One of the biggest challenges in school fundraising is finding ways to raise money without leaving students out. For many families, traditional donations or pricey ticketed events just aren’t in the budget. And when that happens, kids can miss out on the fun — and the pride of knowing they’ve contributed.

By mixing low-cost entry points with optional upgrades, pledge models, and creative partnerships, you can raise the funds your school needs while making sure all kids can join in.

1. Keep Entry Fees Accessible

High ticket prices often discourage families from attending school events, especially with multiple children. Instead of relying solely on tickets as your main revenue source, think about scaling entry costs to be more family-friendly. Charging a small amount — just $1 to $5 per child — is more  manageable, while still adding up quickly when participation is high.

Another smart option is offering tiered pricing: charge students a discounted rate, but keep the regular ticket price for extended family, neighbors, or community members who attend. That way, kids don’t miss out because of financial strain, and the broader community still raises  large funds.

2. Offer Upgrade Bundles

Optional “add-ons” are a great way to give families flexibility. For example, parents who want to contribute more can choose upgrades like:

• VIP seating at performances or assemblies

• Glow packs for dances or fun runs

• Gourmet snack kits

These extras make kids feel special, while families who prefer to stick with the base cost can still participate fully. It’s a win-win: the event feels accessible for everyone, and the PTO  gets a meaningful boost in funds from those who opt in.

3. Try Pledge-Based Fundraising

Walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, jump rope challenges, and sing-a-thons are classic fundraisers because they’re both fun and competitive. Instead of asking for flat donations, students collect pledges tied to their effort.

This format allows every student to participate, regardless of their family’s ability to give. The emphasis is on dedication, and even small pledges multiply quickly across a school community. Plus, pledge events often have the side benefit of promoting healthy habits like exercise, literacy, and creativity.

For a modernized take on this classic fundraiser, Screen-Free Pledge
Students collect donations in exchange for pledging to stay off screens (whether that’s phones, tablets, apps, TV, or games) for a set number of hours or days. It’s a tech detox that promotes mindfulness, family time, and focus, while raising funds for a great cause.

4. Keep Concessions Simple

Snacks can be one of the easiest ways to bring in extra funds at events. Keep it low-cost and easy to prep, so volunteers don’t burn out. Popular, fast, and budget-friendly options include:

• Fresh popcorn (machine rentals are affordable and reusable year after year)

• Hot cocoa or lemonade depending on the season

• Donated baked goods from families or local bakeries

• Sheets of cereal treats with festive sprinkles

5. Add a Raffle or Silent Auction

Raffles and auctions remain crowd favorites because they create excitement and offer tangible rewards. They also scale easily depending on the size of your event. A few tips for success:

• Ask local businesses for donated gift cards, services, or experiences.

• Bundle smaller items into themed baskets (e.g., movie night, family game night, spa day).

• Target heart strings and funny bones. We've seen huge sums raised for "class pet scholarships" and  toilet paper during the pandemic!

6. Partner With Give-Back Vendors

Give-back programs allow families to support your school without extra spending. Many companies offer a percentage of sales back to nonprofits. 

Companies like Mabel’s Labels, Minted, or local restaurants often share proceeds from purchases when families mention the school. These partnerships cost nothing up front, and provide passive income all year. Just remember to  promote them regularly in newsletters, on your PTO  website, and at events.

7. Make Giving Digital

Not every supporter can make it to in-person events, but that doesn’t mean they can’t contribute. By offering digital giving options, you make it simple for families, alumni, and community members to support your school:

• Text-to-give links for quick mobile donations

• QR codes on school signs or in the bulletin

• Virtual “tip jars” during live streams of performances, assemblies, or talent shows

Digital giving lowers barriers for busy families and extends your fundraising reach beyond just those in the gym or cafeteria that night.

8. Match Volunteering Hours

Don't forget how valuable time is! Many companies now offer “volunteer grants” or matching programs, where they donate money to a nonprofit (like your PTO!) for every hour an employee volunteers. That means when parents, grandparents, or guardians pitch in at an event, their employer might contribute funds as well. It’s an easy way to boost fundraising without asking families for extra dollars.

• Encourage volunteers to check with their HR department about volunteer match programs.

• Share a quick FAQ or reminder in school  newsletters.

• Keep a log of volunteer hours to make reporting easy for families who want to claim the match.

These hidden opportunities can add up to  thousands of dollars over the course of a school year.

9. Bundle Fundraising Ideas

If you’re already hosting an event, maximize its potential by bundling fundraising activities. For example:

• Host a bingo night and add a bake sale + raffle alongside it.

• Pair a school concert with VIP seating upgrades + concessions.

• Combine a family fun run with pledge fundraising + a live stream of the finish line.

By layering small fundraisers, you create a festive, high-energy atmosphere while multiplying your revenue streams, all without planning separate events.

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We’ve compiled 62 simple but high-impact fundraising ideas to help you engage your school community and hit fundraising (stretch!) goals. Read  "62 School Fundraisers When Time And Budgets Are Tight " >