Fundraising Ideas – Start of Term Fundraisers

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Fundraising Ideas – Start of Term Fundraisers

Fresh January Fundraising Ideas to Kick-Start the New Term

The start of a new term and a brand-new year offers the perfect opportunity for schools to refresh their fundraising efforts. Pupils and staff return from the Christmas break feeling energised, optimistic, and ready for new initiatives, making January an ideal time to launch activities that can gain quick momentum. Planning early also gives PTA teams the chance to gather volunteers, engage new parents and carers, and create a fundraising calendar that feels organised rather than overwhelming.

To help you get started, here are some January-friendly fundraising ideas that can begin generating support straight away, as well as activities you can plan ahead for later in the year.

Leftover Foreign Holiday Money Collection

After the Christmas break, many families return with small amounts of unused holiday currency—notes and coins that often remain tucked away in drawers and are never exchanged.

Encourage pupils, parents, and staff to donate any leftover foreign money to the school. It’s simple to collect, requires no ongoing commitment, and once exchanged can generate a surprisingly high total. For PTAs looking for quick wins, this is an effortless start-of-term fundraiser.

New Year Personalised Calendars or Planners

January is naturally the time when everyone wants to get organised. Offering personalised school calendars, diaries, or planners can be both a thoughtful keepsake and a practical purchase.

You could create:

Class-themed calendars featuring artwork from each year group
A whole-school design for simplicity
Teacher/department versions for staff rooms or offices

Parents love items personalised by their children, and ordering early in the term ensures plenty of time for printing and promoting without the Christmas rush.

New Year “Clear Out & Donate” Drive

January is the most popular month for decluttering. Families often look for ways to rehome toys, books, uniforms, and household items that are still in great condition.

Your PTA could run:

A pre-loved uniform sale
A book swap fundraiser
A toy donation event with a small entry fee
A “New Year, New Home” table-top sale in the school hall

These events are low-cost, environmentally friendly, and can raise funds quickly.

Healthy Start Challenge Sponsorships

With many people committing to health-focused resolutions in January, this is a great moment to run a sponsored activity that ties into well-being.

Consider:

A steps challenge
A “Daily Mile” fundraising week
A fruit-only snack sponsorship
A family fitness morning

These events help promote healthy habits while raising money for school projects.

Winter Warm-Up Hot Chocolate Stall

A cosy and appealing option for cold January mornings or after-school pick-ups. A simple hot chocolate station, with optional toppings, can raise funds quickly with very little setup.

Pair it with a second activity, such as a mini craft stall, raffle, or bring-a-book sale, to boost returns.

Conclusion

Launching your fundraising ideas for the start of term in January gives your PTA the perfect opportunity to start the year on an organised and positive note. Whether you choose quick-win collections or plan-ahead projects, the new term is full of potential for engaging families and raising valuable funds for your school community.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration throughout the year, why not download our free A–Z Fundraising Pack, filled with creative ideas suitable for every season?

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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