Parent group resources

Practical tools and guidance for fundraising, governance, technology, sponsors, and running your organization.

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Playbooks

Plan a bigger job

Step-by-step systems for projects like starting a parent group, running a fun run, or setting up Google Workspace.

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Tools

Make a decision or build something

Interactive resources like the Fundraising Platform Matchup and Bylaws Builder.

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New to parent-group leadership?

Start with these essentials.

Start a Parent Group (PTO/PTG) Set Up Google Workspace for Your Parent Group Understand PTO vs PTA vs PTG Build Clear Bylaws and Governance Rules Read Financial Controls for Treasurers

Tools

Interactive resources that help your group make a decision or complete a task.

Tool

Fundraising Platform Matchup

Compare what your organization keeps, who pays the costs, and what different fundraising platforms provide.

Compare fundraising platforms

Playbooks

Step-by-step systems for bigger jobs.

Start a Parent Group

Build leadership, governance, banking, public presence, and community trust in a practical sequence.

Google for Nonprofits Playbook

Set up organization-owned email, files, domain access, and administrator handoffs with Google Workspace for Nonprofits.

Sponsors

Plan sponsor outreach, levels, follow-up, recognition, and renewals.

Bylaws

Draft, adopt, and maintain practical governing rules for a PTO or PTG.

Fun Runs

Plan a school fun run from early decisions through event day.

Browse by topic

Find resources for the part of your organization you're working on.

Fundraising platforms
Sponsors
Governance & bylaws
Technology & Google Workspace
Starting & leading a group
Fun run fundraising

Reference Library

Quick answers, walkthroughs, and practical standards.

Guides

Step-by-step walkthroughs for common PTO and PTG tasks.

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Best Practices

Operating standards and guardrails for recurring decisions.

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View Full Reference Index

PTA vs PTO vs PTG How to Set Up Stripe Collecting Contact Info and Sending Emails Financial Controls for Treasurers How to Compare Fundraising Platforms

FAQ

Start with businesses already connected to school families, then use clear levels, a simple ask, and visible sponsor recognition. Use the Sponsors Playbook for the full system.

Include purpose, officer roles, elections, meetings, voting rules, quorum, and core financial controls. Use the Bylaws Playbook to structure each section clearly.

Start with a clear goal, a realistic timeline, defined roles, and a simple communication plan. If you are running a race-based event, use the Fun Run Playbook.

Quorum is the minimum number of voting members required to take official action. For exact wording and implementation examples, use the Reference Library and the Bylaws Playbook.

A PTA is part of the national and state PTA structure, while a PTO or PTG is usually independent and locally governed. Read PTO vs PTA vs PTG for the quick breakdown.

Use the Start a Parent Group Playbook for the full sequence: board setup, bylaws, incorporation, EIN, banking, early community wins, and first fundraiser timing.

Use the Google for Nonprofits Playbook to check existing accounts, prepare verification records, activate Workspace, verify the domain, and create email and file systems that can pass to future leaders.