Ways to Raise Money for Your PTA

As a newly elected Vice President of Ways and Means for my local elementary school's PTA, I've been doing research into the various ways to earn money for our PTA. Below are some of the ways that you can earn extra money for your PTA.

Walk-A-Thon

Walk-A-Thons are becoming increasingly popular as ways for schools to earn extra money. Like with Walk-a-Thons devoted to national charities, the students have a pledge sheet in which people pledge money to sponsor a child during his walk. The walk can be held at school or off-site, during school hours or on the weekend. The students walk for a predetermined amount of time during the day to earn their pledges. Schools can offer incentives to kids who meet certain goals, including a t-shirt or other item for raising a certain goal amount, or entering their name in a drawing for prizes like mp3 players or toys.

The advantages of a Walk-A-Thon are many. There is nothing to sell, no inventory to get to people, and the school can make up to 100% profit from the event. It provides minimal disruption to the class, and the money can be collected up front. Plus, the event can be coupled with a PTA program encouraging physical activity and exercise.

Selling School Logo Items

Kids and parents love to show their school pride. From t-shirts to magnets that stick on the back of your car, everyone loves to advertise their school spirit. The internet has made it easy to both shop for and make your own school items. Your PTA can stay small and order those little Lance Armstrong-like rubber bracelets to sell, or using websites like CafePress.com or Zazzle.com you can create items like T-shirts, posters, magnets, and other products bearing your school's logo on demand.

The advantages of selling school logo items are that you promote school pride while raising money. Depending on the design, these items can be ordered in bulk by your PTA and sold year 'round to raise money.