Fundraising

There is a gap between what the state provides and what our kids need—and that’s where the PTA steps in. We fundraise to provide essential resources that enhance our students’ educational experience, from enrichment programs and staff support to upgraded school and playground equipment. 

Your contributions fund many programs and services THIS YEAR: 

Staff and Classroom Support: Field Trip Funds, Scholastic News, Rainy Day Funds, Grants, and Teacher Appreciation Week

Enrichment Programs: Art Docent, STEAM Fair, Missoula Children's Theater, Garden Club, and Toymaker

Community Events: Ice Cream Social, Monster Mash, Carnival, Special Education and Legislative Advocacy, 5th Grade Promotion, Kindergarten Playdates, and Tears & Cheers

Overhead: Insurance, Bank Fees, License Renewals, Supplies, Accounting Software, Website Services

The 25/26 Budget also includes non-recurring payments carried over from the 24/25 school year.

In 2025-26, our goal is to raise $70,000 to cover services, programming, and support. This is equivalent to about $265/student. We plan to raise funds through three primary events:

• Fun Run, Walk & Roll (October): This is a student-led fundraising event, where kids can ask neighbors and family members for pledges or donations for laps run/danced/jogged/walked/rolled or otherwise moved at the Fun Run (which happens during the school day). 

• Sailor RACE (December - March): Sailor Resource Advancement through Community Engagement (RACE) is a direct donation drive seeking monetary gifts from the Cottage Lake community.

• Spring Auction & Fundraiser (April): The Spring auction returns! Adult caregivers, alumni, and community members are invited to come together to raise funds for our school. This annual event typically includes music, dancing, a silent auction (featuring classroom art & themed buckets), hosted party tickets, food, and fun!

Other Ways to Support Our PTA

Your donation helps us achieve our mission and reach our goals. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Donate Directly to Cottage Lake Elementary PTA anytime. Every dollar raised makes a difference.

2. Employer Matching: Double your impact with employer matching.

3. Participate in our fundraising events. Help us make this year’s fundraising a success by volunteering! Contact fundraising@cottagelakepta.org to learn more about volunteer roles. 

4. Business Sponsorships and Donations: Our fundraising team reaches out to businesses in advance of each school year with opportunities to contribute donations of goods, services, or dollars to support the Cottage Lake community. If your business would like to contribute, please get in touch with our fundraising team.

5. Shop at Fred Meyer: Earn money for us when you shop. (Select Cottage Lake PTA in the organization choice).

6. Purchase Spirit Wear. 

7. Shop at a GiveBacks partner

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need to raise money?

The PTA spends approximately $265 per student to provide science and technology programs, cultural and fine arts, community events, and many other vital learning experiences and opportunities that our district and state do not fund.  

In the 2025-2026 school year, Northshore made budget reductions across the district to address its $6 million deficit. The reductions have impacted Cottage Lake Elementary by eroding critical student supports. The PTA has helped fill the gaps left by these reductions.

Last year, when the old laminator in the office broke and the district did not have funds to replace it, the PTA stepped in and purchased a new laminator for the school. This year, while the playground is under construction, Cottage Lake requested additional playground equipment to engage students during recess. In addition to support from community members, the PTA utilized its resources to purchase the necessary equipment.

In significant ways and small, the PTA is there to support the Cottage Lake Elementary community - from field trips to art curriculum to the office laminator!

How much will I be asked to give? 

This year, the Cottage Lake PTA’s total fundraising need is $70,000 and is spread across approximately 267 students (about $265 per student). We have three planned fundraisers: Fun Run, Walk, and Roll (October 2025), Sailor RACE (December-March), and Spring Auction (April 2026).  

What if we don’t meet our fundraising goal?

Although our grants and program commitments are already set for 2025–2026, falling short of our fundraising goals would require dipping into PTA emergency reserves and could lead to cuts in the support and enrichment programs that make up most of our annual budget. 

Over the past few years, the PTA’s expenses have exceeded our fundraising totals, resulting in deficit budgets. We’ve already had to make difficult choices this year to scale back or eliminate certain programs and support to balance the budget. For example, the PTA determined it could not fund the Nature Vision curriculum this year. Failing to reach our fundraising goals this year will result in further cuts and reductions to programming and support. 

Can I spread donations throughout the year?

Yes! You can sign up for monthly recurring donations for a specific duration.

Does Cottage Lake accept employee matching?

Yes! Employee matching is a large contributor to all our fundraisers. Please contact your employer and request matching funds. Then indicate the name of your employer (and the name of any employer matching organization, like Benevity) when you submit your response online so that the PTA can attribute the matching gift.

Are my gifts tax deductible?

Yes! The Cottage Lake PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax ID number is: 91-6073683. You will receive a receipt from Cottage Lake PTA after you’ve submitted your donation.

Questions?

Please contact Cottage Lake’s fundraising team fundraising@cottagelakepta.org.

THANK YOU for supporting Cottage Lake—it has an INCREDIBLE IMPACT on our kids and school community!