How to Improve Fundraising at Your Secondary School

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How to Improve Fundraising at Your Secondary School

Fundraising is just as important in secondary schools as it is in primary settings, perhaps even more so. While you might not host novelty Christmas fairs or cake sales every term, secondary schools have a unique advantage: older students who can get actively involved.

By empowering pupils to take ownership of fundraising efforts, you not only raise vital funds for school projects but also help students develop life-long skills in leadership, teamwork, budgeting, and communication.

Here’s how to improve fundraising at your secondary school with smart strategies that engage students and the wider community.

Get Students Actively Involved

Allowing students to lead the fundraising process brings a wealth of benefits. In addition to freeing up staff time, it helps pupils develop:

Teamwork and leadership skills
Financial awareness and budgeting
Responsibility and organisational confidence

Encourage students to set fundraising targets, plan event logistics, and monitor their progress. You can also task them with sourcing supplies, such as refreshments, and working out pricing strategies to maximise profit while keeping items affordable and appealing.

Think Bigger and Broader

When it comes to raising funds, don’t be afraid to aim high. Secondary schools can host larger-scale events that appeal not just to families but also to the wider community. Consider ideas such as:

Car boot sales
Classic car or motorbike shows
Food and drink festivals
Seasonal markets or art fairs

These events attract a diverse crowd and provide excellent opportunities to showcase the school’s other fundraising goals. They also allow students to take on key planning roles, from marketing and logistics to event day coordination.

Maximise Your School Grounds

One of the best ways to keep event costs down is to host them on school grounds. This removes the need for venue hire and makes your fundraising more profitable. However, we all know the British weather isn’t always kind!

A permanent school canopy installation, such as a freestanding or wall mounted shelter, can make outdoor fundraising events viable throughout the year, providing protection from rain or harsh sun and encouraging attendance even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Create a Varied and Dynamic Event Calendar

Avoid relying on the same type of fundraiser year after year. While it’s wise to keep your most successful events (like summer fairs or car boots), adding variety keeps your programme fresh and engaging. Consider rotating seasonal themes or collaborating with local organisations to introduce new ideas.

Encourage Knowledge Sharing

At the start of each academic year, invite students and parents who were involved in previous campaigns to share their experiences. Peer advice can be incredibly useful for inspiring new fundraising teams and avoiding common pitfalls. Don’t hesitate to connect with other local schools as well—sharing strategies benefits everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

When students take the lead and the school community pulls together, fundraising becomes more than a financial exercise—it becomes a valuable educational experience. With thoughtful planning, varied events, and weatherproof spaces in place, your secondary school can raise funds effectively while empowering young people with practical life skills.

Improve fundraising at your secondary school by thinking big, involving students, and creating events that engage the whole community—whatever the weather.

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.
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