Fundraising Day 'Big Ideas' suggestions appreciated please

PapaJas

Hi

I am a parent who is on the committee of my 3 year old childs pre-school which is run and funded as a registered charity. We are planning to hold a fundraising day sometime in the spring and would really appreciate any ideas for 'something special' that would draw in people from all over the town, not just the immediate neighbourhood or parents of children at the pre-school. We have only about 40 children registered so it would be quite a small pool of people to try to raise funds from if only these parents and the residents of the surrounding streets could be tempted along. Ideally we would like to reach out to all the residents of the town, there is a strong chance that the grounds of the local primary school could be used so plenty of space. All ideas would be very welcome.

Thank you

Jason

Owain_Moneysaver

Local police or fire will sometimes send a display team (police dogs, cutting open a crashed car, etc)

scotrae

Is there a local radio station that might come along? They'd add an attraction, possibly have giveaways and publicise it to get more people along.

Fancy dress contest or talent (or Easter bonnet?) contest, with prizes offered by local businesses. Promote it widely (ideally with the radio station, see above) and it will pull kiddies and their families in from the wider area.

Second hand kids' clothes / baby stuff sale? Even if it's just a few stands this is VERY popular so might be another feature if youhave lots of space.

Sell tradestand spaces ... if you're confident that you'll get the publicity right you're sure to have lots of direct sales people and craft-makers etc keen to come along and pay for the privilege. And it adds more to the event (ahead of mothers' day and easter). If you have some arty craftu folk among your families, could they make some nice gifts in any free time to sell for funds?

I've seen local pubs take a costumed character along in the past and hand out vouchers, balloons and prizes. It all adds to the fun and makes a bigger event, ready to build on next year!

Kids' craft or play area ... I used to sell books and offered to do craft tables in return for having a free stand space. Or involve some of the staff in doing 'make and take' activities?

A photographer on site to take lovely photos of children and families giving a cut to the pre-school fundraising.

Is it indoor or outdoor though? Obviously if it's in the school grounds but not inside you'll need to consider the possibility of it pouring down on the day!

Lots of little ideas there but perhaps not the major theme you were hoping for ... Hope it's some help though. Good luck - coming up with new events is lots of fun!

mumps

Might a local sports team send someone along? Footballer, cricketer or something.

PapaJas

Thank you Owain MS, Scotrae and Mumps - lots of brilliant advice and suggestions there! Cheers!

mishkanorman

Up until last week i was on our schools pta, we found the best draw to be direct sellers and local crafters as they tend to bring their own customers along too and will advertise your event places you may not be able to reach BUT make sure you charge a flat per table rate, some places like a % charge which can be a minefield and lots of hassle totting up at the end of the day when you just want to tidy up and get home !

alisong1

Try partnering up with local businesses to receive their support and get free things from them: food provided by a local restaurant, free entertainment, products offered by local shops to raise funds (through a raffle). These businesses can help you promote the fundraiser too.