I am the new Pres. of an elementary school PTO, grades pre-k ~ fourth. we have aprox. 300 students. The principal told us that we are only alloud to do 2 fund raisers per year. Then I was told by a PTA pres. of another school that if we were a PTO we can have as many fund raisers as we want to have. Does anyone know for sure what we can do? We have NO bylaws (YET!!) and no rules for anything. We are realy UN-orginised...but not for long I plan on changing alot.
thanks for any input that anyone might have

Becky

We are a PTO and have anywhere from 2-5 "fund raisers" a year. I have been trying to cut back on what we do but this year we will sell wrapping paper, hold a fair ( fun and money maker), set up a night at a restaurant where we split profits, have a walk ( may not do as a fund raiser this year) and have a bake sale.

A few years ago there were even more but we have cut out some, we are trying to move to more fun/free activities rather than fund raisers every month.

Hi beckymonster-

You can have almost as many fundraisers as you like. There are some IRS regulations if you are a 501(c)3 that you'll want to look out for. Basically, your groups shouldn't exist to fundraise; instead, it should fundraise in order to do other great stuff.

Of course, we here at PTOtoday advocate strongly for running fewer fundraisers, but running those fundraisers really well. The benefits from doing so are many -- better bang ($$) for your volunteer time, reduced case of fundraiser burn-out from your supporters, and more time for the other/fun/really beneficial things that PTOs bring to schools.

National PTA advocates a "3-1 rule" (should have 3 events/programs for every 1 fundraiser), but even that is more of a guideline than an actual rule.

Tim

Beckymonster,

Besides what Tim said, you should check with the District or Board of Ed. Where I live, the Board of Ed regulates our fund raisers. We are allowed 2 per year and with special permission from the District Superintendent we may have 1 extra.

Michele

Thank ya'll so much for the imput that is what I was looking for. I understand about not doing ALL fundraisers we have a lot of fun plained for the students. I was just checking out the "can & can not's" that I have been told.

Thank Ya'll so much!!!

Becky

P.S. This magazine/web site is what inspired me to want to change our PTO for the better, Thank you so much. Thanks so much for the sight and keep up the good work. =)