Ten Hot PTA Fundraising Ideas

A Parent Teachers Association (PTA) is a formal organization of parents, teachers and school staff who prides itself on being an advocate for the education, health and the overall well-being of all students. One of its key roles is to foster a closer relationship between home and school. The PTA is not exclusive; it is open to any parent that has interest of the children at heart. The PTA is a non-profit organization predominantly staffed by volunteers, so fundraisers are necessary to generate income.

The age of the boring old popcorn sales fundraiser are over. People are in need of new and inventive PTA fundraising ideas. But parents have a lot on their schedule, so PTA fundraisers must not require too much of their time. Let’s explore some of these revamped possibilities so we can raise funds for our children and their schools.

1. Tupperware Party – This a social gathering where Tupperware products are offered for sale, and the organization receives a percentage of the sales (typically in the 40% range). This is an ideal PTA Fundraising Idea because it automatically supplies an existing demand. Most, if not all, parents use Tupperware in their homes. If they can buy what they need while supporting their children’s school then it is a win for all. Tupperware.com allows you to host an online party. Talk about easy!
2. Morning Coffee Sale – Many of us have a morning coffee habit; we just can’t seem to start the day without it. Why not capitalize on this by hosting a morning coffee sale at the drop-off point outside the school. Alert parents of the sale so instead of stopping by
   their favorite coffee shop they’ll wait and get it from the school. Put up signs to remind them. Want to get creative? Espresso, Cappuccino and Iced Latte… variety is the spice of life, have something for everyone.
3. Beauty Day – Every mother deserves some pampering from time to time. Facials, manicures and pedicures should be a regular part of our regimen, don’t you agree? However between juggling work and the kids, we tend to neglect ourselves. Why not host a Beauty Day in the school auditorium and charge a fee? Ask parents who are registered cosmetologists to possibly volunteer their services. This effort doesn’t have to be limited to mothers only, invite the fathers and grandparents as well. Trust us, people will treat themselves in the name of a good cause.
4. Consequence Money Jar – The money jar is an old tradition, and many homes have them. Placing money in the jar is usually as a consequence for some wrongdoing. Implement a similar system at your school gate. The charge can be for many things, for instance parents dropping off kids late. This will definitely raise some funds for the PTA and it will also encourage parents to be on time.
5. Back to School Supply Sale – Other than the Christmas holidays, back to school is one of the busiest seasons for retailers. Why not capitalize from this? Host a Back to School Sale a few weeks before school re-opens. Most schools already create a list of supplies for parents to buy. You can take it a step further by contacting merchants to attain the items at a discounted rate and resell them. If parents know part of the profits are going back to the school, they’ll likely skip the stores and go straight to you.
6. Seasonal Parties – It’s hard for kids not to get excited when there is a holiday. Parents are usually forced to follow suit. As long as you’re going to celebrate the occasion, might as well put your efforts toward a fundraiser. Have a Halloween Haunted House or Easter Egg Hunt at your school. This type of PTA Fundraiser can not only generates profits, but is fun and will also build school morale.
7. Silent Auction – A silent auction is an auction where goods and/or services are offered for sale. People write down their bid on a piece of paper, and the item is sold to the highest bidder. The PTA members can solicit items from parents, teachers, volunteers and local businesses. If you want, you can even select a category – such as furniture, clothes or art – to be donated. Arrange a suitable date and let the bidding begin. Another option would be to use an online silent auction service.
8. Movie Night – A movie night is a great idea for a PTA Fundraiser. It may be hosted at the school in the Audio Visual room or the gymnasium. Charge a cover fee and offer popcorn, snacks and beverages for sale. Another possibility is hosting a Movie Night at the local theater. See what fundraising options the theater has. Many will offer the option of giving you a percentage of all ticket sales for a particular movie on a certain night, or if the school’s name is mentioned.
9. Mothers/Fathers/Valentine’s Day Sale – Art & Craft teachers can encourage students to make items specifically for these days. Cards, coffee mugs, picture frames and bookmarks are all good ideas. Sell these to parents and teachers for a profit. A PTA Fundraiser like this will be fun for the kids and can be quite inexpensive to run.
10. School Apparel Sale – Print the school logo or mascot on t-shirts and caps and offer them for sale at weekly games. Noise makers and banners are great for sale as well. All schools have a basketball, football or track team. Try printing apparel specific to that team and selling it at their events. The PTA can profit from this idea, and it will boost team spirit as well.

The PTA is considered the backbone of many schools. They work to benefit both teachers and students. The PTA is a non-profit organization; therefore fundraising is vital to finance their many programs and projects. These PTA fundraisers should be profitable, fun, relatively easy and should promote community spirit. These ten ideas should cover all of those categories!