Why the PTA price jump? Donations over events
Aug 10, 2023, 7:30 PM
An increase in certain PTA donation requests has some Utah parents asking, why the price hike? Photo courtesy - Shutterstock
SALT LAKE CITY — An increase in certain PTA donation requests has some Utah parents wondering, why the price hike?
The Parent-Teacher Association is a non-profit organization that helps schools plan and fund field trips, teacher appreciation days, holiday events, and many other various activities.
A school’s PTA organization can find funding in three ways: donations from companies in the community, fundraisers, or asking for donations directly from parents.
Increased donation requests can come from a school’s PTA program asking for donations directly from parents rather than hosting fundraisers.
“It’s so much nicer not to have to worry about a fundraiser, and having to go door to door,” said Utah PTA President Corey Fairholm.
Each PTA can decide what to do
There are 650 PTA organizations across the state, and while they are unified in purpose, when it comes to receiving funding Fairholm says, “each school, each PTA can choose what they do.”
Meaning each school can either host fundraiser events like fun runs and festivals, or they can more simply ask parents directly for donations.
Fairholm explains that a PTA budget is decided before the school year begins. And it is the basis of how much the PTA will request from parents and families.
“It can be based on the amount of children at the school. And it can be based on what activities they have planned.”
The organization performs a needs assessment every year to tailor-fit its activities to the community. The organization then plans programs around the community need, but requires funding to carry out the activities.
However, Fairholm expressly states that donations are always optional. And a child’s participation in activities will not be limited by a donation made or not made.
“We’re here for every single child. To make sure that they are given the opportunity to go on a field trip, to participate in kindness week or red ribbon week. That is what PTA is about. It’s for every child.”
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