If you have time to spare, you can do lots to help fundraise at your child’s setting. Not only is this good for the setting, but it’ll also be good for you and your child. Read on to find out how.

Groups often need to raise extra funds to further improve the facilities or services they provide for you and your child. In fact, regular fundraising has become an important part of a setting’s activity. Many groups plan a range of fundraising events every year and encourage parents to become involved or contribute to these activities. You can choose to give as much or as little time as you wish by either helping out with the planning and preparation of the event itself or by selling a few books of fundraising tickets to friends or family.

So... if you have any spare time or skills that you feel may benefit your child’s setting, contact your nursery or pre-school manager and let them know. They will be delighted to hear from you.   

Case study: Ripponden Pre-school

Ripponden Pre-school held a successful Family Halloween Disco fundraising event in their local community centre. The event was advertised four weeks in advance with a colourful poster. It was promoted throughout the local community, including the local school and library. Local families were invited to come along and paid £5 a ticket.

Parents of each child were asked to volunteer at the event and the children made Halloween decorations during a session at pre-school. The pre-school also got disco equipment on free loan through a contact of a local committee. Parents donated games, refreshments and prizes. The event included a disco, refreshments, a fancy dress option and Halloween-themed games such as apple bobbing. Over 150 guests came to the event and a total of £500 was raised.

Planning a successful fundraising event

Raffles, competitions and other small fundraising events are dependable and inexpensive ways for you to raise money for specific projects at your child’s setting. Here are some ideas:

Fashion show:
Raffle
Cakes
Refreshments
Tickets
Photos of event for sale afterwards

Raffles:
When using cloakroom-style tickets, do not include alcohol either as a prize or on the premises
If you sell tickets on the day and before the event, you will have to apply to your local authority for a Lottery Licence

Coffee morning:
Cakes for sale
Raffle
Bric-a-brac

Jumble:
Raffle... Cake stall... Refreshments for sale... White elephant... Plants... Produce
Guess number of X in a jar
Guess weight of X

Fete/fair/festive celebration:
Lucky dip
Tombola
Egg hunt
Pony rides
Train rides
Bouncy castle
Dog/cat show
Competitions

Bingo:
Raffle, Refreshments for sale, Prizes

Treasure hunt:
Car
Easter
Scavenger
Walking

Commission based sales:
Webb Ivory
Studio
Ace Catalogues
Body Shop
Virgin Vie

Sponsored event:
Abseil        
Bike ride    
Toddler toddle    
Slim        
Silence    
Bungee jump
Singathon    
Hair wash/cut    
Shave
Matchbox fill

Further ideas:
Car boot sale
Miles of pennies
Duck race
Market stall
Fancy dress
Christmas club
Recipe book
Teddy bears’ picnic
Race night
Worm charming

Top tips

The following tips will help make the fundraising event as successful as possible:

Be creative! You can raise funds in lots of ways, from cake stalls, bouncy castles and face-painting to sponsored swimming, golf, walking or skipping fun days.

Contact your local council before you begin planning anything. Running lotteries, raffles and competitions at events can be complicated and it is always a good idea to contact your local council to make sure you are meeting their regulations.
    
Be clear about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. It sounds obvious, but you need to be able to explain to others the benefits and positive impact of the fundraising event on the setting.

Try to involve a local celebrity, mayor or MP. It will help raise local awareness and attract even more support through the local press.

Agree on an action plan and share out responsibilities. It will help the event to run smoothly and give everyone a chance to contribute their skills and experience.

Don’t forget to thank everyone. You may need their support and involvement in future events.