Parents as Partners in Learning
Parents as Partners in Learning

Fundraising for the school

Fundraising has traditionally been an activity that many parent groups have undertaken very successfully over the years and have raised many thousands of pounds to support their children's schools.  The new Parent Councils also have the power to fundraise and may want to consider how they go about this.

In their discussions of the school development plan, Parent Councils may identify particular items or activities that would benefit from additional funding.  There may be discussions about what the priorities are and these can then be checked out with other parents.

Once targets are set, it may be effective to form a fundraising sub-committee.  Some parents will have particular talents in that area and it may be a way of involving a wider group of parents to help with specific activities.

What it looks like when things go well

  • Parents, teachers and pupils are involved in identifying priorities for fundraising and in generating ideas to achieve these.
  • Different fundraising approaches are used for different purposes.
  • Local businesses and shops are involved through donations or prizes or sponsorship of appropriate items or activities.
  • Events and activities appeal to a range of interests and personal budgets - there's something for everyone.
  • Fundraising events are an opportunity for parents and teachers to work together on a common task and develop positive relationships.
  • Items are identified that meet the criteria of local trusts and 'community chests' and approaches for funding are made to these.
  • There are fundraising events organised by pupils linked to educational activities within the school, eg enterprise in education.
  • Activities follow the three 'Fs' (Fun, Food and Families) formula.  Events that provide fun activities for all family members - adults and children - and also provide food are usually the most successful and the ones that people want to come back to again and again.
  • Parents are able to contribute any particular skills or talents they have.
  • The school 'piggybacks' on any wider community fundraising events.
  • As well as a few 'big' events in the year there are some smaller-scale ongoing fundraising events.
  • Everyone's contribution of effort or money is appreciated - however small.
  • Success is celebrated and people are thanked.

Example 3 - using local business to sponsor an activity

A primary school in Orkney has developed its website with funds from a trust set up by a local company.  In return the company gets a mention on the website and some free publicity.  This school has also developed a partnership with another firm that has helped the school purchase additional computer and IT equipment.

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