I would suggest you create a funding priority list. First put EVERYTHING you can think of that the school needs down on paper. Then list them in priority based on your organizations goals and values. Start by funding the most important and then move down the list until the money is gone. Sounds simplistic but that's how I did it with a 4 million dollar budget (not my schools of course). Also check out adoptaclassroom.com. You parents can come together with smaller contributions and raise funds specifically for their teachers to purchase needed classroom supplies and you are out of the business of managing classroom receipts etcetera.
We need help setting up a budget for a new PTO and a new elementary that is starting off with 600+ kids. After alot of work and time we were able to raise $18,000 through corporate donations. The county gave us a beautiful shell, but nothing inside. I guess I shouldn't say nothing because they did give us a computer lab and playground. Each department and grade needs so much that it is hard to prioritize. We need stuff as basic as a laminator and die cut machine. Of course the teachers and principal have their own ideas how we should spend the money. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated since this is my first year as PTO President.
