School Fundraisers
PTA Virtual Fundraising: 10 Ideas That Raise Real Money

PTA Virtual Fundraising: 10 Ideas That Raise Real Money

Running a fundraiser entirely online isn’t a backup plan anymore. For a lot of PTAs, it’s the smarter plan. No venue to book, no weather to worry about, no families who can’t make it because of work or a conflict on the calendar.

The strongest virtual PTA fundraisers share three things: a specific dollar goal, a clear deadline, and a payment link that’s easy to find and easy to use. This post covers 10 virtual PTA fundraiser ideas, from simple donation campaigns to ticketed events, plus practical guidance on running an online PTA fundraiser and collecting payments without the usual friction.

For a broader look at PTA fundraising options including in-person formats, see our PTA fundraising ideas guide.

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10 Best PTO and PTA Fundraising Platforms (2026)

10 Best PTO and PTA Fundraising Platforms (2026)

This guide is for PTA and PTO leaders comparing fundraising platforms before making a decision.

Picking a fundraising platform should take an afternoon, not a semester. But with dozens of options out there, most PTA and PTO leaders end up doing one of two things: choosing whatever a predecessor used or going with whichever platform they heard about at a conference.

Neither approach is wrong. But if you’re setting up your group for a new year, or switching away from something that’s been driving you (and parents) a little crazy, it helps to have a real comparison.

We reviewed the field of PTA and PTO fundraising companies and narrowed it to the 10 that make sense for PTA and PTO operations. Not generic school software. Not platforms built for large nonprofits. The ones parents and volunteers are using to run fundraisers, collect dues, sell spirit wear, and get paid without chasing anyone down.

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PTA Fundraising Letter Templates: Kickoff, Reminder, and Thank-You

PTA Fundraising Letter Templates: Kickoff, Reminder, and Thank-You

Your fundraiser is set. The goal is in place. Now you need families to show up for the campaign. A well-written PTA fundraising letter is what makes that happen.
The templates below are ready to customize. Swap in your school name, your goal, and your dates. Then send.
If you’re still deciding on your fundraiser format, the PTA fundraising ideas guide covers your options from top to bottom. But if you’re already in motion, start here.
The best letters are short, specific, and personal. Families don’t need a history of your PTA. They need to know what you’re raising money for, how much you’re asking for, and where to go to give.

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PTA Fundraising Ideas: 20+ Ways to Raise More Money (2026)

PTA Fundraising Ideas: 20+ Ways to Raise More Money (2026)

Most guides to PTA fundraising give you a list. This one gives you a plan. Your committee has limited time, limited volunteers, and a real revenue goal to hit.
The ideas here are organized by how much effort they take, so you can find what fits your situation and skip what doesn’t. It also covers what’s working in 2026, how to pick the right PTA fundraising ideas for your school type, and how to collect money online to make it easy for parents and volunteers.The right fundraiser depends on how much time and volunteer capacity your PTA has. These ideas are organized by effort level so you can find what fits your situation, not just what sounds good on paper. Looking for easy PTA fundraising ideas? These are low lift to set up and fast to launch. They work well when your committee is stretched thin or when you need to raise money between bigger campaigns.

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Fall Activities for Preschoolers: 20+ Classroom and Outdoor Ideas for Ages 3–5

Fall Activities for Preschoolers: 20+ Classroom and Outdoor Ideas for Ages 3–5

Fall is one of the easiest seasons to make exciting for preschoolers. The colors, the textures, the smells. But if you are a teacher building out a fall lesson plan or a parent trying to fill a few October afternoons, the challenge is finding fall activities for preschoolers that are achievable for ages 3 to 5.
Preschoolers do not need elaborate activities. They need interesting materials, a little space, and permission to explore. Everything on this list is designed with that in mind.
Classroom autumn and fall activities work best when they tie into something kids are already learning. Counting, sorting, color recognition, and fine motor skills all have natural fall connections. Here are seven ideas that pull double duty as both fun and educational.

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Preschool Fall Festival Ideas: Games, Activities, and Booth Ideas for Little Learners

Preschool Fall Festival Ideas: Games, Activities, and Booth Ideas for Little Learners

Fall festivals are one of the best events on the preschool calendar. Kids arrive in their coziest outfits, teachers get to see big personalities light up, and the whole school community comes together in the best way. But planning a festival for 3- to 5-year-olds takes a different approach than planning one for older kids. The games need to be simpler. The booths need to be sensory-friendly. And the whole thing should feel like pure fun, not competition.
This guide covers age-appropriate games, booth ideas, fundraising tips, and practical planning advice for teachers and parent volunteers running a preschool fall festival this season.
Preschoolers are in a sweet spot for fall festivals. They love sensory experiences, simple repetitive activities, and the excitement of something that feels special. A well-designed festival gives them exactly that, without the pressure of rules they can’t follow or wait times that are too long.
The key is keeping expectations age-appropriate. Most kids ages 3 to 5 are not ready for elimination games, complex instructions, or long lines. But give them a pile of leaves to jump into or a pumpkin to decorate, and you will have their full attention.

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