5 cosy fundraising ideas for chilly days

PTAs
30 October 2024
When the weather gets colder and you just want to curl up indoors, it isn’t always easy to muster up that fundraising spirit. We’ve put together some of our favourite cosy fundraisers that are perfect for autumn – grab your pumpkin-spiced latte and read on!

1. Hot soup & roll stand

Once you feel that chill in the air, there’s nothing as warming as a delicious bowl of soup, along with crusty bread to mop up the leftovers! This is a soup-er easy fundraiser, since you can make big batches of broth in advance. You can make the most of the season and opt for a comforting pumpkin soup, or keep the winter flu at bay with a chicken noodle soup. Alternatively, speak to a supermarket or local bakeries and restaurants about donating soups and breads to your fundraiser. Whatever you opt for, remember to consider food intolerances and allergies.

2. The ultimate hot chocolate stall

No room for boring hot chocolates here! We’re talking about the ultimate comfort drink with all the extras. Set up your stall on the playground, complete with thermos’ full of hot chocolate and recyclable disposable cups – you could give the children a discount if they bring their own reusable cup. Then it’s all about the toppings: squirty cream, marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles and flakes, cinnamon sugar – the possibilities are endless! 

3. Scarf, hats and gloves sale/​swap

It’s important to stay wrapped up in winter, so make sure no child in your community goes cold by selling pre-loved winter accessories. Everyone has an old beanie or pair of gloves lying around, so put out a request for donations and set up your stall. Or instead of selling individual items, make it a swap shop where children pay a small fee to exchange scarves, hats or gloves with their friends. 

4. Sponsored autumn walk

The leaves are turning brown and the days are growing shorter – but don’t let that stop you from exploring nature! A sponsored walk is the perfect motivator to get kids off the screens and on their feet. You could organise a communal event to raise funds as a collective, or have individual families do sponsored walks throughout half-term. Whether you travel to admire an area of natural beauty or take a simple stroll around the local park, make the most of the autumnal vibes whilst raising all-important funds for the PTA.

5. Family fun day in the woods 

Nature has so much to admire in the autumn: wild mushrooms start to crop up, different species of birds sing their songs and shiny brown conkers decorate the ground. A day out in the woods is a great opportunity for children to appreciate the natural world and enjoy activities together. From making art out of fallen leaves, getting creative with painting pine cones or toasting some s’mores around the fire pit for a classic camping experience, there’s so much to explore once you get outdoors!