Ann Arbor PTOC $20 for $30K Fundraiser

Can you help us create a more equitable Ann Arbor? The Ann Arbor PTO Council is proud to present this first-ever district-wide fundraiser to directly support our less-resourced schools. We believe that our children’s school experience should not be based on the resources of the families at that school, yet that is the system we have.

Background: PTOs typically supplement gaps in school funding, supporting enrichment opportunities (field trips, guest speakers, materials, etc.), purchasing materials and supplies, and sponsoring community events. But because of wealth and resource inequities among public schools in our community, not all PTOs can raise equal amounts of money. In AAPS elementary and K-8 schools, per-student PTO income ranges from $40 per student per year to $238. For the past several years, the PTO Council has worked with school reps, caretakers, teachers and the district to identify these gaps and create steps for improvements.

How you can help: We are looking for 1500 individuals to contribute $20 (or more) to show our community’s commitment to creating a better system for all.

Funds raised will be distributed to PTOs at Title I elementary schools in the fall. Our goal is to boost their budgets by $10 per student, helping the 3,000 AAPS children at these schools. We know this is just a drop in the bucket, and that one small fundraiser will not fix inequity. Yet, we must start somewhere.

If you would like to contribute via check, we can accept those at Ann Arbor PTO Council, P.O. Box 7874, Ann Arbor, MI, 48107. Please make the check out to Ann Arbor PTO Council. Please direct any further questions or comments to [email redacted].

You can also share this goFundMe on social media, and spread the news about PTO funding discrepancies.

About Us: The PTO Council's mission is to promote excellence in our schools through communication and advocacy for member PTOs with district administration, with the Board of Education and beyond. Together we facilitate parent involvement, share ideas and innovations and work to advance the quality of our schools. This pilot project is part of our larger PTO equity work.

Because the PTO Council is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization under the Internal Revenue Code, donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable donations. The listed GoFundMe beneficiary is our Ann Arbor PTO Council co-president, as a personal name tied with the 501(c)(4) bank account is needed to receive direct funds into the PTOC bank account.

Thank you for helping us uplift our Title 1 elementary schools while we work together toward more equitable outcomes for all.