Got a great idea for a PTA fundraising event, but lack the skills or resources to make it happen? As PTA members, you may feel that you have to plan, organise and run all of the fundraising events, but that can be exhausting! The answer could be to engage external providers.
You may find volunteers, but in most cases, external providers have to be paid. When the goal is to maximise income, it seems counter-intuitive to pay for services. However, if there is sufficient take up, then using external providers can still be profitable.
External Providers for PTA Events
When researching external providers, you want to prioritise safeguarding. For any provider coming into the school, opt for approved facilitators with current DBS certificates.
PTA members would normally be present throughout the session. Their role would be to register attendees, ensure all is running smoothly and manage the collection protocol at the end of the event.
What Type of External Providers are There?
There is a broad range of possibilities! Below we share some options that could extend your PTA fundraising opportunities.
School Disco DJ
Use a local DJ to keep everyone on the dancefloor at the school disco. They arrive with a PA system, lighting and a great variety of music. Provided with a suitable power supply, they are ready to go! Yes, it costs to employ their services, but you know that a disco is a popular event. The ticket price will cover the charge and still generate a profit.
Specialist Sports Coaching
Some children can’t get enough of sporting activities and parents are often willing to pay for specialist coaching sessions. How about a martial arts workshop, street dance or uni hockey? These can be offered as taster sessions at the weekend – a ‘Saturday Special’. Alternately, run them as an after-school coaching course. The coaches will bring all the equipment needed for the session.
Lego Workshops
Lego has universal appeal and a creative workshop is just the ticket for school fundraising. Brickies Club is a team of Lego enthusiasts who offer 2-hour group workshops in schools. Schedule several sessions in one day to meet demand! Their stop animation Lego movie-making workshop is a great option; participants can log onto the website to view their film after the event. Again, they arrive with boxes of Lego and all the other equipment needed.
Percussion Workshops
No experience is necessary when it comes to playing percussion instruments, so it is a good way to involve all pupils. From African drumming to junk percussion, there is a range of musical workshop options. There is a joy in creating rhythms and sharing the energy of a collective beat.
Circus Skills and Shadow Puppets
If you are unable to find local workshop providers, Primary Workshops for Schools is a good resource. Their workshops include Circus Skills and Shadow Puppets. Before you decide which external providers to book, why not provide pupils with a list of options and see which captures their interest? This provides reassurance that sufficient tickets can be sold to cover costs and make a profit.
Catering Supplies
Providing tea and cake at school events is a great way for PTAs to raise funds, but sometimes you want to offer something a little different. At big events, such as the school summer fete, consider hiring external caterers. That’s one less thing to worry about!
External Stall Holders
Talking of the school fete, external stallholders are a good way to extend the interest for visitors and raise funds. Promote the opportunity in the local community and through the school social media pages. Have a set fee for a table at the event, to be paid in advance. The stallholders then keep any money made on the day.
Be clear to explain the table dimensions and whether there is access to a power supply. Is the stall located indoors or outside? Clarify your terms, including any restrictions on what can be sold.
External Print Companies
School Fundraising is also an external provider! Our processes are set up to make it as easy as possible to generate funds. We print your pupil’s artwork into mugs, cards, tote bags and water bottles. To find out more, please request our information pack.
