose, then instead of participating in the fundraiser, write a check to the group and designate what program you would like to help with that money. There is another thread on this site on that very topic-see if you can get some ideas there.

Both points are very valid. In the situation described, where fundraising results are deposited into a general fund, it would seem to be wise on the part of the board to publish -- either at year end or in six month intervals -- a listing of how the fundraising money was used to benefit the children.

My kids go to a private school where we pay tuition as well as do fundraisers throughout the year. Our fundraiser money goes into the Home and School Association account for use during the school year on whatever needs come up. It never "fills up," we try to raise as much money as we can each year (we do catalog sales in the fall and a silent auction in the spring, along with other little things throughout the year).

We expect every family at school (who all pay tuition) to have some part of these 2 big fundraisers. At our school, the tuition we pay goes to school operations, not extra things for the classrooms and students. Granted, having a specific goal may attract more people to a fundraiser, but on the other hand, some families may not see that goal as something they personally want to raise money for, so they may not participate. Having a general fund ensures money is available for whatever projects, supplies, etc, need to be purchased during the year.

As long as the money is being used to enhance our childrens' education, I think we should do as much as we can to help the school raise money - they need all the help they can get with all the budget cuts and limited funding happening today.

I would like to see some other comments regarding this. I do know how you feel, but what if everyone boycotted the fundraiser as you did? Not a good idea. And, as part of the board, this is a bad call as you are there as a representative and other parents look to you for advice. If your boss at work asked you to perform a task that you didn't neccessarily want to do, you would still do it. No different here. Once the committment is made, you must follow through or take yourself out of the situation. We recently had the same situation, 3 out of the 4 members of our PTO boycotted a function, we certainly know who they are and wonder what could possibly be their motivation for doing this. Are you thinking ahead for your children or are you taking this personally, just a question to ask yourself.

I am part of the PTF for our school. I am ALL FOR raising funds to support a specific goal. This year, our school (which is private) had a fundraiser where the funds went to the general fund and not to a specific need. Once the fund was filled for the year the rest was to go into the bank for an unspecified future use.

Giving the current economic situation, I really had no motivation to help (or participate) with this event. I am all for fund raising for a cause, however as I pay a monthly fee for my children to attend school, was turned off from the entire program.

I am sure this made me stick out like a thorn. Anyone else have similar situations?