PTA & PTO fundraising ideas
Whether you're a seasoned member of your parent-teacher association looking for fresh inspiration or a newcomer eager to make a difference, we’ve got a host of creative and easy PTA fundraising ideas to help you raise money for your school.
From fun-filled campaigns that stoke competition to events that bring the whole family together, these unique PTO fundraising ideas will help you reach your fundraising goals and build community this school year and beyond.
Employee appreciation day
Pet run/walk
Autographed jersey auction
Pride-themed merch sale
Family and friends game night
Holiday card campaign
Use Givebutter’s built-in Canva integration to add a little extra cheer to your letters or emails in just a few clicks.
Baseball bingo
Puppy party
At the event, highlight the different mobile giving options your supporters can choose from with live display.
Teen film festival
Carnival night
Maze for a cause
Charge an entrance fee to walk the maze, and make transactions easy with scan-to-donate and Tap to Pay options.
Community service day
Showcase every project or fundraiser you’re working on with a central giving hub. Your supporters can then see all your amazing work in one place.
Beach Games
Ask participants to pay a small fee to register and raise even more funds by selling cold drinks and ice cream.
Photo contest
Raise even more by turning the top photos into a deck of cards or a calendar.
LGBTQ+ workshop series
Spread the word and follow up with attendees using free email marketing software.
Street clean up
Work with local businesses to sponsor the day and encourage donations towards your charity or group.
Touchdown sponsorships
Street painting competition
Ask a local business to donate painting supplies, and then invite the community to vote for the best-painted square by making a donation ($1 = 1 vote) with an easy scan-to-donate QR code.
Give it up challenge
Create a fundraising page for your challenge, including a list of ideas and suggested donation amounts. Share campaign updates and donor shout-outs to keep momentum going toward your goal!
Trike-a-thon
Parents’ night out
Social media challenge
Learn more social media fundraising tips to take your efforts to the next level.
Apple bobbing
Guest speaker event
Raise funds for your livestream by selling tickets and include upgrades like signed copies of books to bring in even more donations.
Frequently asked questions
How does a PTA raise money?
Many parent-teacher association fundraising ideas involve organizing family-friendly events like bake sales and fun runs or selling items like flowers, jerseys, and grab bags. Parent fundraisers may also request donations from businesses, apply for grants, or participate in fundraising programs with online retailers.
What are the best PTA fundraising ideas?
Some of the best PTA fundraiser ideas include school carnivals, trivia nights, and family fun days, as these offer opportunities for families, teachers, and students to spend meaningful time together. Other great PTA fundraising ideas include yard sales, movie nights, raffles, and silent auctions. Additionally, partnering with local restaurants and selling tickets to community events can help PTAs raise funds, too.
How do I ask for donations to the PTA?
Identify potential donors like local businesses, community members, and other parents. Offer opportunities for donors to get involved, such as sponsoring an event or making a contribution to a specific program. Always be transparent about where the donations will go and don’t forget to express gratitude for their support. When asking for donations it's important to clearly communicate the purpose of the campaign and how the money will be used to benefit the school community.
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