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.
Craft sale
Want to make an even bigger impact? Auction off some larger or more in-demand items.
Movies in the park
Sell tickets online, check guests in with your mobile app, and offer easy payment methods like scan-to-donate for on-the-spot donations.
Obstacle course
Summer day out
Use a fundraising event page to make registration and payment easy, and add custom fields to capture important information from each participant, such as t-shirt size or dietary restrictions.
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.
Gift basket showdown
Pumpkin Games
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.
Teacher spelling bee
To make this event virtual or hybrid, livestream it from your event page for attendees to watch from home.
Tree planting day
Neighborhood tailgate party
You can make the event free and charge for activities or create a ticketed event—whichever you choose, our fundraising event features can help.
Family and friends game night
Legacy giving
Kids’ art calendar
5k walk/run
Pie-eating contest
Use a range of fundraising event features, such as online registration, on-the-spot payments, and seamless check-ins.
Concession stand
Gala night
Get your supporters excited about your upcoming event with an eye-catching gala invitation template. Include details on how to buy tickets, or add a scan-to-donate QR code.
Scavenger hunt
Streamline the process of selling tickets and create a hub for your hunt with a fundraising event page. Any energy saved can be spent on making your event even more exciting!
Garage sale
Use our free email marketing software to send a big launch email with all the details, then send reminders closer to the day of the sale.
All you can eat buffet
A free event ticketing platform can help you organize and manage your evening and check people in from your mobile device without any stress.
Expert lecture series
Sell tickets to in-person attendees and offer a livestreaming option to increase donations and reach interested supporters from anywhere.
Superhero run
Dodgeball tournament
Invite participants to set up team fundraising pages so they can also compete to see who can raise the most funds for your cause.
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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