The majority of our funds come from brochure sales. We do not spend a cent to get these up and running. The company provides all supplies and we collect money with the orders which is not due until the merchandise is delivered to our school.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Our organization has been up and running only 2 1/2 yrs. We began by a Requiring a $5 fee for all voting members each year. After the first year the $5 goes toward a PTO member t-shirt. We are meduim to low income community. We sent out letters to area businesses requesting contributions to the PTO. We then sent them "Proud Sponsor of the PTO" signs. We also had great success in the sale of RADA Cutlery, they also have Quick mixes, Cookbooks, Stoneware and Soy Wax Candles. We made approx. 40% profit. We did not sell through the kids only through PTO members. We have sold this for the last 2 years and was not going to sell this year, but with many request for the items we decided to include it in our fundraising this year. Hope this helps.
TinaW
ColemanPTO: Raising money is one of the hardest things to do. First from your message I don't know what your PTO does for the students. Do you run the fundraising in the school? If so then I would first choose a no fail fundraiser to make your initial money. We have tried all kind of fundraisers over the years, I also live in a medium to low income area so its important to pick something you know people would like to have. Since you do not have money to buy school spirit items I would suggest maybe a candle sale, its a popular item and they are realtively low in price. We have Home Interior Candles in our area which are popular and they now do a fundraiser where you get 50% profit. Sales people also tell you the book sales is the biggest money maker, its great if you find a book that offers some items for $5 that people would be more opt to buy. We also have a membership drive, $3 per individual or $5 per couple, we encourage students to include all family members ie grandparents in the membership drive. Top membership room gets an ice cream party. I hope this helps. Good Luck!
We use our membership drive money as our seed money for our fundraiser. We charge $2 per person and in the past have had nearyly 100% participation since they new that is what the money was for.
I am in DESPERATE need of HELP. We held our 1st PTO meeting of the year last night, all went great until the dreaded question came up, "how much money does the PTO have." We are broke not 1 penny. In order to make money you need money. We are in a medium to low income area, so it is very hard to raise. I need any input to help.
