Every school year, Parent Teacher Associations and Organizations (PTA/Os) help keep academic and extracurricular activities alive in schools. It’s often a thankless job. Kids assume that fun activities like school dances and field days are solely organized by the school administration, and that’s okay. Parents and teachers don’t plan, organize, and raise funds for praise. They do it for the kids. Whether you belong to the parent or teacher part of the organization (or both), there’s now a great variety of planning and fundraising tools available to make this next school year’s efforts run a little more smoothly.

 

1. Give While You Shop

Arguably the easiest way to raise funds is to shop with businesses that donate portions of their profits to schools. Aside from what you’re already paying for your groceries and the few seconds it takes to snap a photo of your receipt, it costs nothing. Whether you’re shopping at a supercenter, dollar store, or local convenience store, use the Shoparoo app to make a cash donation for every receipt! Submit up to 20 grocery receipts within a rolling 7-day period. Check with your local retailers for other fundraisers, as well.
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2. Crowdsource for Classroom Supplies

Sites like kickstarter give creative types a platform to fund their projects, but have you ever looked into crowdsourcing networks for teachers? DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America create classroom project requests, and donors can give any amount to the project that inspires them.
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3. Have an Online Auction

According to PTA.org, online fundraising auctions have emerged as a highly profitable way not only to engage the local community, but also to reach a national audience of donors and supporters. It can take as little as 30 minutes to set up an account through fundly.com or pledgie.com.
[Learn more about Fundly and Pledgie]

4. Plan it Out

Say goodbye to all those confusing group texts, and emails, and paper sign up sheets! Plan your next PTA event or fundraiser with Sign Up Genius. It’s free, and easy to use. In addition to fundraisers, you can organize donations, event volunteers, schedule, and more!
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5. Keep it Old School

There are a lot of high-tech options available, but kids still love tangible—even sniffable—objects. Buy Smencils in bulk for a low rate and sell them back to students to raise funds for classroom supplies. Rather than using candy or cookies to raise money, teachers can feel better knowing they're selling a product that doesn't contain any sugar or calories.
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More planning and fundraising ideas on page 2...

6. Keep it Practical

As Christy Forhan explains on PTO Today, single product sales are the best way to raise money quickly: “Groups can and do make a lot of money selling popular products like wrapping paper, candy, cookie dough, and many others.” Find out what products work well within your school community. If sugary snacks are a no-no for parents in your PTA/O, then practical product fundraising will be a better option than a bake sale.
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7. Have a Penny War

This is a super old school but super fun activity. Two or more groups (like boys vs girls or 1st grade vs 2nd grade) will have a bucket for collecting coins and dollar bills. The value of pennies collected counts positively toward a group’s point balance, while the value of other coins and bills is subtracted. Kids have a ton of fun with this competition and it’s a sure way to raise funds, regardless of who wins.
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8. Host a Fun Run

A great and healthy way to raise funds is to hold a fun run. Not only do they promote health. Since they’re usually a schoolwide event, fun runs build school spirit and boost extracurricular participation, too. Organizing a fun run is a big undertaking. If it’s your PTA/O’s first time holding one, collaborate with an organization like Apex Fun Run, who specialize in organizing these events with the help of pro and collegiate athletes.
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Start the school year off right. Schools need up-to-date technology and supplies to provide the best quality education for our kids. At your next PTA/O meeting, explore options that fit your school’s needs and give them a try.