10 Unique PTA Fundraising Ideas

PTA fundraising is when parent-teacher associations gather money to support school activities and programs. It's all about parents and teachers working together for the students' benefit. In this article, we're sharing 10 unique ideas to make PTA fundraising fun and effective. 

From classic bake sales to innovative online campaigns, we'll explore a range of options that suit every school's needs and get everyone excited about contributing to a great cause. 

Keep reading to discover some fresh, creative ways to boost your next PTA fundraiser!

Parent-Child Sports Tournament

Organizing a parent-child sports tournament can be a fun way to raise funds. Select a sport like basketball or soccer, set a fundraising target, and charge a team registration fee. 

Plan the event's logistics, including the location and format, and spread the word to attract participants. On tournament day, sell refreshments for extra income. 

After the event, tally the funds raised and calculate the net profit to contribute to your cause. This type of event not only supports your goals but also encourages family bonding and community spirit​.

Community Garage Sale

Host a community garage sale to support your PTA's goals. Encourage families to donate gently used items. 

Plan the event by gathering volunteers for setup and sales. Promote the event using social media and flyers, and start collecting donations early. On the day, ensure items are well-organized, and payment systems are in place. Charge a small fee for families participating or shoppers. 

The PTA earns through sales and donations. After the event, clean up and thank everyone involved.

Art Auction

To energize your PTA's fundraising efforts, consider an art auction showcasing pieces crafted by students or local talents. This event not only highlights creativity but also builds community involvement. 

For instance, at a New York elementary school, an art auction featuring student-made keepsakes successfully raised over $8,000, contributing significantly to their total funds​​. 

By charging an entry fee and auctioning these pieces, your PTA can gather substantial funds to support vital school programs. 

Trivia Night

For a spirited and profitable PTA fundraiser, consider organizing a trivia night. This event can bring together parents, teachers, and students in teams, competing in a friendly quiz-style battle on various topics​​. 

Charge each team an entry fee, and enhance the night by selling snacks and beverages. To increase the excitement, consider dividing the competition into student and adult categories, possibly hosted by a local celebrity​​. 

You can further boost funds by securing sponsors for different rounds or aspects of the evening​​. Not only does this event provide a delightful way for the community to connect and have fun, but it also offers a significant opportunity to raise money for PTA projects. 

Bake Sale and Coffee Morning

For a heartwarming and effective PTA fundraiser, combine the cozy appeal of a bake sale with a coffee morning. Parents can contribute various homemade baked goods, while the PTA offers freshly brewed coffee to accompany these treats. 

This event is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a go-to option for many PTAs​​. 

Furthermore, it's an excellent way to enhance your school's profile within the community by bringing people together for a cause that directly benefits the students​​. 

Craft Fair

A craft fair is another wonderful way to unite your school's community and raise funds for PTA projects. You're promoting community involvement and creativity by arranging a fair where parents, students, and even teachers can showcase and sell their handmade crafts​​​​. 

Charge a small fee for stall spaces to vendors, ensuring the PTA earns from each participant. To make the event more attractive and boost revenue, consider adding food stalls and entertainment like a jumping castle. 

Such additions not only increase the appeal of the fair but also provide additional avenues for fundraising​​. 

Fitness Challenge

Hosting a fitness challenge event is an excellent way to raise funds for PTA initiatives. Activities such as a fun run, obstacle course, or yoga session can be included, offering variety and catering to different fitness levels and interests. 

Participants can seek sponsorships from family and friends, turning their physical efforts into financial support for the school​​​​. Themed fun runs or walkathons can make the event more engaging, with added obstacles, trivia, or fun stations to keep the excitement high​​​​. 

With proper planning and promotion, a fitness challenge can become a highly anticipated, energizing, and successful fundraising event for your school​​​​.

Talent Show

Organizing a talent show is a fantastic way to bring the school community together. It provides a platform for students, parents, and even teachers to showcase their unique talents.

Charging an entry fee for attendees can raise substantial funds, while the performances attract a large audience. To add an exciting twist, consider introducing a competitive element, pitting different groups against each other to see who can deliver the best performance.

Talent shows have long been a staple for school fundraisers due to their popularity and the opportunity for everyone to engage and enjoy a night of entertainment, all while supporting important PTA projects​​.

Crowdfunding

In the digital age, PTAs can use the power of online crowdfunding to support their initiatives. 

BetterWorld offers a user-friendly, free PTA Fundraising Software that simplifies the process of setting up and managing your fundraiser. You can create your PTA fundraiser and build campaigns swiftly, making it easier to focus on reaching your goals and helping students.

With tools that allow you to spend less time on the mechanics of fundraising and more time on what matters, BetterWorld has gained the trust of over 85,000 nonprofits, schools, and PTOs. Their free tools are aimed at making your next school fundraiser a success! Click Here to find more.

Silent Auction

Last but not least, a silent auction is a dynamic way for PTAs to raise funds by gathering donations from local businesses, parents, and community sponsors. 

Participants can bid on a variety of items, from creatively themed baskets to services and experiences donated by local establishments. While themed baskets are popular for their broad appeal and creative presentation, including a range of items like restaurant vouchers, art pieces, and unique experiences ensures there's something for everyone. 

This PTA fundraising idea not only increases the event's appeal but also increases the potential for higher bids, thereby boosting the funds raised for PTA projects.