Choose your autumn L


ooking for an autumn event? The first term of the year offers plenty of opportunities to bring your community together and strengthen


bonds. To find the right one for your PTA, consider some key factors.


How much interest is there? During the first meeting of the term, assess the appetite for something new. Are you ready go all guns blazing with big plans or do you need something smaller to sit alongside your Christmas fundraising? For budget-conscious groups, options such as family picnics or pot lucks, where everyone contributes a dish to share, can bring everyone together without breaking the bank. You have a new intake of children and parents this term, so consider their needs in your plans.


Who’s going to run it? Check how many volunteers are willing to help. If you have a strong team of committed helpers, think big – perhaps a black-tie ball could be on the agenda. If volunteer turnout is likely to be lower, focus on smaller, easier-to-manage events, such as board game nights or after-school movie screenings. These can be just as enjoyable without the stress of large-scale planning.


Who do you want to reach? Understand your audience. Are you aiming to connect children, adults or whole families? Ensure your activities will engage the audience effectively.


What are your goals? Determine your main objectives. Is fundraising your priority, or are you more focused on community connections? Can you tap into the generosity of families and local businesses or are you aiming to build stronger relationships for future partnerships? By thoughtfully combining these elements (and using our flowchart), your PTA can get off to a flying start.


36 AUTUMN 2025 School Fundraising


WANT TO HOLD A BIG EVENT


YES We have a big organising team YES We have a big budget NO


We have a lot of support in the local community


YES


We want to raise a lot of money


NO


Auction of promises


pta.co.uk/events/step- by-step/step-by-step- auction-of-promises


YES


We want to hold it at the school


NO NO


Community harvest festival


MAKE IT WORK! Invite the community


along to eat, drink and make scarecrows


YES


Bonfire event with fireworks or laser light show


NO


Our crowd enjoys a formal event


YES


Lantern parade or Christmas light trail


NO Murder mystery night YES


Black tie ball (see page 32) or casino night


NO


Barn dance or ceilidh


Make it memorable by


hiring a specialist supplier pta.co.uk/events/step-by-


step/step-by-step-murder- mystery-night


We want to hold it outside YES


Pumpkin festival


MAKE IT WORK! Invite local food trucks, craftspeople and a brewery to get involved


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