The Ann Arbor PTO Council has launched a fundraiser to bridge the gap in PTO funding between schools. They are asking for a $20 donation from families and community members that are able to donate.
PTO Funds are used to support field trips, enrichment programs, classroom resources, and more in schools.
You can donate to their Go Fund Me drive here.
See their press release below for more details.
Events from our Sponsors
 JLC Book SaleMarch 26-29, 2025 |  Future Innovators Academy Break CampsDays Off From School |
ANN ARBOR PTO COUNCIL LAUNCHES EQUITY FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT TITLE I STUDENTS
Ann Arbor PTO Council is asking all families and community members who are able to donate $20 (or more) to take small steps toward closing opportunity gaps created by inequities in PTO funding.
Ann Arbor, MI, March 6, 2025
The Ann Arbor PTO Council (PTOC) is launching an online fundraiser on March 6, 2025 to boost PTO funding at Title I elementary schools.
PTOs typically supplement gaps in school funding, but because of wealth and resource inequities among public schools in our own community, not all PTOs are able to raise equal amounts of money. PTO income varies across schools in the district with a range of $40 per student per year to $238 per student per year. PTO income is lower at schools with more economically disadvantaged students and at more diverse schools, compounding inequity for AAPS students and families.
Together with the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, this fundraiser raised over $55,000 in 2024, all of which was distributed to Title 1 School PTOs with no strings attached. This year we hope to raise even more!
To participate, the PTOC is asking all individuals who can to donate $20 dollars or more to the fundraiser on GoFundMe. Funds raised will be distributed to the designated Title I schools in the spring of 2025.
This fundraiser will allow the PTOs to boost 2025/2026 funding for Title I schools. This is a third year pilot project and part of the larger PTOC equity work. The PTOC acknowledges that this fundraiser will not fix inequity and that more robust, ongoing efforts are needed. This is simply one small first step.
The PTOC is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization with the mission to promote excellence in our schools through communication and advocacy for member PTOs with district administration, with the Board of Education, and beyond. The PTOC facilitates parent involvement, shares ideas, and works to advance the quality of our schools. As a 501(c)(4), donations to the PTOC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.
The PTOC has a history of successfully advocating for bonds and millages as well as working with district affinity groups and community leaders. For the past several years, the PTO Council has worked with school representatives, caregivers and parents, and the district to identify needs within our schools and create steps for improvements. The PTOC encourages all Ann Arbor community members to join them in the work by spreading the word and supporting the fundraiser.
