30 PTA and PTO School Fundraising Ideas

Raising funds for school programs and activities is an essential responsibility of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs). The best fundraisers do more than just bring in money, they foster a sense of community and encourage everyone to get involved.

With so many creative and practical ideas to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide highlights innovative fundraising strategies that are fun, effective, and perfect for PTA and PTO leaders to implement. From action-packed events to modern community campaigns, there's an idea for every group to connect with their community and exceed their fundraising goals.

Make your campaign interactive by including a fundraising thermometer to track progress. Seeing the goal inch closer motivates donors to contribute even more!

1. Engage Through Themed Events

Themed events are a fantastic way to combine community building with fundraising. These fun gatherings get families and local supporters excited to participate. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:

Chili Cook-Off

Ask parent chefs to showcase their culinary talents by competing in a chili-making showdown. Charge admission for unlimited sampling, and have attendees vote for their favorite. Want more impact? Pair it with a bake sale or sell concession items like drinks and cornbread.

Multicultural Fair

Celebrate your school community’s diverse backgrounds by hosting a multicultural fair highlighting food, music, and traditions. Attendees can enjoy delicious dishes prepared by families, and you can charge admission or sell tickets for food tastings.

Parents’ Night Off

Offer a stress-free solution for busy caregivers by organizing a kids-only event filled with games, food, and entertainment. Charge parents a small fee to enjoy a quiet night while their kids have a blast under volunteer supervision.

Talent Show

Spotlight your school’s stars by hosting a student and parent talent show. Sell tickets for admission, run a concession stand, and even sell “cheer cards” for attendees to share motivational notes with performers.

2. Move Beyond Traditional Fundraisers

As school budgets tighten across the country, PTA and PTO fundraisers are becoming more critical than ever. In fact, 43% of parent groups expect to take on more funding responsibility due to budget cuts, and 33% anticipate supporting needs beyond their usual scope, such as technology upgrades or student services.

If you’re ready to try something different, here are a few unique ideas that will keep participation high and effort low:

Shoe Drive

Partner with an organization like Funds2Orgs and organize a shoe drive. Families can donate gently used shoes, which are collected and repurposed for a good cause. Your PTA earns funds based on the number of shoes collected—no upfront costs!

Community Fun Run Fundraiser

Organize a community fun run to raise funds while bringing people together. Charge a registration fee and offer participants a t-shirt or water bottle featuring your school or organization’s logo. It’s a healthy, interactive way to engage supporters and boost donations!

Reverse Raffle

Shake up traditional raffles by flipping the script. Instead of the first ticket drawn winning, the last ticket drawn is declared the winner. Pair this event with a school carnival or ice cream social for extra buzz.

Volunteer Grants

Many companies offer grants for employees who volunteer their time. Educate parent volunteers about these programs and guide them on how to apply. Volunteer grants amplify the impact of already-dedicated helpers.

3. Energize Fundraising with Competitive Ideas

A little friendly competition can go a long way in generating excitement and increasing participation. Try these ideas:

Teachers in Jail

Students love the chance to “jail” their teachers for a good cause. Set a fundraising goal for each classroom, and if they meet it, their teacher spends a period in “jail” (a fun, staged area like the principal’s office or gym).

Change Wars

Get each grade or classroom involved in a change-collecting contest over a week or month. Provide clear jars for coins and tally the totals daily. The group with the highest total gets a fun reward, like a popcorn or pajama day.

Jog-a-Thon

Host a jog-a-thon where students collect pledges for each lap they complete. It’s a healthy, family-friendly activity that both raises funds and builds school spirit.

4. Go High-Tech with Digital Tools

Sometimes, leveraging technology can transform your fundraising strategy. Using tools like SignUpGenius allows you to:

• Easily Organize Events: Create sign ups for volunteer slots, donation drop-offs, and ticket sales - all in one place.
• Send Automatic Reminders: Reduce the chances of no-shows by providing participants with helpful email or text alerts.
• Simplify Communication: Ensure your events and fundraisers remain hassle-free with clear, concise updates.

5. Foster Long-Term Support

Building a culture of giving within your school community ensures fundraising success for years to come. Here are some ongoing initiatives to consider:

Adopt-A-Program:

Get parents to sponsor specific programs like art classes or music lessons. Donors could be recognized with their name on school materials or a thank-you letter from students.

Recurring Fundraisers:

Sell school apparel or calendars year-round to keep funds trickling in. Having a dedicated online sign up makes it even easier.

Partner with Local Businesses:

Collaborate with restaurants for dine-out nights or ask local businesses for sponsorship. Proceeds or advertising fees support school programs, while providing helpful exposure to your partners.

Take-Action Steps for Your Next Success

• Decide which idea aligns best with your community's interests and resources.
• Use tools like SignUpGenius to smoothly organize and schedule your events.
• Share your plans widely through school communications, social media, and word of mouth.
• Celebrate milestones and acknowledge everyone who contributes—whether by giving, volunteering, or spreading the word.

When you combine creative ideas with smart tools, the possibilities are endless. Your efforts not only raise money but also build a stronger, more connected community. It’s time to take your PTA or PTO fundraising to the next level!