It's not our intention to say "we have no money and no one will give it to us" but rather explain all of the goals and activities we would like to have this year (ie. field trips, assemblies, ice cream social, weekly readers for classes, butterflies and chicks for science classes, family reading night, movie night etc.). We would also like to obtain a tax exempt, non-profit status and that is a few hundred dollars. We would like to open a school store and obtain a movie license however we need money to get these things up and running.
Having been in fundraising for many years I understand people's concern regarding money and fundraisers. I also know if you have a goal set and can explain in a positive and informative way the use of funds people tend to be very generous.

I feel a bit strange throwing this out there but being a new school and all, doesn't it seem like you're getting off to a bad start with a pledge drive before a brand new school starts? I get the feeling the parents will be wondering how a new school starts up without money and I'm afraid it may set a negative tone.

Is there anything at all you can do to help the other schools get those donations to you? Maybe you could make something happen to get the funds in until that avenue is completely exausted? It seems like handling this behind closed doors and presenting the new school in the best light in year one would be in your best interest.

Sorry if I'm not entirely understanding the situation correctly but starting your school year off with a bad situation letter doesn't seem fun and exciting for a new school. Hope my feedback helps

Our elementary school is brand new this year and we are a new PTO. Nearly 700 students have been redistricted and 450 of them are going to the new school. We do not have any funds to date and are really at the mercy of other PTO's in the district to make a donation. They are not required but we have heard they are planning on it. The problem is that school starts in 4 weeks and we have not seen any donations as of yet. So, the PTO board is kicking around the idea of a one time pledge drive. We were thinking of sending out a letter stating our situation and what we have planned for the students and then ask parents for a one time donation for $5, $10, $25, $50 or Other amt. Similar to the non-profit donation cards you may get in the mail.
My question is has anyone done something like this?
We did propose before the end of the school year that the school where the 450 students were coming from, approx. 60% of that school donate 50-60 percent of that budget and the students that were coming to them from other schools those PTO's would donate to that school. However, that was not received well at all and we are waiting to hear from them what they would like to donate. As you can imagine we are a bit nervous because as we all know it takes volunteers and money to run a PTO. Thanks in advance for your feedback