Running a PTO/A group takes team work, organization, and clear communication. The good news is that there are plenty of free tools that can help your group stay organized, create beautiful materials, and streamline everyday tasks. Here are some of the best options to support your group without adding extra costs.
Canva
Need to create posters, flyers, logos, and any visuals you need for events or fundraisers? Canva for Education is a favorite tool for good reason. It offers templates for every type of creative project you might need, with plenty of styles to match any event theme or mood. It is simple to use and makes any project look professional. Even better, Canva offers free premium access to K-12 organizations, which means your group can use advanced templates, brand tools, and high quality graphics at no cost.
Google Drive
A reliable home base for all PTO/A files, you can store documents, manage spreadsheets, and create meeting forms or signup sheets on Google Drive. Shared folders make it easy for board members and volunteers to stay on the same page. Everything is accessible from any device, which keeps your work organized and easy to find.
Notion
This tool is for the content planner of the group. Notion is a highly flexible workspace that is great for planning content, tracking tasks, organizing social media, managing committees, and keeping project information in one place. It works well for teams who want their notes, calendars, and workflows combined in a single hub.
AirTable
Blending the look of a spreadsheet with the features of a database, AirTable is the perfect combination. Groups use it to manage volunteer lists, event details, vendor information, budgets, and communication plans. The free version includes plenty of functionality and is especially helpful for groups that want more structure than a traditional spreadsheet.
ChatGPT and Gemini
These AI tools can save your PTO/A hours of writing time. Use them to draft newsletters, emails, event descriptions, grant requests, social media posts, and even reminder messages to families. They help you work faster while staying clear and consistent.
Bringing It All Together
Using these free tools can help your group stay organized, communicate clearly, and create polished materials for every project. With the right setup, your team can spend less time managing tasks and more time supporting your school community.
#ScentcoFundraising #PTOTools #PTATools #FreeTools #SchoolFundraiser #SchoolFundraisers