25 Brilliant Fundraising Ideas for Schools and PTAs

25 Brilliant Fundraising Ideas for Schools and PTAs

Raising funds for schools and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) can be a fun and rewarding way to bring communities together while supporting vital educational initiatives. Whether you’re funding new playground equipment, school trips, or creative classroom resources, these 25 fundraising ideas will inspire and motivate everyone involved.

1. Amazon Wish List

Create an Amazon Wish List of items the school needs. Share the link with parents and the local community, allowing them to purchase directly and support the school effortlessly.

2. Sponsored Walk or Run

Organise a sponsored walk, run, or bike ride where students, teachers, and parents collect sponsorships for completing a set distance.

3. School Fayre

Host a seasonal school fayre, like a summer or Christmas market, with stalls, games, and local vendors. Charge for entry and table space. (See my other blog about raffle alternatives for great stall ideas)

4. Bake Sale

Encourage families to bake and donate cakes or biscuits, then sell them at school events or during breaks.

5. Raffle

Gather prizes from local businesses and run a raffle at an event or online. Ensure you adhere to local lottery regulations.

6. Non-Uniform Day

Charge students a small fee to come to school in their own clothes or themed costumes for the day.

7. Quiz Night

Organise a family-friendly quiz night at the school or a local venue. Include an entry fee and a prize for the winning team.

8. Second-Hand Uniform Sale

Collect and sell pre-loved school uniforms at affordable prices to help parents while raising funds.

9. Talent Show

Host a talent show featuring students, teachers, and parents. Charge for admission and include refreshments for sale.

10. Car Boot Sale

Invite the community to sell their unwanted items in the school car park. Charge a fee for each car entry.

11. Read-a-thon

Encourage students to read as many books as they can in a set time and collect sponsorships from family and friends.

12. Community Sponsorship

Partner with local businesses to sponsor events or provide resources in exchange for advertising.

13. Penny Jar Challenge

Set up jars in each classroom and challenge students to fill them with spare change. The class that collects the most wins a prize.

14. Movie Night

Transform the school hall into a cinema and screen a family-friendly film. Sell tickets and popcorn.

15. Plant Sale

Have students grow plants from seeds and sell them at a market or event.

16. Seasonal Crafts

Students can make crafts, such as Christmas decorations or Mother’s Day gifts, to sell to parents.

17. Treasure Hunt

Organise a treasure hunt around the school or local area. Charge an entry fee and offer a prize for the winner.

18. 50/50 Raffle

Participants buy tickets, and half the proceeds go to the school while the other half is a cash prize for the winner.

19. Book Sale

Collect second-hand books and sell them at a school event or online.

20. Sponsored Silence

Challenge students to stay silent for a set amount of time and collect sponsorships for their effort.

21. Photo Day

Hire a photographer to take family or individual portraits. Offer photo packages and donate a portion of the proceeds.

22. School Disco

Host a themed disco for different age groups. Charge an entry fee and sell snacks.

23. Auction of Promises

Ask parents, staff, and community members to donate services or promises, like babysitting or gardening, to auction off.

24. Birthday Board

Create a birthday board or calendar where parents can pay to have their child’s birthday celebrated in a unique way, like a mention in assembly.

25. Recycle and Raise

Collect items like clothing, ink cartridges, or electronics for recycling schemes that offer cash for donations.

With these 25 ideas, schools and PTAs have a diverse range of ways to engage their communities and raise essential funds. Whether it’s through big events or simple initiatives, every effort helps create a richer, more vibrant learning environment for students.