PTAs (Parent-Teacher Associations) are essential in supporting schools by organizing activities, supplying classroom supplies, and fostering a better sense of community. But one of their roles is fundraising. Whether it’s basic supplies or ambitious purchases like field trips and playground improvements, PTA fundraising ideas and larger PTA fundraising efforts ultimately position the success of many funding needs from schools.
Here, we’ve provided experienced, actionable, and relevant fundraising ideas that PTA leaders can act on, from old school to digital first. No matter if this is your first time volunteering or if you are an experienced fundraising coordinator, we hope you find an idea that inspires you.
Your ideas can inspire change far beyond the classroom. Create your PTA fundraiser with WhyDonate today, rally your community, and create opportunities that will impact students for years to come.
Table of Contents
Why Fundraising is Important for PTAs
Parent-teacher associations help build the connections between educators and families while working hard to improve every facet of school life. However, many of those initiatives rely on funds raised independently of the school’s budget, so PTA fundraising is necessary. Â
PTAs often raise money to help with:
- classroom supplies and learning materials
- school events, enrichment programs, and field trips
- community-building events and outreach
- educational technology and other library improvements
Without adequate funding, these valuable initiatives can be delayed or cut altogether. That’s why access to easy school fundraisers and effective PTA fundraiser ideas is critical. The good news? There are countless fun, inclusive, and profitable ways to raise money for school—and we’re about to explore the best of them.
What Are The Best PTA Fundraising Ideas?
Here are the best PTA fundraising ideas of all time:
1. Traditional PTA Fundraising Ideas
Bake Sale
A classic PTA fundraiser that’s always a hit. Parents love to bake cookies, cakes, and other delightful goodies, and they donate these to be sold by students during school hours or school events. It’s a low-cost, high-engagement fundraiser that builds community and helps satisfy sweet tooth cravings.
Raffle Night
Ask local businesses to donate prizes, such as gift cards, baskets, or services, and sell raffle tickets to parents and the broader community. It’s an easy way to raise funds and get local organizations involved with your parent-teacher association fundraiser.
Book Fair
Partner with book vendors or organize a used-book fair with donations from families. It encourages reading and learning while supporting fundraising ideas that PTA teams can easily manage. Great for both elementary and middle schools.
Car Wash
All you need is a Saturday car wash in your school parking lot! Sign up interested students and PTA members to wash cars, for either donations or a flat fee. This is fun, social, and uses a common PTA fundraising idea!
Fun Run / Walkathon
Students who take pledges from friends and family based on how many laps they do, or kilometers, challenge themselves. These school fundraising events promote physical activity and build community spirit. These events usually require lower upfront costs and help raise large amounts of money. It is one of the most popular PTA fundraiser ideas in the US.
2. Creative & Seasonal Fundraising Ideas
Holiday Gift Wrapping Station
Set up a gift-wrapping booth at your school or a local mall during the holidays. Students and PTA volunteers can wrap gifts in exchange for donations or a small fee. This can be a fun way to raise money during the holidays while wishing everyone “Happy Holidays” and supporting your PTA fundraising ideas.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser (Fall)
Host a mini pumpkin patch on your school property, partnering with a local farm. Include games, photo cut-outs, and a cider stand, and have a fall-themed event for the community. This creative fundraising idea for schools is especially effective in October.
Valentine’s Day Flower Sale
Sell flowers like roses, carnations, or handmade cards around Valentine’s Day. Let students purchase flowers through orders for their friends or teachers to receive at school. Very simple to set up, and it helps show kindness in participation while raising funds.Â
Spring Clean Yard Sale
Ask families for gently used toys, books, and household items. Organize a weekend yard sale in the school parking lot. Eco-friendly and super easy to set up, a yard sale is one of the best PTA fundraising ideas for spring!Â
Mother’s Day Crafts Auction
Have students create personalized art or DIY gifts while in class. Auction off the personalized creations during a school event or online. Parents will love the personal nature of things, and the PTA makes the funds.Â
3. Digital & Online Fundraising Ideas
Crowdfunding with WhyDonate
Create a free fundraising page on WhyDonate and share the link in emails, social media, and newsletters. This is one of the best ways to find money for PTAs, as it allows for easy donation collection, real-time tracking of progress, and reaching broad communities—perfect for busy PTAs!Â
Start your PTA fundraiser with WhyDonate
Virtual Talent Show
Host a virtual event through Zoom or YouTube where kids can show off their skills of singing, dancing, or tricks! Charge for tickets to come view the talent show virtually. You could also ask for donations to watch. It’s fun, flexible, and a great way to raise money for school when in-person events seem impossible!
