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Ask Elly: Fundraising

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Can we take cash donations?

Dear Elly,

I’m in charge of getting donations for our raffle baskets this year. We are doing theme baskets by grade. In the flyer we are putting out, I wanted to mention to parents that if they would rather make a cash donation, the raffle committee would be more than happy to purchase something on their behalf. Our two presidents are saying that since we are a PTA and a nonprofit organization, we legally cannot ask for cash donations and that parents have to give us a product. Is this true?

Cash or Carry?

No, that is not true. Tell your two presidents that asking parents for a cash donation for an upcoming event such as yours is no different than running a membership drive.

And Elly has a suggestion for your group, too. While donating cash might provide an easy out for some of your group’s busy parents, it’s not always a feasible option for others. Consider mentioning in your flyer that your group would gladly accept donations of service items, too. Elly has a few ideas for gifts that parents can donate without emptying their pockets: preparing a dinner for a family, providing a few hours of babysitting, offering guitar or drum lessons to a student, and helping a parent master his golf swing. You’ll be surprised by what cashing in on your parents’ creativity and talents can do for your raffle and your group’s long-term involvement efforts. Good luck!

Elly

Got an Opinion? Tell Us What You Think!

  1. Posted by - Benji Daniels on Jun. 19, 2009

    Absolutely. A PTA/PTO needs to be able to trust its volunteers and if there is any concern that someone is having a financial crisis and might steal, they have the right to refuse to allow that person to volunteer. HOWEVER (I know everyone reading this wants to smack me right now), if you are honest and up front with the PTA president and other members of the PTA about your situation and make it very clear that your intent is to help the children. Always, always stress that point. If yoou are so incredibly focused on whether or not your financial troubles will bar you from things, others will focus on them too.

    PTA President probably shouldn't be that entrenched in your business though.

  2. Posted by - Kelly on Jan. 23, 2009

    Can a PTO president forbid a parent volunteer from helping with any activity involving money because the volunteer's house is in forclosure?

  3. Posted by - Kelly on Jan. 23, 2009

    Can a PTO president forbid a parent volunteer from helping with any activity involving money because her house is in forclosure?

  4. Posted by - jennifer starkey on Jan. 10, 2009

    I am new to all this I am now vp of the pto and co-chariman of the box tops collections. I was doing some research and came accross coke points for schools I was wondering if you have heard any thing about this is it a good program to get started are not?

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