12 Quick PTA Fundraising Ideas (In-Person and Online)

Pandemic or not, our students need us. Maybe your PTA has additional funding requirements to support mental health, support teachers or enhance existing activities. Either way, there’s nothing like a good, quick fundraiser to support schools, teachers and students alike. We’ve all bitten off more than we can chew this year, so we’re keeping this list to ideas that can be implemented in a matter of hours, not days.

As things start to open up more in parts of the United States, and as nicer weather begins, we are looking forward to returning to some semblance of normalcy. That said, we realize that the COVID trends and cases are different state-to-state and even town-to-town. So, while some may be prepping for in-person PTA fundraisers, others may be on the virtual train for a little bit longer.

In-Person PTA Fundraising Ideas

1. Family Photos | If you have a photographer in your group or someone willing to donate their time, set up family photos for upcoming holidays, like Easter. What you charge will go directly back to the PTA.
2. Restaurant Partnerships | Restaurants and staff need help too, these days, and this one is a great way to help both. Get in touch with a local eating establishment that is willing to offer 10% or 15% of proceeds back to your PTA. Then, do your part to promote the event and get patrons in the door.
3. Teacher Free Throw Shootout | In this event, the PTA raises money with tickets and concessions. Gather a handful of teacher volunteers and anyone with school spirit to make this an exciting event. The band and others can perform at a pre-event pep rally. For the main event, set the clock for 60 seconds and see who can make the most free throws!
4. Parents Night Out | Let’s face it. Parents haven’t been getting out too much these days. And, the students are already used to being around one another during the day, so what’s one evening? Whether the parents actually choose to go out or enjoy a movie night at home without the kids, it will be fun for both parties.
5. Seedling Sale | This one requires a little work on behalf of the students, but the cost is just the price of seeds! Have students who are interested in gardening get tomato, squash, carrot, lettuce or any kind of seed you’d like. Work to start the seedlings and then sell them once they’re a little more hearty.
6. Friendly Field Day Competition | Field days have become the traditional end-of-year activities for schools. This year, set up an Olympics-style competition where each class is a team. Money can be raised with concessions, donations or a friendly wager on the winning team.

Virtual PTA Fundraising Ideas

1. Text-to-Give | The concept behind text-to-give is that it’s a fast, low-touch way for people to pool together small amounts to add up to something that matters.
2. Big Bike Challenge | As the weather warms up, have students collect pledges for the number of miles they are able to bike in a month. Donors can bid anywhere from $1 to $10 per mile and then the students just need to get pedaling!
3. Virtual Dance-a-Thon | Set up a Zoom call and your most amazing dance playlist for two hours of Friday night fun. Students promote the event beforehand, collecting pledges for each song they dance to. The key is to stay on the floor dancing with no breaks.
4. Virtual Paint Night | Paint nights have been all the rage for some time. Rather than going to a special business or facility, why not host this virtually? Participants can purchase everything they need in the paint night kit and the leader simply provides the instructions on a virtual meeting.
5. Online Cooking School | Ask the cafeteria staff or the best cooks in your group to provide their services by hosting a monthly cooking school session. Participants can purchase tickets to a single event or buy a punch pass to attend multiple events and learn many new recipes!
6. Virtual Movie Night | Sell movie night packs which include popcorn, candy, soda, and a school-themed blanket. Set up a Netflix Watch Party. This could be a recurring fundraiser with a different theme (i.e. 80’s or musicals) each week.

Check out our full Fundraising blog category for more tips and ideas.