Fundraising Do’s & Don’ts: Making Your Event a Success!

Fundraising Do’s & Don’ts: Making Your Event a Success!

Fundraising is a fun and rewarding way to support your school, but careful planning is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved—students, teachers, volunteers, parents, family, and friends. To help you run a successful event, here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind!

The Do’s: 

  • Spread the Word! – Make sure everyone knows about your event, including the date, time, and purpose. Get pupils involved by having them design flyers and posters to distribute around school and in newsletters.
  • Keep Parents & Pupils Engaged – Track your progress with a fundraising chart in a high-traffic area like the school reception. Update it regularly to keep motivation high as you get closer to your goal!
  • Set Clear Rules – Assign volunteers specific roles to prevent confusion and ensure smooth coordination throughout the event.
  • Sort the Legalities – Research and secure any necessary licences and insurance well in advance. Never assume you’re covered—always check!
  • Ask for Help – If your PTA group is shrinking or you need more volunteers, don’t hesitate to reach out. Parents’ availability changes, so regularly inviting new members in newsletters or on the school website can bring in fresh support.

The Don’ts: 

  • Poor Timing – Avoid planning fundraisers when parents are already covering big expenses, such as school trips. Being considerate of their budgets will increase participation and donations.
  • Applying Pressure – Never make parents, staff, or students feel obligated to contribute. Pressure can discourage participation in future events and impact enthusiasm.
  • Skipping Important Details – Use a checklist to ensure everything is covered, including having Gift Aid declaration forms signed if fundraising for a registered charity—this helps reclaim tax on donations!
  • Overloading Yourself or Others – Avoid organising too many events at once. Fundraising takes effort, and both volunteers and attendees can become overwhelmed. Focus on high-impact events that generate strong engagement and the best returns.
  • Underestimating Volunteer Needs – Before choosing an event, ensure you have enough helpers. Overworking volunteers can lead to burnout and impact the success of future fundraisers.

By keeping these simple but crucial tips in mind, you can create successful, well-organised, and enjoyable fundraising events that bring people together and help achieve your goals!

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

Follow us on our social media accounts for the latest funding advice, new products & latest news:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn Instagram