Is it appropriate to set up a go fund me for a playgroup? Other fundraising ideas welcomed

[willsandnoodle]

I run a play group at the local church. Money made from attendants is used for rent, snacks and toy replenishment (all second hand). There is never much in the pot, so I'm constantly using my own money and paying myself back as and when.

I'm thinking of making a go fund me page and sharing on the local town groups on Facebook, is this really cheeky or would you donate? I wouldn't be asking for much, maybe a £100 total or something..

If this is ok, how would you word it?

I wouldn't have an issue with it personally and think it's a good idea.

If its only a small amount needed, could you just increase the price people pay each weel (out of interest, how much do you charge?)

Not to be an idiot but can't you up the cost by 50p each?

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with a gofund me but attendees paying a bit more is making things more sustainable

Do you get on well with the priest or vicar? Could you ask them to do a second collection at Church for the playgroup?

I think it's fine - people can give or not give as they see fit, so where's the harm?

If it’s also donations of toys you’re after, there’s always tons of people trying to declutter and get rid so do a shout out for those first before asking for money.

Do you have a local supermarket that does charity donations? You could apply to them?

The people benefiting from it should pay. Raise the prices.

I think that’s fine. You might be more successful asking for second hand toys and books on facebook.

Absolutely reasonable to do a gofundme. But also Waitrose community matters fund is easy to apply for. Or your local council community fund/grants.

If you do a gofundme you ideally need somewhere to advertise it like a church or community newsletter. Do you have somewhere in mind? If you are just asking attendees I’d just up the price a bit

I hope the church isn't charging you much rent though! They don't charge round here for not for profit playgroups like this.

Do a fund raiser?

Cake sale?
Afternoon tea?
Clothing sale or jumble sale? 10 tables £10 each.
up your prices.
Ask for secondhand toys - don’t buy them.
Sell tea and coffee for a small fee.
Sell fruit or snacks.
Have a selections of nappies and wipes for sale - people always forget and it’s nice to have a back up.

Uoi could do a kids fate - few games/drinks/baby sale items

Your local councillors should have a small fund you can apply for too. If you have any wind turbines near by too they are always good for community funding

I wouldn’t donate as surely you just up the price so the money from the people attending covers it? I would donate toys and books though.

A Go Fund Me seems over the top for around a hundred pounds. Could you do some sort of sponsored event maybe?

Sponsored cycle/scoot for the toddlers around the local park?

Is it a church group, or do you just use the building?

That's a great idea!

Ask on the local Facebook page..
I know lots of playgroups ask and honestly I donated before...I'd prefer the toys went to a playgroup rather than a charity shop. Ask the council, the supermarkets, tesco does a local group a week near us, or the church if a grant or help...good luck x

These are great suggestions, thank you!

It's not a church group, just use of the room.

It's £25 hall hire

We charge £3 per family, this includes unlimited hot drinks and biscuits, and a decent snack plate for the children.

We do lots of crafts, and painting so maybe asking for donations of craft stuff is a good place to start

I'm amazed you're covering your costs if you're including unlimited hot drinks and a decent snack plate for £3.

£1.50-£3 seems to be normal near me for a toys in a hall playgroup where there's tea/coffee and then juice and biscuit for the children.

If people want their children feeding and craft activities, I'd expect the session to cost more for those attending before asking other people to fund it.

£3 sounds cheap to me. My eldest is 16 and youngest 11 and I was paying £1.50 to £2 per group back then. Although I remember there was a dearer group that I think was £4.50 at a local soft play back then and I couldn't justify the cost of it every week cos I was a SAHM.

I'd up the cost a bit in your shoes, but then you may end up less busy.

I would also say you are under pricing. Around here it would be £5 per session per person for what you are offering.
For £3 it would be one tea/squash and one biscuit.
Maybe time to revise your offering or prices.

Try the supermarkets - most will have a community champion. Also any big local businesses for donations. I once knew a lady who lived near the Tunnocks factory and they used to donate to a lot of groups locally.

Also worth looking into small grant funders. National lottery Children in need, Greggs, rowntree foundation are all worth looking into depending on where you are.

I'm reluctant to ask for more, as I don't want to drive people away.