Minnesota PTA recognizes the importance of fundraising by units to provide important activities and resources to their schools. Coordination, product selection, ease of program and school culture and philosophy all come in to play when fundraising decisions are being made.
In 2016, Minnesota PTA received a Healthy School Meals grant and agreed to provide guidance and promotion of healthier school fundraisers. We welcome stories and feedback about units that have used fundraisers that don’t rely heavily on food products – send your information via email to mnpta@pta.org.
Ideas for non-food fundraisers abound! We’ve all heard about Fun Runs and Walk-a-thons, auctions, movie nights and plant sales. But there are plenty more ideas out there if you’re willing to be creative.
Want to make small steps? Use the 70/30% rule:
70% of fundraising items are non-food.
30% of fundraising items are food.
Let’s start with alternatives to the traditional selling fundraiser:
| Greeting cards Gift wrap, boxes, and bags Magazine subscriptions Coupon books Gift certificates Cookbooks Holiday ornaments/wreaths T-shirts and sweatshirts Books Calendars Customized stickers Crafts First aid kits Emergency kits for cars |
School spirit gear Plants, flowers, or seeds Brick, stone or tile memorials Coffee cups and mugs Special parking space rental Scarves and stocking caps Bumper stickers License plate holders Tickets to sporting or fine arts events Artwork Stationery Used books, CDs, videos, DVDs School supplies Refillable water bottles |
Still think food is a great seller? Try something other than cookie dough and pizza:
| Fresh fruit and vegetables Fruit baskets Nuts or seeds Trail mix Fruit smoothie mix |
Popcorn/snack mixes Whole wheat pasta and sauce kits 100% juice Spices |
We’ve collected a list of companies that can be a resource for healthier fundraising programs. Click here!