Silent Auction
A silent auction is a great PTA fundraising idea where parents and local businesses donate items or services, and attendees bid on them. You can host it during a school event or online to reach more people. Items can range from gift baskets to exclusive experiences like a weekend getaway or a private tutoring session.
Social Media Donation Drive
Engage families to help spread the word to their social media community by encouraging families to share your PTA fundraising campaign and their relevant stories on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Incorporate a fun hashtag, challenge, or countdown to help the awareness build momentum. This is a new-age way to raise money for school and allow every person to be involved.Â
 Email Fundraising Campaign
Email your appeal explaining your goal for the fundraiser, specifically how funds are utilized, and how your supporters can be helpful. Include a link to your WhyDonate campaign. Sending a few thoughtful emails throughout the semester can generate surprising results.
 Share your PTA story and raise more funds online
4. Community-Based Fundraising Ideas
Restaurant Night (Local Business Collaboration)
Partner with a local restaurant that agrees to donate a percentage of its sales on a designated night. Families dine in or order takeout, and a portion goes to the PTA. It’s a win-win for the school and local businesses, an ideal parent-teacher association fundraiser.
Parent Trivia Night
A trivia night fundraiser is a great way to test your students’ knowledge. You can provide a syllabus to the participants and give them time to prepare themselves. You can also offer a niche instead of a proper syllabus. For example, football history is a good topic that interests many students. Pick a topic that interests many students to ensure maximum participation.
School Carnival
Host a mini carnival with game booths, food stalls, face painting, and student performances. Sell tickets for activities and invite local vendors. It’s one of the most engaging and profitable school fundraising events for larger crowds.
Themed Dress-Up Days
Pick fun dress-up themes like Pajama Day, Superhero Day, or Crazy Hair Day. Students make a small donation to participate. This is simple; everyone can get involved, and with little preparation, you can raise money while allowing kids to share their creative talents.
Family Movie Night with Tickets
Turn the gym or cafeteria into a cozy movie theater. Sell tickets for entry, popcorn, and drinks. Families can bring blankets and enjoy a movie together. Family movie night allows for families to relax and unwind and fundraise!Â
5. Easy, Low-Effort Passive Fundraising Ideas
Box Tops for Education
Encourage families to use the Box Tops app to scan their grocery receipts. For every participating brand purchased, you will receive a portion of that purchase value in a donation to your school. No cost, low effort, unlimited duration, and low-maintenance effective solution for your fundraising needs all year round.Â
Affiliate Shopping Programs
Sign up for affiliate programs like AmazonSmile or any local supermarket-specific programs. When parents shop after clicking the right link, a small percentage of that shopping’s worth will activate donations to your PTA fund. Passive income over time which can add up.Â
Monthly PTA Donation Subscriptions
Promote a donation subscription in your WhyDonate campaign. You can do a range of donations, but even a small amount (€5–€10 / month) and a few family donations can create a fairly predictable monthly and annual donation that will support classroom supplies, activities, and field trips throughout the year.Â
Recycling Drives
Set up collection bins for ink cartridges, cans, old phones, or textiles. Look for companies that pay for your recyclable material, as this can lead to steady, relatively predictable cash flow. It’s environmentally friendly, educational, and a great long-term addition to your PTA fundraising plan.
Conclusion
No matter if you are executing a large carnival or a smaller online auction, the community spirit that you create will be what stays with participants for years to come. PTA fundraising is about so much more than just the money; it’s about cultivating a sense of community among family, community, and students.
Just be sure that you don’t let your fundraising wishes bubble up and that you do your best to keep it creative and consistent. Today, with the help of digital tools like WhyDonate, your PTA fundraiser ideas can be just a few clicks away.
Ready to make your PTA fundraising vision a reality? Start your free campaign on WhyDonate, share it with your community.
FAQs on PTA Fundraising
What is the best PTA fundraising idea?
Fun runs and digital campaigns through platforms like WhyDonate are some of the best PTA fundraisers. They combine community involvement with broad outreach and easy tracking.
How much money can a PTA fundraiser raise?
PTA fundraisers can raise anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros. It depends on community participation, the type of event, and how well it’s promoted.
Can PTAs use online fundraising platforms?
Absolutely! Online platforms like WhyDonate simplify the entire process—from setting up a fundraiser to collecting donations and analyzing results, making them perfect for modern fundraising ideas that PTA groups can rely on.
