Tired of corporate fundraisers where children sell chocolate or greeting cards to friends and relatives? A donation drive may be just as lucrative. With typical corporate fundraisers, the PTA receives 50% of the money earned, and the company receives the other half. Instead, ask parents, grandparents, other family members and neighbors for cash donations. In many schools, a $1 donation from every family may add up to be more money. Ask local businesses to support your school with donations as well.
Though they require a lot of work, carnivals are very popular with families, and they foster a sense of community. Work with a local restaurant or deli to offer lunch or dinner for a reasonable price. Set up games and contests and offer small prizes or candy, and use older students to run the booths. Face painting is a carnival staple, and requires only volunteers and a little paint. Bake sales do well at carnivals, and the profit margin is 100% when using donated baked goods.
A silent auction can be held in conjunction with a parents' night, carnival or evening concert. Ask local businesses to donate items for the auction. Concert or symphony tickets, local sports event tickets, gift certificates for spas, golf, movies, or local stores are all possibilities. Or, the business may prefer to make up a gift basket showcasing its products. At the event, set the items up on tables and make sure to give each donor recognition. Patrons may write their offer on a list placed by the item, and the highest bidder takes home the prize. This fundraiser is 100% profit, as the items are donated, and local businesses get recognition in the community.
Local businesses are eager and willing to give back to the community. Think of businesses in your area that students and their families already frequent, such as grocery stores or pizza parlors. Offer to work with one of these stores on a special "PTA Day." The PTA will advertise for the business and encourage students' families, neighbors and community members to patronize the business on PTA Day. Volunteers may go into the store and assist with bagging groceries, boxing pizzas, etc. At the end of the day, the business shares a percentage of the profits with the school.