Schools & PTAs

School Fundraising Ideas That Families Actually Enjoy

Mix quick digital campaigns with family-friendly events to keep momentum all year.

Fast, low-lift

  • 24-hour match for a classroom wish-list
  • Digital “why I love my school” peer-to-peer drive
  • Monthly donor club for parents & alumni with simple perks

Events families love

  • Read-a-thon with per-page pledges
  • STEM/Art night with ticket + sponsorship
  • Fun run or walk with class leaderboards
  • Talent show or showcase with suggested donations

Seasonal hits

  • Spring plant sale or fall pumpkin partnership
  • Holiday market with vendor fees
  • Teacher appreciation tribute gifts
  • Back-to-school supply drive (monetary for bulk buys)

Community partners

  • Restaurant give-back nights
  • Local business sponsorship of sports/arts
  • Employer match ask on every receipt
  • Alumni outreach with leaderboards

Sample annual calendar

Fall

  • Back-to-school wish-list drive (monetary; bulk buy supplies)
  • Fun run / walk with class goals and friendly competition
  • Restaurant give-back series (rotate partners monthly)

Winter

  • Holiday market with vendor fees + raffle
  • Talent show with family ticket bundles
  • 24-hour match to close a specific classroom need

Spring

  • Read-a-thon with per-page or per-hour pledges
  • STEM/Art night with sponsors underwriting materials
  • Plant sale or garden day with local nursery partner

Messaging you can copy

Launch CTA

“In 48 hours we’re funding every classroom wish-list item. $50 covers books for a whole reading group. A local donor is matching gifts 1:1—help us finish fast.”

Impact follow-up

“Because of you, 11 classrooms got new STEM kits this week. Here’s a 30-second video from Ms. Rivera’s class saying thanks.”

Recurring ask

“Join the PTA Champions Club at $15/month. Get quarterly updates, early event access, and see the projects you made possible.”

Metrics to track

  • Participation rate by class/grade
  • Average gift and fee coverage uptake
  • Conversion rate on mobile vs. desktop
  • Recurring sign-ups from parents/alumni
  • P2P performance: top fundraisers, average raised

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Set up pages in minutes, automate receipts, and see which ideas perform best—no spreadsheets.

School Fundraising Ideas | PTAs & Student Groups | Expirely