Greetings!
I am now at the high school level of parent involvement and still find great information on these discussion boards...
I'm surprised you don't have any other parent groups at your high school.
Are you sure you don't have a football booster or alumni group? Before you start fundraising, be sure to ask the HS principal or head coach to make sure there isn't some other group on campus that you may be competing with.
If there is another booster group at your school, take the time now to extend your hand out to them, introduce yourself and be sure to actively say you are NOT in competition with them. Ask what kind of fundraisers they do have, when they have them, and who their primary donors are, so you are not perceived as a threat. Keep in communication with them throughout the year. They will be your best ally. If you don't - you WILL be perceived as a threat.
My H.S. has about 1400 students 9-12 grade, which is probably bigger than your school, but the booster groups (poms, swim, soccer, baseball, volleyball, football, music, marching band, powerlifting and more) are all in competition for the family wallet.
At our strategic planning meeting last fall, our parents adamantly stated they are BROKE! they wanted to tap into the community's wallets! Community meaning alumni, people in town who no longer have kids in school.
And we have found that event-based fundraisers make the most money for us (although they do take a lot of volunteer time and effort).
My HS music booster group makes the bulk of our money doing the following:
#1 - running concessions at the home varsity football games. This is a HUGE money maker for us and provides a needed service at the football games;
#2 - a meal-type fundraiser (people love food) like a spaghetti dinner, chili feed, etc. (featuring our talented music students);
#3 - Student or faculty talent show - Our community also loves to be entertained. Organize a talent show, sell concessions, sell ad space in the program;
#4 - A dine out. Approach a popular restaurant or fast food restaurant in your area to have a "dine out" night. Ask if they would be willing to donate a portion of the profits 10% to 20% on a pre-assigned given night (usually a M,T,W) to your organization. All you have to do is advertise, advertise, advertise - I suggest creating some kind of coupon for people to show at the restaurant, so there is no confusion. We make the most $$ at McDonalds - and our teenagers use the drive through.
#5 - Rummage sale - book the gym or cafeteria for a designated saturday in Spring (the saturday after mother's day is the best!!) and ask parents to donate items to sell.
#6 - we are currently trying out "Picateers" and I'll report on that once our ordering is done and the photos are delivered (mid-November).
The bottom line is find something new and cool. Keep an eye out for what your neighboring school districts are doing (as well as watching the PTO message boards).
Good luck! Be sure to get up front buy-in from your board and have a REASON to fund raise. Fundraising for general operating expenses doesn't move people to give - come up with a reason. Report back when you can.
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