NYC School PTA Fundraising Gap Grows, Deepening Racial Disparities

A Gothamist investigation published November 2, 2026, found that New York City's school PTA fundraising inequality is growing and closely mirrors racial disparities across the school system. Parent associations citywide reported nearly $70 million in revenue and savings in the 2024-25 academic year, yet just 15 PTAs accounted for a third of that total. Manhattan schools posted the highest average PTA revenues, exceeding $200,000. On average, a white student benefited from $254 in PTA funding last year, compared to just $46.30 for a Black student — a gap of roughly $200. Schools serving predominantly white students outraised those serving mostly Black children by a 5-to-1 margin. The disparity creates a two-tiered school experience, with some schools able to fund enrichment programs, after-school activities, and support staff while others struggle to raise even a few hundred dollars. Researchers say the gap has widened since the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects deeper patterns of racial and economic segregation in the school system. The findings come as the Mamdani administration faces growing pressure to address segregation and inequality in city schools, and as a recent New York Times piece by journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones renewed public debate over long-standing disparities. Education experts warn that while PTAs serve as a lifeline for many schools, wide fundraising gaps can worsen existing inequality rather than offset it.