5 tips for passive fundraising for your PTA
Image: Three women sitting at a table with laptops, talking.
1. Payroll giving
Payroll giving is a simple and tax-effective way for parents to give to your PTA on a one-off or regular basis. Anyone can join a payroll giving scheme if their pay or pension is taxed through PAYE and their employer offers it. As the payment comes out before income tax is taken off, donors are given tax relief on their donation immediately and at the highest rate, which essentially means your PTA receives more money than the parent gives.
Many organisations offer payroll giving, from large corporates to small family businesses, so spread the word and ask your community to check with their employer. However, most corporations will need your PTA to be a registered charity. If a supporter’s employer does offer the scheme, setting up a regular contribution is easy – all they have to do is complete a donor form for their payroll department.
2. Gift Aid
Gift Aid is an income tax relief that increases the value of cash donations from UK taxpayers by 25%. So for every £1 donated under Gift Aid, HMRC will give you an extra 25p! Plus, you can backdate four years’ worth of donations! You can claim Gift Aid even if you’re not registered with the Charity Commission, but you do have to register with HMRC. Eligible supporters will need to sign a declaration form confirming they are UK taxpayers, but aside from that it’s an easy way to get a little bit of extra funding for your association.
For step-by-step instructions on setting up Gift Aid, head to Your PTA Expert: go.parentkind.org/gift-aid
3. Match funding
Match funding is when a company pledges a sum of money relating to the amount their employee raises for a charity. If a good relationship is established between your PTA and the company, this could lead to even more opportunities such as sponsorships, gifts in kind (for raffles and auctions) or general donations. The best way to get started is by having conversations with your community and highlight the ways their employers can get involved.
4. Wish lists
Some people prefer to support a charity by purchasing items rather than giving money, so they know exactly how their contributions are making a difference. You can create public wish lists on websites such as Amazon, and the items will be delivered straight to a member of your PTA or the school. Alternatively, you can create a public document, perhaps on Google Docs, with items your PTA or school needs. Speak with the school first to make sure you’re only including things they truly need on the wish list, and that they’re okay to receive deliveries. Remember to share the impact that these items have had with your supporters to encourage more people to get involved.
5. Register to receive donations on eBay or Vinted
If you’re registered as a charity, you can receive a portion of the money an eBay or Vinted seller makes with every sale. It’s quick to set up, for both your PTA and the seller. The donations are deposited into your PTA’s account each month.
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