There’s something we don’t talk about enough in the PTO world. You know, all those bake sales, t-shirt drives, catalog fundraisers, coupon books—yeah, those. They bring in money, sure. But let’s be real: most of that money doesn’t go to our schools. It doesn’t even stay in our communities. It goes straight into the pockets of big corporations who send us cookie dough tubs and overpriced wrapping paper.

And guess who’s buying that stuff? Moms.

Moms are the ones signing the checks, sharing the links, pushing the campaigns. Moms are the ones showing up, stretching every dollar to support their kids' schools.

But guess who’s also hurting right now? Moms.

I’m talking about the moms who had to quit their jobs because daycare was more expensive than their paycheck. The moms who take care of their elderly parents, or children with special needs. The moms who run Etsy shops out of their kitchen, who sell candles, cupcakes, crocheted toys—anything they can make with love and hustle.

These are the same moms sitting next to us at PTO meetings. The same ones dropping their kids off in the car line every morning, smiling through exhaustion. The same moms who would love to help with school fundraisers... if they could just catch a break.

So here’s the big question: Why are we still handing our school fundraiser money to giant corporations instead of the moms in our own neighborhoods?

It’s time to flip the script.

Imagine this.

Instead of selling cookie dough from some company five states away, the PTO sets up a fall fundraiser with local moms. One mom bakes banana bread. Another makes handmade earrings. Another prints clever teacher t-shirts from her Cricut machine.

And every dollar spent? It goes right back to those moms. Moms who will turn around and buy groceries, pay for braces, or finally fix the car that’s been acting up since May.

That’s real impact. That’s community.

Why it matters now more than ever

Let’s face it, times are tough. The price of everything has gone up—rent, gas, groceries, even socks. Meanwhile, many families are living paycheck to paycheck. For stay-at-home moms and single moms, the struggle can feel even heavier.

Some of them started small businesses just to keep the lights on. They didn’t have investors or fancy branding teams. They just had grit, talent, and a “never give up” attitude. But these same moms get overlooked when it comes to fundraisers.

And the irony? They’re the first ones to bake for the school bake sale or donate gift cards to the classroom raffle.

Supporting them isn’t charity—it’s solidarity.

The PTO’s Superpower: Influence

PTOs have power. Seriously.

You might not feel like it when you’re chasing people down for RSVP slips or begging for volunteers, but PTOs hold real influence. You decide what fundraisers to run. You choose the vendors. You set the tone.

When a PTO says, “We’re doing things differently this year—we’re putting moms first,” it sends a message. And it starts a ripple effect.

Other schools notice.

Other communities ask questions.

And slowly, a quiet revolution begins.

How to Make It Happen

Alright, now let’s get practical. How can a PTO actually do this?

Here are a few real ideas:

1. Mom Maker Markets

Host a school-wide “Moms’ Market” in the cafeteria or gym. Moms with businesses can set up booths for a small fee or donation (which goes to the school). Think craft fair, but all vendors are moms from your school or district. It supports them and raises money.

2. Feature Mom Products in Fundraisers

Instead of buying wholesale candles or chocolates, create a catalog from local moms. Let one mom offer handmade soaps, another offer baked goods, and another do custom mugs. Take orders, collect payments, and split the profits fairly (or give moms 100%, and let the PTO run donation jars on the side).

3. Offer Free Ad Space

If your PTO has a newsletter, social page, or fundraiser site—feature a “Mom Business Spotlight.” It costs nothing, but that exposure could mean everything to a struggling mom.

4. Use Reward Points

Encourage local stores to donate gift cards or perks to reward moms who contribute to fundraisers. Instead of prizes from big box brands, keep it local and meaningful.

5. Create a Mom Business Directory

Make a simple online list or printed booklet with mom-run businesses at your school. Share it at PTA meetings, hand it out at events, or feature it on the school website. You’d be surprised how many people would rather buy from someone they know.

What You’ll See Happen

Do this for a few months and you’ll notice a shift.

Moms who felt invisible will feel valued.

Kids will see their moms recognized as the entrepreneurs they are.

More moms will show up to meetings—not because they’re obligated, but because they feel invested.

The money raised might be smaller at first—but the impact? Way bigger.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll teach our kids that community means lifting each other up—not just selling stuff.

Final Thoughts

Look, no one’s saying it’s wrong to do a catalog fundraiser or a pizza kit drive. But we have to ask ourselves: Who really

 wins?

If we’re asking moms to do the heavy lifting—to organize, sell, buy, and deliver—then the