MANAGING YOUR PTA – Support from business
Top tips for approaching local businesses While big companies may seem the obvious choice, local businesses can
be more than generous when supporting their local school. Here is some advice from our sister programme, FundEd, on how to approach them.
1
GO APE HAS PLEDGED TO GIVE AWAY £35,000-WORTH OF VOUCHERS TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS IN 2018
Identify potential partners Existing connections will be
easier to approach and more inclined to offer support. See what contacts your PTA members, school staff and parents have.
2
token scheme where projects have the chance to win funding from £1,000-£4,000 every other month. Apply at
groundwork.org.uk/ tescocommunityscheme.
Waitrose The Community Matters Partner Volunteering initiative means that local causes can bid for ‘partner time’. Each branch also runs a token scheme, with £1,000 to be split between three community groups depending on customer votes. Ask in store for details.
Warburtons Warburtons runs the National School Visitor programme, offering workshops to primary schools to teach pupils about food, bread- making and healthy eating. Product donation requests can be submitted through an online form – just make sure you give three weeks’ notice. Find out more at
warburtons.co.uk/corporate/ responsibility/community.
Wilko Wilko’s ‘Helping Hands’ scheme is all about helping the local community, and includes team member volunteering. Whether it’s a spot of gardening or redecorating a classroom, they’re ready to get their helpful hands dirty! It also offers product donations and gift cards – fill in the application form at
corporate.wilko.com and hand in to your local store.
Speak to the right person Do your research and make
sure you are talking to the decision-maker. If they don’t have the authority to say yes or no, you’re wasting your time.
3
Pick the right time When you’re speaking to the
right person, ask them if it’s convenient to talk. If not, call back when it is. You want their full attention for the best results.
4 5
Be confident! Have some bullet points
written down if you’re unsure of what to say, and be ready to give a short pitch about what you want from them and what you can offer in return.
Be professional Follow up phone calls
with a confirmation email. If arranging to meet, ensure they have any relevant information in advance. Set yourself apart from the competition.
6 7
Show what you can offer How many parents open school emails? What’s your school’s website traffic? Show that you have good reach.
Sell the CSR side Companies that invest
in their community set themselves apart from the crowd. Remind them of that.
Subscribe to FundEd!
PTA+ runs a sister programme for school fundraising called FundEd. For just £90 (+VAT) a year, multiple users within your school (PTA Chair, School Business Manager, Headteacher, etc) can access a wealth of online resources. This includes an extensive grants database dedicated to schools and expert guidance on everything from bid-writing and crowdfunding to establishing business partnerships. For more information, call 01342 718679 or go to
funded.org.uk/sign-up.
pta.co.uk SPRING 2018 27
‘WE’D LOVE TO SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL!’
8 9
Give options Have three projects in mind,
with varying levels of commitment. Giving them a choice means they’ll be more inclined to pick one.
Demonstrate impact Generate publicity around
any current partnerships and specific projects companies have supported – use this to tempt other businesses to support your school in future.
10
Charm them Don’t underestimate the
charm of your children! Invite potential partners into your school to show how their support will benefit your pupils.
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