Fundraising in schools etc

[Hairspray123]

I honestly feel like its a constant requests of various charities, schools, nurserys, girls guides, football clubs the list goes on and on asking for money. We are fortunate that I have been able to donate or offer help where I can but I know many just cant afford it. I just think it adds so much more pressure onto families who are already feeling the pinch or are just absolutely skint. Im all for fundraising but its just a constant barrage at the moment. The area we live in isnt particularly privileged, its a very mixed level of wealth. I just feel sometimes its just too much.

It will only change when people say no

@magnoliablooms you are right, I am part of the problem.

Honestly feel like my DD's school should just be honest and at the beginning of the school year tell me how much they want from me, either that or just give them my bank card and tell them to take what they like, it's bloody relentless!!!!!

If you can't afford it then you can't afford it.
If you don't agree with what it's fundraising for then you don't have to donate to that either.
None of it is compulsory.

100% you are correct, but its not always that simple when they use your children as a tactic to raise money and the child may miss out if you dont donate.

@Hairspray123 what would your children miss out on?

You don't have to donate to any charity.

YABU.

The schools / groups go out of their way to offer additional experiences for the dc, but the schools' budgets are not able to fund them. You decide if you pay, or contribute to the fundraising, or not. It isn't compulsory, but it is a way to offer the children more than 'just the basics', which many parents appreciate.

In the school I teach in all of the teachers and many TA’s offer an after school club that the children pay a nominal amount to attend. All of the raised money goes towards the glue, books, pencils budget. I’d rather not do it after a day in class so I fully agree with you, I’m sick of having to donate to the fundraising so the children have essential supplies.
Have you been living in a cave! Schools have NO money.

It’s not so much a tactic as just fact that if events aren’t paid for by the people they are intended to benefit, they just won’t happen.

Things like girl guides keep costs as low as possible ime, and it is a choice to be involved in the first place.

I understand that with cost of living things are difficult but these are organisations trying to give your children positive experiences, not make a profit.

The difference it makes is astonishing.

Have a look at some of the best rated "state" primaries and you'll notice Jewish schools are overrepresented. Then have a look at their staffing levels and you'll see they are far higher than average. You wonder how they can afford this? Look at their finances and you'll see they have a culture of donations - they often have 10- 20 times more donated money than the average state primary. That means they can fund smaller classes, more support for sen etc, better pay to attract and retain good experienced teachers.

Anyone who says more money in education isn't whats needed is deluded. The current government are the issue.

I don't contribute any more to the vast majority of the fundraising. My kids don't notice and no one comments either. I spend at the fairs, I pay for my trips. I volunteer.

You don't have to give, if you can't afford it, but all these organisations are probably struggling for the same reasons as families are - i.e. their costs have gone up and their income has remained the same, or in some cases even potentially dropped.

Perhaps think about the things that are most important and would benefit your children the most- e.g. will the football club fold if you don't give? Or set a budget each month and any requests after that just have to be left?