How to Find Good Fundraisers at PTA Conventions

How to take advantage of PTA conventions.

Some schools select their fundraiser before they leave school for the summer, so they don't have to worry about it when they return. However, many hold off until the summer PTA conventions. School fundraising companies use these conventions to draw decision-makers into their booth to share information about their latest programs.

As a result, sponsors often hold off on making their fundraiser decisions until they've been to their state's convention. It's an excellent opportunity to see several new ideas in one location. Many walk by and collect information packets; however, how can you get more out of your encounter with these companies?

Here are some things that can make finding a fundraiser at your summer PTA convention more productive.

Narrow Down Your Fundraising Options

Before leaving for your summer convention, have an idea of the type of fundraiser you might be interested in. Narrowing down your options lets you determine what companies to focus on at the convention. This will allow you to use your free time in the convention hall more efficiently.

Plan Your Questions Ahead of Time

Just as fundraising companies know what they can and can't do, ensure you understand your needs. Many are reluctant to approach vendor booths because they fear someone is trying to sell them something. Yet, if you're prepared and know what you're looking for, you can ask specific questions instead of being persuaded by the sales rep. This can make for a much more productive 2-way encounter.

What Are Your Fundraising Objectives?

Does your school need to raise a lot of money, or are you more interested in providing a learning experience for your students as they fundraise? Because several companies will offer different programs, you'll need to understand that many also focus on other things besides raising money, like providing an educational experience.

Jogathons are one example of a fundraiser that also provides a health benefit. However, programs like these often place more of an emphasis on the experience itself than on raising money. Plus, these types of programs tend to require more work to coordinate. Remember that most companies will tell you you can have both as long as you work with them, but this is not always true.

With that said, some programs are designed to emphasize raising money first, then second, enhancing the student experience. For instance, our big event fundraising programs offer a party or show as a reward for selling out their brochure.

You'll have many fundraising packets to filter through without knowing what you're looking for. A game plan in advance will make your decision-making process much more manageable.

See our brochure fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.