Simple (and cheap!) fundraising ideas
Eyes on the prize
People are much more likely to donate if they can see that their individual contributions are making a difference. If you’re raising money for something in particular, a totaliser (or fundraising thermometer) is a great way to showcase your target and for parents to see how they’re helping you reach it. We have a fundraising thermometer on our website that you can download and print, but there are many other ways to make one.
If you want your totaliser to really stand out, you could get a design professionally printed on Foamex boards. Or if you’re thinking of making totalisers a regular feature in your fundraising activities, coating a wall at your school with chalkboard paint and drawing on the thermometer allows you to create new goals as often as you need.
To celebrate reaching your fundraising goals – and to encourage more donations – put a special event at the top of the thermometer, such as a movie night.
D.I.S.C.O
Despite their reputation, discos don’t have to cost the earth to run. Picking a theme is a good place to start and can help drum up excitement. Using a particular colour is a really simple way to get everyone involved and makes decorating easy.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could make your disco a costume party. Other little touches could include a prize for the best costume, snacks and drinks that tie in with the theme, and a face painting area. The possibilities are endless!
For more inspiration, check out our ultimate PTA guide to discos on Your PTA Expert.
Tie your disco in with World Book Day – on 6th March – and have a costume party of everybody’s favourite book characters.
One person’s trash…
With Christmas just gone, the new year is the perfect time for a gift amnesty. To inspire people to donate their unwanted gifts, let them know exactly what you’re looking for. We recommend cookbooks, candles, toiletries, chocolates and alcohol (but don’t forget you’ll need a TENs license). Specify that all donations must be unused, unopened and in date.
To add a professional look to your event, get unique raffle ticket designs created and printed with Raffle Tickets 4U. As an approved supplier with Parentkind, members get a discount on every order placed. You can add logos, proofread and place your order all on their easy-to-use online editor, making organising your raffle tickets hassle-free.
Oxfam research revealed that a third of people in the UK put unwanted Christmas presents away in a cupboard, never to see the light of day. PTAs like yours can help change that.
Dress to impress
One way to raise funds and get the whole school involved is a non-uniform day.
For something a bit different, hold a non-uniform day during a special occasion, with a green theme for St Patrick’s Day or wear clothes backwards for April Fool’s. Need an extra push to reach your target? Ask teachers to wear uniforms for the day – and the children can dress as teachers!
Remember to let everyone know that non-uniform days are optional. Not all children feel comfortable going to school in their home clothes. For some, a break in routine can be difficult, especially for children who are neurodivergent. You may also want to consider subtle ways for parents to pay so everyone can participate.
Any questions?
Nothing raises competitive spirits quite like a quiz night. They’re a big crowd-pleaser and an opportunity to raise lots of funds.
There are many pub-style quizzes online, but you could create your own with facts about your local area, or put parents to the test with ‘Are you as smart as a 10-year-old?’.
If you’re on a tight budget, ask participants to bring their own snacks and drinks, or approach a local takeaway business to donate food. If the weather is cold and gloomy, warm things up with slow cookers filled with soups, chilli or curry.
Still have questions? Check out our ultimate PTA guide to hosting a quiz, exclusive to members.
