Rising prices on essentials such as food, energy and housing mean families are already facing tough decisions around spending priorities.
The biggest fundraising problem for schools in the UK is a combination of slashed public funding and increased financial pressures on families, leading to a need for more fundraising activities while simultaneously facing challenges in getting people to donate. This is further complicated by the fact that many traditional fundraising methods like bake sales and fairs may not be as effective in reaching broader audiences or generating significant revenue as they once were.
Alarm bells are ringing across the charity sector too as it prepares for a series of financial challenges. In July, research published by charity strategy agency Good and YouGov found that 15% of people planned to reduce their charitable giving in the upcoming few months.
Dr Alison Body, senior lecturer in philanthropic studies at the University of Kent, says: ‘We’re hitting a perfect storm where the bottom line is affected for everyone. It’s already coming through in stories from schools where bills. particularly energy, are going through the roof, putting even more pressure on an already pressurised set of budgets. Primary schools in many places are at the heart of the community, so as things get harder, we will see parents and carers turning to their schools for help. But the rising costs will also affect staff and volunteers, diminishing their ability to give free time and resources. So schools, which are already in this pressurised position, will be asked to do even more, and to find innovative ways to help, especially in deprived areas. And the parent community, who would previously have been providing some of this support, are going to be the ones in need.’
So how can we combat the biggest problems today’s schools face when it comes to fundraising?
Strategic planning: Schools need to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that considers their specific needs, target audience, and available resources.
Engage with the wider community: Schools should actively engage with the community to build relationships with potential donors, volunteers, and partners.
Leverage technology: Schools can use technology to streamline their fundraising efforts, reach a wider audience, and track their progress; its also a good measuring tool to understand what works and what doesn’t. Schools can leverage technology to enhance their fundraising efforts, including online fundraising platforms, social media campaigns, and digital engagement strategies.
Prioritise problem areas: Schools should focus on projects that have a significant impact on the school community, such as new classrooms, updated technology, or new educational programmes.
Change the fundraising landscape: New ideas are more appealing. Traditional methods like bake sales and fairs may be less effective than in the past, as families may be less able to contribute or may not be as engaged with these events.
Target the right audience: Schools need to be strategic about who they are fundraising from, whether it’s parents, local businesses, alumni, or other donors, and how to engage them.
You can overcome challenges that contribute to the biggest problems today’s schools face when it comes to fundraising
The outlook may appear gloomy when you consider government funding cuts, inflation, teacher and support staff shortages and the rising cost of living which is impacting families’ ability to contribute to school fundraising efforts, especially for those who are already struggling financially.
But here at Kids Just Recycle, we’ve got a great way for your school to make money through textiles recycling which we will PAY YOU FOR! Yes, that’s right – we will pay you up to £400 per reusable tonne of clothing, paired shoes and household textiles. All you have to do is install one of our FREE school branded bins on your school premises and watch the extra funds roll in.
Contact our team today to find out more on how to combat dwindling school fundraising efforts in the current climate.
Blog written by www.wendyjenningscreative.co.uk
KIDS JUST RECYCLE
