Many schools find great ways to reach out further into the
community to build better relationships with parents, students and local
residents. One of the ways to build up funding and reach out to the community
is to hold a school fundraising event.
Many schools decide to hold fundraising events to help with
the cost of new building works, upgrading existing classrooms, purchasing
computers for students, as well as updating the schools’ library or functional
resources. So whether you are a teacher, parent, student or charitable member
of the community, let us take a look at 5 great fundraising ideas any school
can try.
1. Student art and creative pieces
One great way to help raise money for your school is to let
the students create their own individual art for the parents to buy. This can
be done by creating designs to place on coffee mugs, drawing and paintings with
a theme, or decorative items that appeal to all of the community. Sale days can
be held to garner your communities attention, and all proceeds can go towards
the specific cause in question.
2. A book reading and sales event
Reading and literature is one of the staples of every
education system, so holding a book reading event that can involve the
students, parents and teachers will go a long way to help raising money. With
the help of a local author or two, you may even be able to garner the attention
of a children’s’ author to have them read at the event.
Take the event outside and create small reading tents and
enclosures to create a positive atmosphere towards all in the community. Whilst
you can have book sales going on to raise money for a library fund or similar,
the positive influence of the importance of reading is a great way to kill two
birds with one stone.
3. Cake stalls and snacks
Everyone loves to tuck in to their favorite cakes summer
time, so why not hold a cake making contest for your students and parents to
get involved in. With hit shows such as the Great Australian Bake Off proving
popular, why not allow the opportunity to teach students the importance of good
nutrition by creating a tasty cake festival competition. With prizes going to
the best cakes of the event, you will be sure to sell an assortment of delicious
treats by the bucket load.
4. Seasonal and occasional gift sale
There are many different times of the year to help raise
money for your school, community or a local charity. Take advantage of the
Christmas period to involve your students in making advent calendars and
Christmas decorations. Mothers and Father’s day are a great way to get students
to sell gifts such as coffee mugs, floral creations and even pottery.
Why not get the students and teachers involved in creating a
Christmas Carol CD for the parents to purchase, and create crafting events
around Easter time which can involve the local church or community centre.
Community spirit is key when it comes to holding a successful event, and with
seasonal events you can reap the rewards all year long.
5. Create an auction event
One great way to ensure your school fundraising event
creates a little buzz in the community is to hold a school auction. Why not ask
the students to create wonderful pieces of art, inspired by the local community
and then auction them off in a professional style auction at the school hall.
You may enlist the services of a local auctioneer who will
be willing to help hold the event, and with the help of the parents and
teachers to organize the auction, you will be sure to make headway in achieving
your fundraising goal. Why not ask the parents to donate items for the auction
and see how much money their items can garner.
School fundraising doesn't have to be a headache to plan and
create. Most fundraising ideas can come from the students themselves. Try to
stay on topic for your fundraising event for instance, if you are trying to
raise funds for a new swimming pool, hold an aqua sports day with an Olympic
theme. Involve the whole community and let local police, fire and ambulance
services get involved with churches and community groups to boost your
fundraising goals.
