Fundraise for your School!

As schools we constantly find ourselves approaching the next fundraising event. National events are so well publicized that I feel there is a sense of expectation for school to take part. There is always a space for these events; the number of people they support, the amount of money that is raised and the amazing activities that can happen in schools on these days is truly inspirational.

However, how often do we do something solely for our school or community? Fundraising events don’t have to cost your schools lots to put on, and you would be amazed at how much you can raise from an event that you plan from scratch yourself.

Below are some ideas on how you can run a low cost high impact active fundraiser at your school!

1) Fun run

• On your school field or around the playground, mark the track out with cones and other natural barriers you have around the playground.
• Get your sporting equipment out and let the children dribble a football, bounce a basketball or hoola-hoop their way around the track.
• Get sponsored per lap or just make a donation.

2) Virtual Activity

• Film a 30 minute classroom workout session for the children to take part in. Include different adults and pupils from around the school to make the film as a way to increase the profile. What child wouldn’t want to see the Head Teacher in the video demonstrating some squats!
• Again children can get sponsored to take part or just bring in a donation on the day.

3) Be-Active-a-Thon

• Have a day of sport where the children have lots of opportunities to be active. Whether this is through specific sports or through just enjoying being active, both examples will create a high level of enjoyment and activity.
• Having a set time period such as a 30 minute skip-a-thon or hoola-hoop session will give your event a purpose. This could be a good way to launch a new scheme such as new lunch time activities.

4) Active School Run

• Promote active and sustainable travel by having an active school run competition.
• This could be a ‘travel to’ event, such as; can we travel from our school to Lapland in 2 weeks? The children and staff can record their active school runs each day with each journey representing 1 mile.
• Round the event off with a ‘bike2school’ day where children bring in donations, you can have prizes for children who traveled sustainably every day and other prizes such as furthest traveled or most people in one family to take part.

Top Tips

• Use what you have, don’t feel like you need to purchase new equipment, or pay for a special visit.
• Reach out to your community for donations, can they give you some prizes for your event or promote your event within their network?
• Non-uniform and fancy dress days are easy ways to bring money into school, but the pressure it can put on some families to ensure their child has a suitable outfit to wear can be huge. For a low income family having to purchase an outfit or buy a new t-shirt for their child will have huge financial impacts.
• Think differently about what you’re asking the children to do, can they just wear their PE kits, or for younger children a ‘wear your uniform inside out’ day. Ensure that when asking for donations you make it clear that they are optional!

These are a few examples of how we can run our own events without it costing us lots of money, or taking up lots of time and resources. You can keep the money in your school and support the children and families you work with every day!

If you have any ideas or activities to add to the list we would love to hear them!

Also check out this blog post from The Money Savvy Teacher for more ways you can support charities without asking for money!