The Parent-Teacher Association is a school-based organization that is created to make a school a better place for children to learn and spend time. Generally, the school PTAs are associated with the national PTA. At the same time, PTOs or Parent Teacher Organizations serve the same purpose but are independent. For more information on proven fundraisers, visit Fundraising Zone for more information.
The PTA is vital for a healthy school environment. Some studies revealed that students could perform better when their parents are actively involved in their specific schools. Some schools with effective PTAs also see a rise in the attendance of students.
PTAs differ in size and the budget available to them. However, whatever the financial situation of the school is, most PTAs still need to raise funds to achieve their goals and objectives for the school.
There are different things PTAs can raise funds for. Some may want to raise funds to build a new sports facility or a daycare center. Other PTAs may need funds for an educational field trip or an extracurricular activity.
Creative Fund Raising Ideas You Can Try in the PTA
Here are some creative fundraising activities you can try to raise funds.
- Membership Fees
Having membership fees is the most basic and perhaps an easy way to raise funds. When you set up a membership fee for all parents, the PTA can guarantee a basic income for their organization.
Some PTAs charge a $5 membership fee. Still, the amount varies depending on the location, size of the school, and past fundraising success.
When you plan to have membership fees, you must designate where the money will go afterward. The members should see how their contributions made a positive impact on the school.
If you are not sure and you are uncomfortable with charging fees, you can consider asking the parents to choose between paying a membership fee or contributing their time. In this way, all parents can decide to participate in whatever way they can. When several of the parents choose to pay the membership fees, it will help you maintain a cash flow for your PTA.
However, it doesn’t mean that you will suffer financially if you choose not to have membership fees. You can still accept donations in cash or any form at each PTA meeting. You can also organize an additional fundraising event.
- Art and Crafts Fair
An arts and crafts fair is an excellent PTA fundraising idea. This activity will enable you to engage your school community by allowing the parents and perhaps some teachers to show off their skills in arts and crafts.
Start by organizing a fair where the parents can sell their work. Establish a percentage of the proceeds that will go to your PTA. You can also charge a small admission fee to all visitors.
A fun activity you can try adding to the fair is painting a rock. These are merely flat rocks that can be purchased at local arts and crafts stores. You can paint on them using oil-based Sharpies or acrylic paint.
You can team up both children and parents to paint the rocks and write encouraging and positive messages on them. Afterward, you can display the painted rocks in the school or the schoolyard.
- Reading Activity
Reading activities are education, yet an enjoyable PTA fundraising idea. Necessarily, your PTA can make money by having the students get pledges from their family members, friends, and others for completing a certain amount of reading. The idea is to have the students spend time reading as much as possible during a designated period.
You can also consider combining your reading activity with another fundraising event like a book sale or book swap. Ask the teachers whether they want to coordinate the reading activity with the books the class is reading or let the students pick their own.
- Parents and Teachers Talent Show
Talent shows are common ways to raise funds for the school. When planning for a talent show, you can add a fun twist to them. For example, instead of having the students to perform, organize a talent show where the parents and teachers will perform.
Start by informing this idea to the parents and teachers early. You can offer examples of the talents they can show off. Try encouraging different skills other than singing and dancing. Then, set aside some time for rehearsals to make sure that parents and teachers are on track with their performance.
This activity will not only highlight the value of creative expression and arts to your potential participants and attendees; it will also underline the fundraising potential you plan for the PTA.