The Top 42 PTO & PTA Fundraising Ideas to Boost Revenue

An important group at any school is its Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), and many schools look to them for PTA fundraising ideas. PTA and PTO fundraisers are valuable sources of revenue that can help pay for important school programs and much-needed supplies.  

This guide includes 42 PTA and PTO fundraiser ideas to help you work with your PTA or PTO to generate revenue for your school and to engage students, teachers and the community along the way. These fundraising ideas range from simple and inexpensive to more ambitious and more costly. Regardless of the fundraisers you choose, your students and staff will benefit from increased parental and community involvement plus the enjoyable experiences they create. 

1. Bake Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

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A bake sale is a classic PTA fundraising idea for a reason. It's a popular way to raise money for your school's PTO or PTA. Everyone loves delicious treats, making this an excellent choice to help meet your fundraising goals. You can set up a bake sale at the school or a community event, selling homemade goods from parents, teachers and students. 

Consider organizing your bake sale around a theme, such as seasonal favorites, healthy treats or even international flavors. This can create excitement and interest, encouraging more people to attend and participate in promoting PTA fundraisers. 

2. Silent Auction

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A silent auction is a fun and engaging way to raise money for your PTA or PTO. In this type of event, donated items or services are displayed, and attendees can place bids on their favorite items. This is a great way to showcase the talents and generosity of your school community, as well as local businesses. 

To make your silent auction a success, focus on securing a variety of items that appeal to different interests and budgets. This can include gift baskets, artwork, or even experiences like a spa day or cooking class. Remember to advertise your event well in advance and encourage people to invite friends and family to join in on the fun. 

3. Trivia Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a trivia night is an entertaining way to bring your school community together and raise funds for your PTO or PTA. Parents, teachers and students can form teams to compete in a friendly quiz-style competition, answering questions on a range of topics. To make your trivia night enjoyable for everyone, choose categories that appeal to a wide variety of interests, such as history, science, pop culture or sports. 

Charge an entry fee for each team and consider offering a prize for the winning team as an incentive. Encourage participants to bring snacks or beverages to share, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere that can help build stronger connections within your school community. 

4. School Carnival

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Hard 

Organizing a school carnival is a fantastic PTO fundraiser idea that raises money while providing a fun-filled day for your school and the surrounding community. School carnivals can feature a variety of activities, such as games, rides and food stalls, making it an exciting event for people of all ages. When planning your carnival, consider what activities will be most popular with your attendees. For example, you might include a bounce house, face painting or a dunk tank to create a fun and memorable experience. 

Selling tickets for individual activities or offering an all-access pass can generate revenue to support your PTO or PTA initiatives. Additionally, partnering with local businesses to sponsor the event or donate supplies can help offset costs and increase your fundraising potential. 

5. Art Show

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

An art show is a creative way to raise money for your PTA or PTO while showcasing students’ artistic talents. By displaying their artwork, you give students a chance to shine and build their confidence. Parents, teachers and community members can attend the event, admiring and purchasing the artwork to support your school. 

You can also include a silent auction or raffle for some pieces, raising money for schools in a fun and engaging way. Remember to choose a theme or style for the art show that reflects the interests and skills of your students. 

6. Talent Show

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A talent show brings your school community together while raising funds for your PTA or PTO. Students, teachers and even parents can sign up to perform and showcase their unique talents, such as singing, dancing or playing an instrument. 

Charge an entry fee for participants and sell tickets for audience members, generating revenue to support your school's needs. A talent show is not only an entertaining event but also a chance to celebrate the diverse skills and abilities within your school community. 

7. Read-a-thon

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A read-a-thon is an educational and enjoyable PTA fundraising idea. In this event, students pledge to read a certain number of books or pages within a set time frame, such as a week or a month. Family members, friends and neighbors can sponsor students by pledging a donation for each book or page read. 

