There are plenty of fundraisers with no start up cost. Here are a few tips:
1. Sell something people already buy at prices that are similar to what they already pay.
You can make good money with quality products that are not overpriced. Focus on quality and price when considering the economy and your community. Try to find a program that allows you to sell something that a lot of people are already buying. Food that is not overpriced is often a good option. Candles may work, but they are a little more niche. Perhaps find something else to sell along with them.
2. Build your participation:
Since you just started your PTO again, spend a lot of time building your organization. Host free get together's at the school and build trust and excitement with your families. Don't try to push too much fundraising too fast. First, take some time to develop what your group is about and to build a spirit of participation amongst your families. Since you are a small community, you have an opportunity to build a close knit organization that involves many of the school's families.
3. If you decide to work with a fundraising provider, make sure they make it easy for you:
There is no point in working with a big catalog or big company if you still have to do all of the heavy lifting. Part of what a good fundraising provider brings to the table is that it handles the fundraiser details so you can continue to focus on your organization. You don't want to get so focused on fundraising that it becomes all that your PTO is about. Instead, partner with a quality company and work together to raise funds while still having energy to focus on building your PTO into a quality organization.
Hi Tracey--there are a few threads on here that discuss the pros and cons of supporting local vendors. There is concern that if you pick one over the other you will be setting yourself up for some complications. We only used a personal vendor who was willing to donate all the proceeds to the school (including her cut). It is tough to pick which family that sells tupperware will be offered the school population for a fundraiser. I suppose it can be done but think about all sides of the issue before you commit.
I like the Yankee Candle idea but what about maybe supporting someone in your community who may be a Partylite representative who needs the income as well. I believe you can find someone in our area but scouting out their website that asks where you live and gives you contact information. That way you win and someone who may be having hit in hard times economically will be supported as well. My youth group I have is only about 8 kids and we made about $300 or so. We also did a bingo night for our small parish and raised $600. One night...3 hours!
Hello,
For something in the spring try SupplyGenie.com. It's a new company that you can order pre-packaged, delivered school supplies through for the 2010 school year. They are offering great prices for items your families will need plus you can do it as a fundraiser, selecting the percentage for the school (if any at all). My 2nd grade list was $45 this year and they priced it at $32.50!
But they won’t be starting until 2010.
