Last year we started with nothing. We weren't even officers, just 2 moms that wanted to get a good PTO going. Out of our pockets we bought items for a supply basket to give away to a new member(family memberships are $3,00)Dollar Trees have most of the items you would use. See if you can find someone to donate a basket or look at garage sales. The winning name was drawn from those that joined at the open house. We also paid to buy paper and binders to make our first calendar to sale for $3.00 each. We had the kids, the last 2 days of school, draw pictures for this calendar, so you might not can do it the same way. We did get reimbursed after we started making $$$. Not from the money that was already in the PTO account, because that money was earmarked for the sign and we did not touch any of it. Do like Mitzymom said and similar to what we did. A minimal amount to join (gives those members the right to vote). Then an early fundraiser. We made in 2 weeks $711.00. We raffled a $100.00 Wal-Mart gift certificate. We could have made a lot more but we were only allowed to send the tickets home to paid members. Plus, we didn't think of the idea until 2 weeks before Thanksgiving and wanted to have the drawing before the after Thanksgiving sales. There's several things you can do to raise early funds. Just don't give up. If you want to do it you can find a way. I will be glad to tell you a few other things we have done to raise money. Just email me...... Good Luck!!!
It is unethical to start up a PTA with the intention of getting the start up funding and then disbanding to become a PTO. Maybe I read the post wrong or out of context, but it seems to me that is what you are asking... I am not an attorney, but it seems to me there might be a law or two against that. At the very least, it is morally and ethically wrong to start up like that, knowing you are ultimately going to become a PTO.
You can start up a PTO, do the paperwork, charge a minimal amount to get some start up costs. Run your first fundraiser 2 or 3 weeks into the school year. Wahlah!
Hey, Desperate,
Does your school already have an existing PTA? I wonder why you would want to consider having both a PTA and A PTO -- if that is even possible -- since most schools have a hard enough time getting enough people to participate in just one organization. If there isn't an exisiting PTA, then forming a PTO is easier to start since there is no national organization rules you need to follow, among other reasons. Plus, you won't have to pay dues, meaning, every cent you raise as a PTO stays entirely within your own school. If you need info on how to start up a PTO, check back in some of the message board archives where there is bountiful info on what is required to get a PTO started. Good luck and let us know how you make out! ~Francine
We are in the process of forming a PTO, but need guidance desparately. Is it possible to run a PTO and PTA simultaneously? If not, what can you do if you don't have funds to start a PTO by September? We have been doing research since June, but donations are hard to come by. Can we start with PTA in September and slowly phase out? Pleeeeeeeease if anyone has any advice, don't hold back.
