Creative Fundraising Ideas for Your HSA/PTO

Beyond the bake sale

Bake sales are loved, but they are labor-intensive for the margin. Here are fundraisers that scale better for a small volunteer team.

Higher-margin favorites

• Fun run / read-a-thon — students collect pledges; low overhead, high engagement.
• Restaurant spirit nights — a local spot donates a percentage of one evening's sales.
• Corporate matching gifts — ask parents to submit employer matches; often doubles a gift.
• Used book sale — community-donated books keep cost of goods near zero.

Build community, not just income

The best fundraisers also strengthen the school community. A family event that raises less than a direct-ask campaign but builds relationships is often worth it — connected families volunteer and give again.

The one rule

Track every campaign's net (revenue minus hard costs and volunteer hours). Repeat what works; retire what doesn't.