Simple Ways to Raise More at Your Next Fundraiser

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Simple Ways to Raise More at Your Next Fundraiser

One of the best things about a school fundraiser is that attendees usually arrive ready to support the cause, and that often means they’re prepared to spend a little money. With this in mind, it’s a great opportunity to include some additional mini fundraisers that can help boost your total profits without overburdening guests and help increase funds for your school needs, like new classroom equipment, a school trip or even a school canopy.

By offering low-cost, fun extras like raffles or refreshments, you can significantly increase the impact of your fundraising efforts. Just be sure to strike a balance so visitors feel encouraged, not overwhelmed.

Heads or Tails

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect icebreaker for evening events such as school balls or quizzes. To play, guests pay £1 and stand up. They choose “heads” by placing their hands on their head or “tails” by placing their hands on their backs. The host flips a coin and calls out the result. Anyone who guessed incorrectly sits down. The game continues until only one person remains standing, and they are the winner!

You can award a donated prize or offer half of the collected entry fees as the prize for a simple and engaging game that often ends in laughter.

Raffles

A simple, classic, and always effective fundraiser. A mini raffle can easily add to your event’s income. Ask for donations from local businesses, or collect small prizes like bottles of wine or gift vouchers. Selling tickets at £1 per strip makes it accessible and encourages spontaneous participation.

Roll a Pound

This is a fantastic interval game that always draws a crowd. Select a tempting prize, perhaps a bottle of bubbly for adults or a chocolate hamper for children. Create a clear “runway” on the floor, place the prize at the far end, and mark a starting line.

Participants stand at the line and roll £1 coins towards the prize. The closest coin at the end of the round wins. Add a little suspense by labelling the top few coins with the player’s initials and removing the furthest rolls as the game progresses.

Food & Refreshments

Food and drink stalls are a reliable favourite at any event. Whether it’s a hotdog or burger stand at a summer fair or a soup and hot drinks station at an autumn fireworks night, refreshments always go down well.

Hosting an indoor event like a quiz night? Consider adding a meal option, such as a curry or chilli, which can be easily prepared in bulk. It saves families cooking at home and enhances the event experience, therefore making it a popular choice for parents.

Here are a few other themed suggestions:

Sweets and popcorn at a film night
Mulled wine and mince pies at a Christmas fair
Hot cross buns at an Easter Egg Hunt

Top Tip:

If you’re planning to include these extras, make sure to mention them in your posters, flyers, or school newsletters. This way, parents can ensure their children come prepared with the correct change, and it helps everyone get the most out of your event.

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.
For more information please contact us

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