For every PTA leader, the annual fundraising question looms large. You need to raise crucial funds for field trips, classroom technology, and arts programs, but you want to do it efficiently and with community support. Navigating the world of PTA fundraising companies can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise, comparing different types of partners—from national platforms to local corporate allies—to help you find the perfect match for your school’s goals and volunteer capacity.
- Snap Raise
- Double Good Popcorn
- Krispy Kreme
- Texas Roadhouse
- Scholastic Book Fairs
- FlipGive
- Boosterthon
For many modern PTAs, the first stop is a dedicated online platform. These tools move beyond simple payment collection to become a hub for your entire campaign.
Schoolfundr and FutureFund are two prominent examples built specifically for school groups. Their biggest draw is a fee structure designed for nonprofits: they charge no platform fees, allowing you to keep 100% of what you raise, minus standard credit card processing costs. They simplify creating campaign pages, sharing them with your community, and tracking donations in real time.
Another standout is Cheddar Up, recognized by National PTA for its versatility. It excels at handling more than just donations. PTAs use it to collect forms and payments for events, manage spirit wear stores, and run enrichment program registrations—all from one place. A major plus for parents is its simplicity; they can pay without needing to download an app or create yet another account.
Think about it this way: If your PTA juggles multiple collections (dues, event tickets, merchandise), a versatile platform like Cheddar Up might be ideal. If your focus is running a single, powerful campaign like a walkathon, Schoolfundr or FutureFund’s targeted approach could be a better fit.
Tried-and-True Product & Event Fundraisers
While digital platforms manage the “how,” other companies provide the “what”—the actual products or event frameworks that get your community excited.
National companies like Great American Opportunities and Innisbrook (known for gift wrap and specialty items) have long histories with schools. They provide the products, sales materials, and prize incentives for students. Similarly, shoe drive fundraisers partner with organizations like Funds2Orgs. They send you free collection kits, and you earn money based on the number of gently worn shoes your community donates—a great eco-friendly option.
For event-based fundraising, don’t overlook local businesses. Many restaurants, from Chipotle to Panera Bread, have formal programs where a portion of sales from a specific night benefits your school. Others, like Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or Molly’s Cupcakes, may donate gift cards or food for auction baskets. These partnerships turn a community night out into direct funds for your PTA.
Matching Your Fundraiser to Your Community
Tapping into Corporate Giving Programs
One of the most overlooked sources of funding isn’t a fundraiser at all—it’s corporate giving programs. Major employers like Google, Bank of America, and General Electric offer matching gift programs where they double (or sometimes triple) donations their employees make to nonprofits like PTAs. The process is often simple for the donor but can mean hundreds of extra dollars from a single family.
Beyond matching gifts, companies offer volunteer grants (like Google’s $50 grant for every 5 hours an employee volunteers) and in-kind donations of supplies. Office supply companies like Staples and BIC have donation programs for nonprofits, which could help you secure materials for a teacher appreciation week or a back-to-school event.
Pro Tip: Always include a note in your fundraising appeals: “Check if your employer offers a matching gift program to double your impact!” A dedicated volunteer can also research the major employers in your community and provide employees with direct links to their company’s matching gift portal.
How to Choose Your Partner: Key Questions to Ask
Before you sign up, ask these questions to avoid surprises and ensure success:
- What are the real costs? Get the full fee breakdown. Is there a flat fee, a percentage of funds raised, or just credit card processing? Are there hidden costs for shipping, materials, or minimum orders?
- What support do you provide? Do they offer ready-made flyers, social media graphics, or email templates? Is there a dedicated account representative or just a general help desk?
- How do you handle money? When does the PTA receive the funds? Is it after the campaign ends, or on a rolling basis? What financial reporting do you provide to help our treasurer?
- Can you share success stories? Ask for examples from similar-sized schools. How much did they raise, and what was their strategy?
Your Action Plan for Fundraising Success
Finding the right partner is just the first step. A successful campaign needs a solid plan.
- Define Your Goal & Story: Be specific. “We need $5,000 to buy 10 new microscopes for the 5th-grade science lab” is more compelling than “raising money for the school.”
- Assemble Your Team: Assign clear roles—who will manage the company liaison, create promotional content, and track donations?
- Promote with Passion: Use the company’s tools, but put your PTA’s voice front and center. Share updates, thank donors publicly, and show the progress toward your goal.
- Say Thank You & Report Back: Always close the loop. Thank everyone, especially your volunteers. Show how the funds were used—a photo of students using those new microscopes is the best way to build trust for next year.
The best PTA fundraising company doesn’t just process transactions; it amplifies your effort, engages your community, and respects your budget. By understanding the landscape—from tech platforms to corporate partners—you can move forward with confidence and choose the ally that will help turn your school’s needs into a funded reality.
What has been your PTA’s most successful fundraising partnership? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below to help fellow leaders in our community