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Ask Elly: Fundraising

Can our mission go beyond fundraising?

Dear Elly,

Our PTO is laser-focused on fundraising and refuses to include anything else in the agenda. I believe we should take the opportunity to speak to matters that influence our children’s education as well. Who’s right? Is it within the parameters of a typical PTO’s mission to include discussions regarding school matters outside of fundraising? Thanks for your help.

You are right; parent groups can be, and should be, about more than just fundraising. Sure, fundraising is an important tool, but it should be used wisely, with great discretion. Fundraise too frequently, and your PTO gets a bad rap; fundraise too little, and the students miss out on classroom necessities, subsidized field trips, or that neat after-school program your group runs.

Crafting the perfect fundraising plan is not easy. (Elly’s friend Tim Sullivan offers PTOs some advice on striking that delicate balance in his piece “Fundraising Makes it Happen”.) At the very least, though, it does sound like your PTO board could use a fundraising intervention. So here’s how Elly thinks you should proceed.

Elly doubts that you’re the only one feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the fundraising. If you want to influence change, you will be most effective if you are willing to be part of the solution. Elly suggests talking to other parents who you think feel similarly and sharing your concerns with the PTO board or at a meeting. (Your PTO may require you to be scheduled on the meeting’s agenda to speak, so call your parent group secretary in advance to arrange that). Have a list ready of the ways you think the PTO can help the school besides raising money, and share those ideas with the board. Some (no-cost) suggestions include hosting a Family Reading Night to boost students’ test scores or kicking off a new fitness initiative with a Get Movin’ Night. Afterward, feel free to bring up any other educational concerns that you’d like your PTO to address. Keep in mind, though, the PTO shouldn’t be a forum for parents to address issues they have with the principal or teachers; refer to your PTO’s mission statement to make sure your concerns fall within those parameters.

Going forward, you and your officers should also develop a spending plan that matches your group’s annual budget to illustrate to families the specific programs and activities your parent group will fund for the year. That way, parents can better support the fundraising initiatives at the school. And come to think of it, your group should really consider creating a fundraising committee; these members can research the best fundraising solutions for your group or conduct parent surveys to help your treasurer develop that plan. Good luck.

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