How does a school fundraising platform work for PTAs and booster clubs?

CareToBid connects your school with an approved auctioneer who handles product sourcing, setup, and fulfillment. Your PTA or booster club just spreads the word. Parents bid on exciting items, and your school receives funds from bids, final prices, and donations. Most school fundraisers take only about 2 hours of volunteer time total.

What if our PTA has never run an online fundraiser before?

No experience needed. Our auctioneers guide PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs through every step. Most schools are up and running after a single meeting. The platform handles everything technical so volunteers can focus on spreading the word.

Is CareToBid really free for schools and PTAs?

Yes. CareToBid is 100% free for schools, PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs. There are no hidden fees, no platform charges, and no percentage taken from funds raised. Supporters can optionally tip the platform at checkout, but your school keeps everything raised.

Can our booster club have more control over the school fundraiser?

Absolutely. A volunteer can work closely with an auctioneer to source local donations from businesses. Or a parent volunteer can become an auctioneer themselves for full control over the fundraiser. Many PTAs and booster clubs start with an auctioneer and later run their own campaigns.

The Free School Fundraising Platform for PTAs & Booster Clubs

Raise more money with less volunteer burnout. No wrapping paper. No cookie dough. Just an engaging platform that parents actually want to participate in.

Start Your School Fundraiser

100% free for schools. No platform fees.

Parents and students at a school fundraising event

CareToBid is the free school fundraising platform designed for PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs. We connect your school with an auctioneer who handles everything—so your volunteers can focus on what matters most.

A Better Way for Schools to Fundraise

Sound Familiar to Your PTA or Booster Club?

Volunteers are exhausted from organizing traditional school fundraisers
Parents are tired of buying things they don't need
You're competing with every other school selling the same catalog products
Profit margins on product sales keep shrinking every year

How the School Fundraising Platform Works

Connect With an Auctioneer

We match your school with an approved auctioneer who handles all the logistics—product sourcing, auction setup, and fulfillment.

Spread the Word

Share with parents, teachers, and your school community. Our referral system rewards everyone who helps promote your auction.

Watch the Funds Roll In

Parents compete in exciting auctions. Your school receives funds from bids, final prices, and donations—often exceeding item retail values.

Why PTAs and Booster Clubs Choose CareToBid

Free for Schools

No upfront fees, no platform charges, no percentage taken from your school. Supporters can optionally tip the platform so your PTA keeps 100% of funds raised.

Less Time for Volunteers

Your auctioneer handles the heavy lifting. PTA and booster club volunteers just spread the word—no inventory, no order forms, no delivery logistics.

Parents Actually Enjoy It

The platform is fun and engaging. Parents participate because they want to, not because they feel obligated. Many come back for every school fundraiser.

Reach Beyond Your School Community

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends can participate from anywhere. Our referral system encourages everyone to invite their networks.

Items People Actually Want

Gift cards, electronics, experiences, and more—not another catalog of overpriced wrapping paper. Items that create genuine excitement and higher participation.

Built-In Engagement

Daily rewards, referral bonuses, and leaderboards keep parents coming back throughout your school fundraising campaign.

How Schools Use CareToBid

Schools across the country use our fundraising platform to fund the things that matter most to their students and communities.

Playground Equipment Technology & Computers Sports Programs Band & Music Field Trips Library Books Art Supplies Academic Clubs Teacher Appreciation Classroom Resources

Questions from PTAs & Booster Clubs

"How much volunteer time does a school fundraiser take?"

About 2 hours total for your PTA or booster club. The auctioneer handles product sourcing, setup, and fulfillment. Your volunteers just help spread the word to families.

"What if our PTA has never used an online fundraising platform?"

No experience needed. Our auctioneers guide PTAs, PTOs, and booster clubs through every step. Most schools are ready after a single meeting.

"Is CareToBid really free for schools?"

Yes. The platform is 100% free for schools, PTAs, and booster clubs. No hidden fees, no percentage taken. Supporters can optionally tip the platform at checkout.

"Can our booster club run the fundraiser ourselves?"

Absolutely. A volunteer can work with an auctioneer to source local donations, or become an auctioneer for full control. Many school groups start with an auctioneer and later run their own campaigns.

"We raised more in two weeks than we did all last year with catalog sales. And I didn't have to sort a single order form. This is how school fundraising should work."

Sarah M.

PTA President, Westbrook Elementary

The Platform Works for All School Groups:

PTA/PTO Organizations Booster Clubs Athletic Departments Band & Music Programs Academic Teams Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools

Start Your Free School Fundraiser Today

Get started in minutes. The platform is free for schools—no contracts, no commitments.

Find an Auctioneer for Your School

Want to run the platform yourself? Become an Auctioneer

Have questions? Learn more about how it works