Charity - PTA 'buying/blagging' things

misfire

We have just got our school pta up and running again - we have had one event and raised just under 100 pounds (we are so pleased)

We want to buy some benches for an outdoor space* and some paint. We have found someone with a discount at the shop where the benches are.

Anyone got any tips for how to use our money most effectively and how we could get things cheaper/free how to approach companies. I am not really good at 'haggling/blagging' stuff - we are hoping we will find a parent who is good at this.

* although this may not seem of paramount importance for a school - Our school is in an area where there are many flats and terraced houses with no garden so the outdoor space is of paramount importance to the school. They want to do lessons outside, gardening clubs, nature lessons etc...

nickj_2

just write to companies and explain your situation ,
if you don't ask , you won't get ,
also there maybe grant's and charity donations you can apply for , or try your county council

good luck .

Savvy_Sue

Your local Prince's Trust might have a group wanting to do a practical project, google and see if there's one near you.

Make sure ALL the parents know what's going on, and don't be embarrassed to make sure they all know you're open to offers, discounts etc etc etc. You may find someone works somewhere and can get you another good deal or can get you a day's labour.

ozskin

dont forget to offer them PR to reward the donation

Dustykitten

Hi well done on a successful event:T

As treasurer of our PTA one thing we do is get the school to buy things and we pay them back minus the VAT. A school can claim back VAT on purchases (speak to the Bursar) but a PTA cannot - this will make your money go further.

It is always worth writing to companies as mentioned above. Do you have a school council? If yes the children could send letters themselves to ask for things. Benches could always have a plaque on as being sponsored by another company.

Have you looked on the NCPTA website as they will have lots of advise. Estate agents often support PTAs so you could try asking them to sponsor them.

Good luck Dusty

vikki_louise

hello, there are various charities which recycle paint/pass unused paint onto good causes, if you google them you should find some of them.