At each of my children's school they had Jog-A-Thons, which were a lot of fun and 100% of the money raised went to the schools. The elementary school made about $13,000 and the junior high made $9000. Each school spent less than $800 on supplies and prizes. The elementary school had a DJ, who happened to be a father of a kindergartener, donated his time to play music while the kids ran. The kids loved it because the music helped them keep pace. The PTO had t-shirts made for every child and collected sponsors for the back of the t-shirts. There were over 20 sponsors at $100 each. The owner of the t-shirt shop is also a parent of one the students so he discounted the shirts. At the junior high, there weren't as many frills but the physical education department helped with it so there was an emphasis on health. The prizes were also bigger, iPods and limo rides to a pizza lunch. Good luck with what you do!
Not sure about local grocery chains in your area, but we have been very successful with Kroger gift cards. We sell cards with $5 credit on them at face value to school families and then they recharge them each time they purchase groceries. Kroger sends us a monthly statement and we earn 5% of the total amound recharged onto the cards. Its a true "money for nothing" fund raiser. Kroger is the primary grocery chain in our area and most families shot there, so this adds up fast....quick math, 50 participating familes each spend $50 per week/$200 per month = $10K - your 5% rebate for that month would be $500! And thats figuring low! Definitley worth checking into.
EAGLES220;136883 wrote: We Are New Pto Just Starting Out With Absolutly No Funds. I Have Been Looking Into Different Fundraisers I.e. Worlds Finest Chocolates, Pizzas, And Holiday Gifts. Im Just Not Sure About A Good Percentage Kick Back Or What Is A Good Company To Go With. I Would Like To Know Of Some Companies That Others Have Used That Have Been Successful. We Are In A Low To Mid Income Area That Has Had Very Little Community Support In Previous Years So We Are Working On Changing That. Any Idea, Suggestions, Or Fundraiser Company Help You Could Give Would Be Greatly Appriciated
If you have no funds to start with try a Car Wash. We got a great response for this event and with little expense! We did ours @ Checkers they supplied the water as a donation. There are many places that offer the water just seek them out.
don't forget the really easy programs like boxtops, A+ bonus bucks (if you have a giant food store), target visa gives money back to your school if you register, ink cartridge recycling.. those are all nice and easy. good luck with the fundraising. maggie
We are an elementary school of about 400 students. We just finished our fall fundraiser with Readers Digest QSP. They offer online sales, too. And the sales continue through the year that way. We made about $5,000, plus another $500 from donations. We sent out a letter accepting donations from folks who didn't want or have time to sell. We had a lot of fun with the kids because our theme was "Get Froggy" and our rep. gave us stretchy frogs to give the kids as soon as they sold three items. During our celebration party this coming week, we'll use these same frogs in the Great Woodland Heights Elementary School Frog Contest. Oh, and did I mention our principal had to kiss a frog. I called the newspaper and they came our for a photo. It turned out great. We got lots of notoriety, or at least the principal and the frog did. We also are selling "frog" souvenirs for $5 donations. And, we are showing "The Kiss" video at PTO open house. Teachers have had their students write letters to the principal, wondering if and when she was going to kiss the frog. The art teacher had the students making frog pictures. I showed videos throughout the two-week campaign, including one of our Science Guy at the Science Center explaining the difference between a frog and a toad. One of our second-grade teachers made up a song about kissing a frog. The teachers and kids have really gotten into it, and it has been more about raising money. It has created excitement and learning opportunities. I have said too much. But I've never had this much fund raising money before.
good luck with the fundraising. 
