School Fundraising During COVID — Is It Possible?

Remember when deciding on the theme for the school’s silent auction was your biggest worry? Ah, 2019 – I miss you.

So many things have changed and while we are all taking a much-needed break from distance learning. I know our admins are hard at work planning for what the Fall might look like. From sneeze guards and alternate days to lunch in classrooms and more distance learning (I know – I can’t either!), I’ve heard it all.

I don’t know what it will look like, but I do know there will be major changes that affect budgets. And I think that it will be more important than ever to think about how your PTO/PTA can make school fundraising during COVID a success this year.

Children participating in a school fundraising event at an elementary school during covid 19

What Will Fundraisers Look Like this Year?

Some of the most successful PTO Fundraisers are special occasions centered around bringing parents, kids and the community together for an event.

A live auction.
A silent auction (or a Chinese auction!)
A carnival.
A fun run.
A spaghetti dinner.
A penny war.
A food truck or car wash fundraiser.

There are so many fun events that raise money for PTO.

But how can you do large in-person events during a pandemic?! Is school fundraising even possible during COVID?

Aside from being a room mom and on the PTO board, my full time job is to bring meetings and conventions to my city and hotel. I’ve been planning, promoting and marketing large events for over twenty years — until COVID 19.

Events, including our PTO/PTA events, have stopped for the time being. They will resume, but they will most likely look very different in the next year with limited attendance and increased restrictions.

While we don’t know exactly what the event restrictions will look like, we do know the need for fundraising will be the same if not greater. Below are TWO online fundraising solutions that can help add to or replace your existing event next year:

Option #1: Run an Online Auction

If you can’t have your traditional live or silent auction event, an online auction is a great option.

How It Works

Partner with an online auction company to set up your site and custom URL (like, BidOnOurSchool.com) which helps with marketing. Utilize your volunteer base to ask for items and sponsorships as usual.

Set a timeframe to advertise and open the auction (usually 3-5 days) and end date and time (weekend/night when most parents can be available). Set a few days post auction for item pickup at school.

For an online platform, I recommend Neofill to anyone and everyone looking to set up a first time online auction. They primarily run auctions for large tv and radio stations but they love to help PTOs and charities. I’ve run over twenty online auctions through Neofill because of their professionalism, sites, pricing model and super helpful staff. This platform is perfect for school fundraising during COVID.

Benefits of an Online Auction during COVID

1. No Upfront Cost

You aren’t paying for food, event space, or entertainment so nearly all of the money you raise, will remain with the PTO. Some auction companies keep a percentage of the total amount raised while some charge an annual fee. I like the percentage option so there is no upfront cost.

2. Unlimited Attendance

You can share the web address to everyone you know — near and far. More eyes on the items = more bidding = more revenue. Win, win, win!

3. Sponsorship Revenue

If a lot of your live/silent auction revenue in the past has come from sponsorship in the past, online auctions can easily support this model. Online banners and email sponsorships can be sold in place of at-event signage.

Sponsors and item donors love online auctions because more people see their items and descriptions. You can also offer sponsors a list of email addresses of the bidders to follow up with after the auction is over and help them expand their internal marketing reach.

4. You Can Safely Bid in Your Pajamas

School fundraising during COVID does have it’s perks. 😉 Many will miss the event, but I’ve seen the bidding for a classroom art project keep going on until way past midnight. And it’s so much more comfortable to bid in PJs than heels!

BIG NEWS: You can now host a pledge drive or read-a-thon style fundraiser for FREE using 99Pledges!
Not sure how to be a great room mom during the pandemic? Get all the resources and email templates in our Ultimate Guide to Room Parenting during COVID
No Room Parenting Program at your school? Learn how to start a room mom program from scratch!

Option #2: Online Direct Drive

If you can’t have your traditional carnival or dinner to fundraise, a direct drive could be an option. A direct drive runs like the old American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart or “Read-A-Thon”. Kids pledge do activities like reading, jumping or running. Friends and family sponsor them. Kids win prizes. PTO raises money.