Most grants require you to be a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. Some even require you to have your status for at least 2 years (Lowes) or three years (Home Depot). I recommend your PTA/PTO apply for status- it has also helped us with donations from companies in our community as they can write off their donation to us.
Our school want to apply for some corporate grants to build a playground. What I'm finding is that they are looking for groups that have a 501 3 (c) none of the PTG's in the district have one. I'm wondering is most PTA/PTO's have a 501 3 c and if not were you still able to receive many of the grants. Thanks