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.
Secret supper
Employee appreciation day
Grown-up bake sale
Collect in-person payments with scan-to-donate, which gives donors a wide range of payment options.
Virtual fun run
Virtual book club
Be sure to set up recurring donations as a simple way to collect membership fees for ongoing gatherings.
Summer project sale
Use email marketing software to spread the word about the upcoming sale and share a printable map, so attendees know what kinds of booths will be there.
Spa crawl
One for one pledge
Showcase this cycle of generosity on your donation forms using custom labels and donation amounts to make it clear you’ll be making an in-kind donation for every monetary donation received.
Coding bootcamp
Celebrity guest appearance
Speakeasy night
Youth lock-in
Set up an online fundraising event page where participants can register and supporters can make donations.
VIP cushioned seats sale
Sponge toss
Drag show
Manage your event ticketing, check in your attendees, and accept additional donations in person with easy fundraisng event software.
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!
Church camp dessert bake-off
Masquerade ball
Puppy party
At the event, highlight the different mobile giving options your supporters can choose from with live display.
Virtual scavenger hunt
Shoe drive
Make transactions easy with scan-to-donate and multiple payment options, including Venmo.
Flower bulb sale
Virtual movie night
Speed dating
Encourage extra donations if participants find a special someone!
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.
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox
Givebutter helps you turn ideas into impact
Subscribe to
The Butter Brief
Get fundraising ideas, tips, and free resources right in your inbox