This encourages students to read more while raising money for schools. A read-a-thon can also include special reading events or challenges, such as a pajama reading party or a book character dress-up day, to make it even more exciting for students. 

8. Walk-a-thon

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Organizing a walk-a-thon is a healthy and active way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Students, teachers and parents can participate in the event, walking a predetermined route or distance to raise money for your school. 

Participants can ask for pledges from family and friends based on the distance they plan to walk, generating funds to support your school's programs and initiatives. A walk-a-thon is not only a fun and engaging event, but it also encourages physical activity and a sense of accomplishment for those who take part. 

9. Movie Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A movie night is a simple yet enjoyable way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Choose a popular family-friendly movie and show it at your school's auditorium or outdoors if the weather permits. Sell tickets for the event and offer snacks like popcorn, candy and drinks for purchase. 

A movie night is an entertaining event for families and a chance for them to spend quality time together. This is one of the many PTA fundraising ideas that can help build a strong sense of community within your school. 

10. Dine-out Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Enjoy a delicious meal and support your PTA or PTO with a dine-out night. Partner with a local restaurant that agrees to donate a percentage of sales from a specific night to your school. 

Encourage parents, teachers and students to dine at the restaurant on that night, generating funds for your school while supporting a local business. Dine-out nights can be a recurring event, with different restaurants participating each time to provide variety and encourage more people to join in on these tasty fundraising PTO fundraiser ideas. 

11. Car Wash

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Hosting a car wash is a fun, hands-on way to raise money for your PTA or PTO. Students, teachers and parents can work together to wash cars in a school parking lot or another suitable location. 

Charge a fee for each car washed and offer extra services, like interior cleaning or tire shine, for an additional cost. A car wash not only raises funds for your school but also provides an opportunity for your school community to bond and work together toward a common goal. 

12. Holiday Shop

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Set up a holiday shop for a festive and creative way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Set up a temporary store in your school, offering a variety of holiday-themed items for sale. These can include ornaments, decorations, gifts or even baked goods. 

Parents and students can shop for holiday items while supporting your school. To ensure a successful holiday shop, source unique and affordable products that appeal to your school community. This PTA fundraising idea can help bring holiday cheer to your school while generating revenue for your PTA or PTO initiatives. 

13. T-Shirt Sales

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Another excellent way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO is by selling custom-designed T-shirts. Collaborate with students and teachers to create a unique design that represents your school's spirit. Offer the T-shirts for sale to parents, students and school staff. 

This PTO fundraiser idea helps generate revenue and promotes school pride and unity. When choosing a design and T-shirt supplier, make sure to consider quality, comfort and affordability to ensure the best results. 

14. Custom Cookbook

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Creating and selling a custom cookbook is a unique and delicious way to support your PTA or PTO. Ask parents, teachers and students to contribute their favorite recipes, creating a collection that reflects your school community's diverse tastes and traditions. 

Organize the recipes into categories, such as appetizers, main dishes and desserts, making the cookbook user-friendly and enjoyable to use. Selling the custom cookbook to parents, teachers and community members is a great way to share cherished recipes while raising funds for your school. 

15. Discount Card Sales

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Raise money for your PTA or PTO by selling discount cards. This is a practical and profitable fundraiser. Partner with local businesses that agree to offer special discounts or deals to cardholders. The discount cards can be sold to parents, teachers, students and community members, providing them with valuable savings while supporting your school. 

This PTO fundraiser idea benefits both your school and the participating businesses, as it encourages people to shop and dine locally. When creating your discount card, make sure to include a variety of businesses and deals that appeal to a wide range of interests. 

16. Battle of the Bands

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Hard 

A battle of the bands event is an exciting way to showcase local musical talent while raising money for your school. To host this event, invite local bands to perform and compete against one another for a prize. 

Charge an entry fee for audience members and consider offering concessions or merchandise for sale to increase revenue. Have a panel of judges to determine the winner and encourage audience participation by allowing them to vote for their favorite band. 

