This term: Business Partnerships


Working with businesses could provide a whole new income stream


for your PTA By Zoë Hill


What is it?


It’s easy to rely on the pockets of your parent community, but times are tough and everyone is being hit hard by the cost of


living crisis. However, cast your net wider and think beyond the school gates and you’ll see all kinds of businesses – identify which ones are thriving (for example, expanding and taking on new staff) and you could fi nd they have a lot to offer you, while you have plenty to give them in return.


KNOW


DID YOU


Think local


While big corporations in every sector might have more money at their disposal, they’re also likely to have plenty of hoops to jump through, which could make it hard to get anywhere. That’s why your best bet is


to think local. If there’s a major employer in your area – from a big manufacturer to a call centre – rather than getting in touch with head offi ce, approach your local point of contact. Many supermarkets, for instance, have community champions whose role is to provide a link between the store and the local area. They’re a great starting place to approach for donations. Smaller fi rms are often proud to be part of the community too, and may love the chance to be involved with the PTA and your events.


5 EASY WINS


Supermarkets 1


2


supermarkets are known to be generous with chocolate. Supermarkets can be a good source of festive gifts, so Father Christmas can give them out as presents in your grotto.


4 5 16 SUMMER 2024 pta.co.uk


season bargains, ask if they can donate any to the PTA – use as prizes or for secret gift rooms Planning an Easter egg hunt? Some


3


Running a Smarties challenge? See if you can get any tubes (or the cash equivalent) donated


Looking for Mother’s Day ideas? Approach a supermarket about fl ower donations – send each child home with a label to design and ask them to bring it back with £2; return the label with a bunch of tulips or daffodils


When the shops are reducing end-of-


5 PLACES TO APPROACH


Other businesses


1 2


Cinemas – if you’re hosting a fi lm night, head down to your


local multiplex to see if they’ll donate popcorn and some tickets for a raffl e prize


Bakeries – your local bakery might be able to help out with


burger and hot dog buns for your summer fair barbecue


3


Estate agents – many agencies will donate money for every


volunteer who has a board outside their house ahead of a big event. And it doesn’t have to end with your summer fair – ask them to promote an ongoing fundraiser


Restaurants – a voucher for dinner at a popular hotspot is often a huge hit as a raffl e prize


4 5


Pubs and bars – these are defi nitely worth approaching if you’re raffl ing off a barrow of booze.


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