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.
Trike-a-thon
Kids’ art calendar
Corporate matching gift drive
Feature matching gifts on your fundraising page and encourage corporate staffers to explore employer matching via Double the Donation.
Community potluck dinner
No-talent show
Flower bouquets
Create a fundraising page with custom donation amounts featuring a photo of each kind of bouquet and the number available so donors can reserve bouquets online or purchase in person.
Fashion show
At this fundraising event, you can bring in donations by charging entrance fees, selling food and drinks, and adding a silent auction.
Virtual food/wine tasting
Teen film festival
Gift wrapping
Skate-a-thon
Leading up to your event, encourage your participants to create their own peer-to-peer fundraising pages, which they can personalize with their own stories and updates.
Nostalgia night party
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.
Easter egg hunt
Create an Easter Bunny photo booth and host a bake sale to bring in even more donations with scan-to-donate and Venmo donations on the day of the hunt!
Gift basket showdown
Wine pull
Kids vs. grownups field day
Charge entrance fees for this fundraising event, offer for-sale hydration and snacks, and don’t forget prizes for the winners!
Teddy bear picnic
Home exercise classes
Manage everything in one place by broadcasting your classes with a livestream right on your event registration page.
Local celebrities
BBQ cookout
Virtual book club
Be sure to set up recurring donations as a simple way to collect membership fees for ongoing gatherings.
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.
Box Top fundraiser
International Women's Day fundraiser
Whether it’s in-person, virtual, or hybrid, raise more and stress less with easy online registration, mobile app check-ins, and live display
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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