17. Penny Wars

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A penny war is a fun and competitive PTA or PTO fundraiser. Set up jars or containers in each classroom or for each grade level, and have students, teachers and parents bring in pennies and other coins to fill the jars. The goal is to collect the most pennies, but participants can also add other coins and bills to other jars to "sabotage" the competition. 

At the end of the event, count the money in each jar and award a prize or recognition to the winning class or grade. This friendly competition can encourage everyone to get involved and support your school. 

18. Family Fun Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A family fun night is an entertaining way to bring your school community together and raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Plan a variety of activities, such as games, crafts and performances, that appeal to all ages. Charge a small admission fee or sell tickets for individual activities to generate revenue. 

To make the event even more special, consider choosing a theme, such as a decade or a favorite movie, and encourage attendees to dress up and participate in themed activities. A family fun night can help strengthen your school community while raising funds for important programs and initiatives. 

19. Sponsor-a-Teacher

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Sponsor-a-teacher is a unique and meaningful PTA fundraising idea. Invite parents, students and community members to sponsor a teacher by making a donation in their honor. 

The donations can be used to purchase classroom supplies, fund professional development or support other needs identified by the teacher. This fundraising idea not only raises money for your school, but also helps show appreciation and support for the hardworking educators who make a difference in the lives of your students. 

20. Schoolyard Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Looking for a practical and eco-friendly way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO? Organize a schoolyard sale. Encourage parents, teachers and students to donate gently used items, such as clothing, toys, books and household goods, to be sold at the event. Set up tables or booths on your school grounds and invite the community to shop for bargains while supporting your school. 

A schoolyard sale generates revenue and promotes recycling and reusing items within your school community. To make the event even more successful, consider offering refreshments or entertainment to attract more visitors and create a fun and lively atmosphere. 

21. Sports Tournament

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

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Another PTO fundraiser idea is to organize a sports tournament. It's a healthy and active way to raise funds. Choose a popular sport, like basketball, soccer or volleyball, and invite students, teachers and parents to form teams and compete against each other. 

Charge an entry fee for each team and offer prizes or recognition for the winning teams. A sports tournament not only promotes physical activity but also encourages teamwork and friendly competition within your school community. 

22. Flower Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A flower sale is a beautiful and fragrant PTA fundraising idea. Partner with a local florist or nursery to purchase flowers, such as potted plants, bouquets or individual stems, at a discounted price. Sell the flowers to parents, teachers and community members, generating revenue for your school while brightening up their homes and gardens. 

A flower sale can be especially successful around holidays, such as Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, when people are looking for thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. To ensure the best results, choose a variety of flowers that appeal to different tastes and budgets. 

23. Family Portrait Day

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A family portrait day is a creative and memorable way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Partner with a local photographer who is willing to donate their time and skills for the event. Offer professional portrait sessions to families, teachers and students at a discounted rate, with a portion of the proceeds going to your school. 

Family portrait day generates revenue and provides a valuable service to your school community, capturing precious memories that will last a lifetime. To make the event even more successful, consider offering a variety of packages and options, such as different backdrops or props, to cater to different preferences and budgets. 

24. Used Book Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A used book sale is an eco-friendly and educational PTO fundraiser idea. Collect gently used books from parents, teachers and students to be sold at the event. Set up tables or booths at your school or a community location and invite people to shop for affordable books while supporting your school. 

A used book sale not only generates revenue but also promotes a love of reading and learning within your school community. To make the event even more successful, consider offering a wide selection of books, including fiction, nonfiction and children's titles, to cater to various interests and reading levels. 

25. Spirit Wear Sales

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Many schools find that selling spirit wear is an excellent PTA fundraising idea that promotes school pride. Collaborate with a local company to create custom apparel, such as T-shirts, hoodies or hats, featuring your school's logo or mascot. Offer the spirit wear for sale to parents, teachers and students, generating revenue while encouraging them to show their support for your school. 

