Top PTA Fund Raising Ideas

What PTAs do and why fundraising matters

PTAs help bridge the gap between homes and schools. Many also take on fundraising, though this varies considerably between schools. Some have no PTA at all, while others rely heavily on parent volunteers to bring in extra money. Where PTAs do fundraise, the cash typically goes towards items outside the regular school budget: playground equipment, books, computers, art materials and similar extras that make a real difference to children's daily experience.

PTA volunteers meet throughout the year to plan events and come up with ways to bring in funds. Some activities often become annual traditions, like the Christmas fair or summer fete. Others pop up as one-off ideas when committee members spot an opportunity or want to try something fresh.

Fundraising options range from sponsored reads to full-scale fairs, from second-hand uniform sales to quiz nights for grown-ups. What works best will depend on your school community, the time volunteers have available, and what has gone down well in the past.

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Straightforward ideas that work well

Some of the most reliable fundraising methods are also the simplest to organise. These tend to need less volunteer time and can often be repeated throughout the year.

• School discos remain popular because children enjoy them, parents get a free evening, and ticket sales plus a tuck shop can raise decent sums without much outlay. A hall, a playlist and some supervision covers most of what you need.
• Second-hand uniform sales help families save money while raising funds. Most parents have outgrown items sitting in wardrobes. Holding sales at the start of term or after growth spurts in spring tends to work well.
• Cake sales near the school gate at pick-up time are quick to arrange and popular with children. A table, some donated cakes and a suggested donation is all it takes.
• Non-uniform days let children pay a pound or two to wear their own clothes. Simple to run with minimal admin.
• Car boot sales in the school car park can work well during warmer months. The PTA charges for pitches and runs a refreshment stand.

Class teas offer another low-effort option. Each class takes a turn hosting, with families bringing in food to share. A small entry fee or donation covers the PTA's costs, with any extra going into the fund. These gatherings also help parents get to know each other, which can lead to more volunteers stepping forward and stronger support for future events.

Easy fundraising schemes run by external organisations can supplement event-based efforts. Platforms like Easyfundraising allow parents to generate donations through their regular online shopping at no extra cost to themselves. The PTA simply registers and shares the link with families. The amounts can add up over time, though results vary depending on how many families sign up and use the scheme regularly.

Virtual fundraisers have also grown in popularity. Online quiz nights, digital auctions through platforms designed for charity fundraising, and crowdfunding for specific projects can all bring in money without requiring a physical venue or large volunteer team on the day.

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Bigger events that need more planning

Annual fairs and fetes remain the backbone of PTA fundraising at many schools. A summer fete or Christmas fair can bring in a significant portion of the year's total, but they demand considerable organisation.

Planning typically starts months ahead. Volunteers need to book stalls, arrange entertainment, source prizes for tombolas and raffles, coordinate food provision, organise float money, and manage setup and cleanup on the day. Many PTAs find it helpful to keep detailed notes from previous years so the same ground does not need covering from scratch each time.

Raffles and auctions can form part of a larger event or stand alone. Local businesses may donate prizes in exchange for publicity. A hamper raffle at Christmas or an auction of promises, where people offer services like gardening or baking, can work well. Licensing rules apply to some types of lottery and raffle, and the Gambling Commission website has guidance on what small society lotteries can and cannot do. Certain events may also require a temporary event notice from your local council, and data protection rules apply when collecting contact details for ticket sales or donations.

Sponsored events encourage children to take part directly. Sponsored walks, reads, silences or sports activities let pupils feel involved in raising money for their school. Parents and relatives sponsor them per lap, book or hour, and the sense of achievement tends to boost participation.

Quiz nights aimed at adults offer a social evening while raising funds through entry fees, a bar and perhaps a raffle. These need a venue, a quizmaster and enough volunteers to handle the logistics, but they can become popular annual fixtures.

Making it manageable

Volunteers' time is limited, and burnout is a genuine risk when the same small group does everything. Spreading tasks across more people helps, whether through a formal rota, asking for help with specific jobs rather than general appeals, or publicly thanking those who contribute so others see their efforts recognised. Being realistic about how many events to attempt in a year matters too. Two or three well-run activities may raise more and cause less stress than a packed calendar that stretches everyone thin.

The current cost of living pressures mean some families have less to spare for donations or event tickets. Keeping entry costs low, offering free activities alongside paid ones, and avoiding too many requests in quick succession can help maintain goodwill.

Good communication matters. Letting parents know what the money will be used for tends to increase willingness to contribute. A simple update in the school newsletter showing what previous fundraising has bought can make the connection between effort and outcome feel real.

For PTAs that want support or fresh ideas, Parentkind is the main membership body for parent teacher associations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They offer resources, insurance options and advice on running events. In Scotland, Connect performs a similar role. Both organisations have websites with practical guidance for volunteers at all stages.

Straightforward fundraising efforts can still be surprisingly effective and often foster community spirit. The familiar, repeatable activities tend to bring in steady amounts year after year, while the occasional bigger event adds variety and brings people together.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Working Parent Support Checker lets you see what financial support a working parent could be entitled to, from free childcare hours and tax-free childcare to Child Benefit and Universal Credit help. Try it now →