Advice for PSA fundraising

[jj594]

Hi, I've just started to help on our school PSA committee. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to approach companies for prizes for our events, raffles etc. I've asked in a few local restaurants and hairdressers and on the whole they've been very generous but I now need to look for other things (big and small) for our annual raffle at our summer fete. Has anyone had any luck with any of the bigger companies? Any help/advice greatly appreciated - thank you

we have always stayed localish tbh but still do well

try local tescos/ sainsburys etc - we've had a bike before (btw their local community rep may help out at events and bring stuff)

collate donations into a basket?

you can ask anyone to be honest - we are small village but can do - garden centres, garages (free mot), cafe, butchers, newagents, horse riding lesson, vouchers

ask parents to ask their companies to sponsor / match amounts raised

if you advertise the company on the prog / literature you produce you can usually get something

Think laterally, and look for local companies who don't necessarily have a high street presence. My best prize ever was a few hundred pounds worth of holiday vouchers from a specialist travel agent who just happened to have their offices in the next village. I tended to find that the big chains (supermarkets, etc) were not as good as the local stores who all gave something - the exception to this being Boots who were v generous. Aromatherapy people and the like are also usually willing to give a free session as a prize too. And ask everyone to tap their own contacts as well.

It also really helps if you work up a good covering letter. This should be clear about what you are fundraising for (i.e. it's always better to be raising money 'for new playground equipment' rather than something unspecified. It should also give the benefits for them - i.e. chance to reach hundreds of local parents through the fair and the school newsletter, or whatever else you can offer.

If you want to DM me, I can send you what I wrote. I tended to go in and have a chat, and then the bigger companies would tend to ask for a letter to go with it.

Re the basket idea, our school has a mufti day and the 'price' is something small for a hamper - this then makes up several hampers along with small prizes for raffles/tombolas etc.

Thank you very much. Will give it a go. The school have a letter
They like us to use so will have a stick with that one for now.
Will try Boots too and all the local places. Parents haven't been so forthcoming which is weird cos it's their kids. Oh well, onwards and upwards - ill try my best and hopefully we'll see some results. Thank you