Spirit wear sales help to fund important programs and initiatives and foster a sense of unity and pride within your school community. To ensure the best results, offer a variety of items and sizes to accommodate different tastes and needs. 

26. Raffle Baskets

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Raffle baskets are a fun and exciting way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Ask parents, teachers and local businesses to donate items or services to be included in themed baskets, such as spa day, movie night or gourmet cooking. Sell raffle tickets to parents, teachers, students and community members, who will have a chance to win one of the baskets. 

Sell raffle baskets to generate revenue and showcase the generosity and support of your school community and local businesses. To make the event even more successful, consider offering a variety of baskets with different themes and values, appealing to a wide range of interests and budgets. 

27. Coin Drive

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A coin drive is a simple yet effective PTA fundraising idea. Encourage parents, teachers and students to collect and donate spare change over a set period, such as a week or a month. Designate containers or jars in classrooms, the school office, or other high-traffic areas, making it easy for people to contribute their coins. 

A coin drive not only generates revenue but also teaches children about the value of money and the power of collective effort. To make the event even more successful, consider setting friendly competitions between classrooms or grades to see who can collect the most coins. 

28. Candy Bar Sales

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Candy bar sales are a popular and tasty way to raise funds for your PTA or PTO. Purchase candy bars in bulk from a wholesaler or partner with a local candy company to supply the products at a discounted rate. Encourage parents, teachers and students to sell the candy bars to friends, family members and neighbors, generating revenue while satisfying their sweet tooth. 

Candy bar sales raise funds for important programs and initiatives and teach children valuable lessons in salesmanship and responsibility. To ensure the best results, offer a variety of candy options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. 

29. Garage Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A garage sale is an eco-friendly and community-focused PTO fundraiser idea. Ask parents, teachers and students to donate gently used items, such as clothing, toys or household goods, to be sold at the event. Set up tables or booths at your school or a community location and invite people to shop for affordable items while supporting your school. 

A garage sale can generate revenue plus promote recycling and reuse within your school community. To make the event even more successful, consider organizing sale items by category, making it easier for shoppers to find what they are looking for. 

30. Fun Run

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A fun run is a healthy and active PTA or PTO fundraiser idea. Organize a short-distance race, such as a one-mile or 5K event, and invite parents, teachers, students and community members to participate. Charge a registration fee for each runner and offer prizes or recognition for top finishers or participants who raise the most funds through sponsorships. 

A fun run promotes physical fitness and encourages teamwork and friendly competition within your school community. To make the event even more successful, consider incorporating fun elements, such as costumes, obstacles or themed races, to engage a wider audience and create a memorable experience. 

31. Direct Donation Campaign

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A direct donation campaign is one of the most straightforward and effective PTO fundraiser ideas. It simply encourages parents, teachers and community members to make one-time or recurring financial contributions directly to your school. 

Schools use this type of fundraising campaign to raise revenue and give supporters the opportunity to contribute without participating in a specific event or purchasing items. To make the campaign even more successful, consider providing suggested donation amounts and explaining how the funds will be used to support important programs and initiatives at your school. 

32. Corporate Sponsorships

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Securing corporate sponsorships is a powerful PTA fundraising idea. Reach out to local businesses and corporations, asking them to sponsor your school or specific events in exchange for advertising and recognition. 

Corporate sponsorships generate revenue and help build partnerships and connections between your school and the surrounding community. To make the most of these sponsorships, consider offering various sponsorship levels, allowing businesses to choose levels that align with their budgets and marketing goals. 

33. Restaurant Fundraiser Nights

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Partnering with local restaurants for fundraiser nights is a delicious and community-focused way to raise money for your PTA or PTO. Collaborate with nearby eateries to host a special night where a portion of the proceeds from meals sold is donated to your school. Promote the event to parents, teachers and community members, encouraging them to enjoy a meal out while supporting your school. 

