How to run fundraising events with fewer volunteers

PTAs Fundraising
18 September 2024
If you’re finding it a challenge to get volunteers for your events, here are some ways you can raise money for your school with fewer hands on deck.

1. Change tack

There’s nothing wrong with changing your plans if you anticipate not having enough volunteers for a particular event, especially if that means you won’t have to cancel it completely. Would amending the day or time make a difference? Combining events? Holding multiple, smaller events rather than one big one? Limiting the number of tickets you sell? Perhaps some activities could be online rather than in-person? It’s always worth having a few plan Bs (or even plan Cs) in your back pocket, just in case. 

2. Hit the socials

Most people check social media every day, so try and use it as much as possible. If you don’t have any social media accounts for your PTA, create some – at the very least set up a group on Facebook. You can then use it spread awareness and for a host of money-making initiatives such as competitions, challenges, online raffles and auctions, as well as to connect with local businesses for sponsorships, prizes and discounts. 

3. Head to auction

If you struggle to get enough volunteers to help out at pre-loved stalls, how about selling online instead? You could share items on social media for your school community or post listings on Facebook Marketplace for everyone in your local area. This is useful for second-hand school uniform too. 

Sometimes auctions can raise a bit more money, especially if the item is a gadget or a collectable. eBay is the best-known platform for this, and has a section specifically for fundraising. Second-hand apps such as Vinted are also hugely popular for clothes and toys. 

4. Take it easy

Have you got an easyfundraising account yet? With easyfundrasing, you can raise money effortlessly while parents do their online shopping. All you need to do is register your PTA (it’s free and only takes a couple of minutes) and you’re all set! easyfundraising also provide lots of ready-to-use promotional material that you can share with your school community. 

Head to easyfundraising.org.uk/parentkind to register your PTA today.

5. DDIY (Don’t Do It Yourself) 

While it’s not feasible for every event and fundraiser, using local businesses and external suppliers can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. And working with businesses can go beyond events at the school – how about setting up a restaurant fundraiser? This is how it works: 

  • Your PTA encourages parents to visit a partner restaurant on a particular night 
  • Parents mention your PTA when they get the bill 
  • Your PTA receives a percentage of their bill as commission 

That’s free press for the restaurant, easy money for your PTA and a night off from cooking for the parents! 

6. Make it a family affair

If you struggle to get enough volunteers to supervise the children at events, invite the whole family along! Whether it’s a concert, crafternoon or colour run, making it a family event takes a bit of pressure off your PTA. 

7. Set a target

Sometimes busy parents would rather donate online than attend an event. Platforms like JustGiving, GoFundMe, Crowdfunder and Donorbox are perfect for this and simple to set up. Not only could you set a target for a project you’re looking to fund, but you could also offer a reward when it’s reached, like a movie night or a disco. 

8. Less is more

Don’t feel guilty if you have to scale back on your events and fundraising plans. Remind yourself why you do this, and remember that whatever you can do for your school will have a positive impact on children’s education. 

Why do you volunteer for your PTA? 

I love being part of the community — getting to know people, getting to make a difference and getting to shape a small bit of something. My daughter has loved coming along to help – so an upside is that she is gaining something from it too.”

I enjoy the challenges and the skillset it requires. It gives me purpose as I like to be contributing somehow, somewhere.”

A desire to give something back to the school, and leave a small legacy for future children in our community.”

I’m a single parent, work full time and got talked into being the Chair. As hard as it is sometimes managing it all, I get great pleasure from seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces during a disco or the families at our bigger events and the pride on my daughter’s face because her mum made it all happen.”