Planning a school fundraiser can be a challenging and daunting task, requiring both time and effort. From brainstorming ideas to working within your budget, there are multiple factors to consider. However, at Accounting For Schools, we believe that with the right guidance and support, this process can evolve into a rewarding and successful experience.

Below, we've compiled some insightful tips to assist you in planning and executing an effective school fundraiser. Whether you're aiming to raise funds for a specific cause, school improvements, or extracurricular activities, these tips will help you maximise your efforts and achieve your fundraising goals

1. Start at the end: When you're planning your fundraising, a good place to start is by working out your outcomes. What do you need to raise money for? How much do you need to raise and what are the end goals?

2. Make the budget work: Work out your budget (we can help you with this) and generate ideas that will work with it. If you are on a shoestring budget, then low or zero cost fundraisers like sponsored walks could be a step in the right direction.

3. Be resourceful: What resources do you have access to? Pull out those inventories and consider any resources you can use to generate income.

4. Choose a type of fundraiser to meet your schools needs: With your objectives and audience in mind, it’s time to determine what strategy works best for your needs. There are multiple different ways of fundraising, each of which has its own distinct pros and cons. From product sales like cookie dough and spices to dedicated events like car washes, casino nights, and auctions, and even online crowdfunding, knowing which avenue best suits your needs and capabilities is essential for success. Consider combining multiple approaches to diversify your reach, and be prepared to continue to innovate and refine in the future.

5. Think strategically: When you have an idea you like, work out what the return on investment is. Calculate the number of attendees you aim to attract and multiply this against the amount you hope to raise per person, then deduct any estimated costs. Is this fundraiser likely to achieve your targets? If not, you may need to revise the idea or explore other fundraising channels instead. As well as generating income through entry fees, stallholder fees, raffles, tombolas and through any products or services you sell, you could also appeal for donations.

6. Add extra value: Can you raise attainment as well as raise money? If you can add educational value to your fundraiser then you really are on to a winner! If for example, your school needs to boost literacy levels then a scrabble tournament or story evening could be just what you need.