Restaurant fundraiser nights not only generate revenue but also provide an opportunity for your school community to come together and socialize in a relaxed setting. To make the event even more successful, consider partnering with a variety of restaurants to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. 

34. Bingo Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Bingo night is a fun, interactive PTA fundraising idea where participants pay a small fee to play. People of all ages can enjoy this game, making it a perfect fit for a school fundraiser. During bingo night, players try to complete a pattern on their bingo cards by marking off numbers called out by a host. 

When a player completes the pattern, they shout "Bingo!" and win a prize. For a successful bingo night, consider providing small, fun prizes for the winners and offering refreshments for sale. 

35. Parents' Night Out

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Parents' night out offers parents a chance to enjoy an evening out while their children participate in supervised activities at school. This event  raises funds for the school and provides a valuable service for busy families. 

To make parents' night out a success, plan a variety of age-appropriate activities for the kids, such as games, crafts and movies. Charge a fee for each child attending and ensure there are enough volunteers to supervise and engage the children safely. 

36. Game Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Game night is a PTO fundraiser idea that promotes a fun and social atmosphere where people can play board games, card games or even video games. To host a game night, set up various gaming stations throughout your school's gym or cafeteria, making sure to have a wide selection of games for different age groups and interests. 

Charge an admission fee for participants and offer snacks and drinks for sale to increase revenue. To make game night more engaging, consider organizing tournaments or offering prizes for winners. 

37. Themed Gift Basket Auction

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A themed gift basket auction is an enjoyable way to raise money by auctioning off various gift baskets created by volunteers or donated by local businesses. To make this event successful, choose a variety of popular themes for the baskets, such as movie night, spa day or gourmet food. 

Display the baskets during a school event and have attendees place bids on their favorite ones. Make sure to promote the auction ahead of time to encourage participation and increase the number of bids. 

38. Community Yard Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A community yard sale is a large-scale garage sale that brings together multiple families or school groups to sell their unwanted items. This event is a great opportunity to raise funds while helping people declutter their homes. 

To organize a community yard sale, designate a specific area for the sale, such as the school's parking lot, and have participating families set up their own tables or booths. Charge a small fee for each booth and consider selling refreshments to increase revenue. 

39. Dance-a-thon

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A dance-a-thon is a lively PTO fundraiser idea where participants dance for an extended period, typically several hours, to raise money for the school. Participants collect pledges from friends and family members who agree to donate a certain amount for each hour they dance. 

To make the dance-a-thon more entertaining, hire a DJ or create a playlist with upbeat music, and consider offering prizes for the longest dancers or best dance moves. Encourage participants to wear comfortable clothes and bring water to stay hydrated. 

40. Recycling Drive

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A recycling drive is an eco-friendly fundraiser that encourages community members to recycle items such as electronics, bottles and cans while raising money for the school. Partner with a local recycling center that will pay for the collected items and set a specific date and time for the event. 

Promote the recycling drive by distributing flyers and posting on social media to inform people about the items that can be recycled and the benefits of participating. 

41. Karaoke Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Karaoke night is one of the most fun, interactive PTA fundraising ideas. People pay an admission fee to sing their favorite songs in front of an audience. This fundraiser can be held at the school or at a local venue that offers karaoke equipment. 

To make karaoke night more appealing, consider offering a selection of popular songs for participants to choose from, and provide a stage or spotlight for singers to perform. Encourage friendly competition by awarding prizes for categories like best performance or most enthusiastic singer. 

42. School Fundraising Software

The PTA or PTO is a vital part of any school community, and fundraising is an essential component of its efforts. By using school fundraising software like the platform offered by Vanco Payments, schools can boost PTA and PTO fundraiser revenue and streamline the donation process. The software enables PTAs and PTOs to create customized donation pages, set fundraising goals and track progress in real time. Donors can easily make online donations, and the software provides detailed reporting. 

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