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Primary education

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Original poster

PTA donations

43 replies

BerryBad · 20/06/2018 14:18

If your PTA had JustGiving page for donations, would you think that's a bit grabby, or is it a reasonable suggestion for parents who may be can't attend some of the school events?

Trying to raise money for the PTA and I know all parents aren't able to (or don't want to) attend the events or don't have time etc ... but don't want to seem grabby or pushy. Interested to hear thoughts on this, as the headteacher doesn't like the idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
BerryBad · 20/06/2018 18:43

Bump ... anyone?

OP posts:
Thundercracker · 20/06/2018 20:56

I wouldn't think it grabby or pushy.

NoSquirrels · 20/06/2018 20:59

I think if it was project specific - for a new piece of play equipment, or returning the library or iPads or whatever, then I’d be in support alongside other ideas.

If just for “general funds” then no.

reluctantbrit · 20/06/2018 21:02

I would found it quite annoying. While I believe that the PTA is doing a great job and pays for vital extra resources it should be events for the children mainly.

Our PTA tried adult only events and nothing really worked. They went back to Summer fair, firework night and then children events like disco, movie night, fun afternoons before Christmas, ice cream in Summer and hot chocolate sale in Winter. These are normally good as parents do not really have to attend and the children have fun.

Some “money grabbing” schemes like the 20p Smartie challenge is nice but lots of parents do think it is just throwing money around. DH is known to object and sends letters to school and PTA when they come up with it as he feels it is a wrong approach.

WipsGlitter · 20/06/2018 21:50

Lots of people on here say they would prefer to make one off donations so it might appeal.

BingTheButterflySlayer · 21/06/2018 06:53

We're trying to get parents to use all the charitable affiliate links while online shopping which is having a bit of progress - but not just giving etc unless it was like a parent doing a marathon for sponsorship for a new library or whatever

aaronburr · 21/06/2018 13:28

I think it's a great idea.

Tomorrowillbeachicken · 21/06/2018 13:31

I’d rather do it by bank transfer as there’s no fees

Original poster
BerryBad · 21/06/2018 16:39

Thanks all, some mixed opinions here. I personally would prefer to be able to donate online, but I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea. It would be for a specific cause rather than general funding.

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 21/06/2018 17:03

Ok, a specific cause I would support, esp if it is something larger. I wouldn’t want anybody to know that I donated and how much and it is easy to forget to tick a box.

Better get a form organised and people can give cash or a cheque, cash can also then be given anonymously.

bookmum08 · 21/06/2018 17:52

I personally wouldn't donate money that way. Sometimes it isn't always about the money - it's about the event. Christmas/Summer Fairs etc. Sometimes it's actual physical things we want - like bottles of bubble bath for the bottle tombola. Having actual stuff and actual people is what makes an event happen and in turn the event makes money. By doing events means you can involve the community, the children. Make it a fun time and something to actually 'do'. PTA events are school 'extras' but the educational parts of teaching children how it's good to (for example) donate old books for the book stall and actually see a younger child getting joy out of something they themselves have outgrown is just as important. If someone just donates money then that's nice but I think it is important to teach and show children that money isn't always the solution to everything. If that makes sense.

Focalpoint · 21/06/2018 18:12

In Ireland, we have a standard thing called a "voluntary contribution" where the school send a letter every year asking for money. It is positioned as voluntary but reminders are sent and most people pay. The recommended donation depends on the school (and how much they think people can pay). Our school asks for €125 per child or €250 per family.

The parents association does all the normal stuff (cake sale, Christmas cards etc).

Oh and we pay for the school books too (mostly the work books) which is another €150 or so per child in primary.

You are pretty lucky in the UK - no school here would b worried about looking "grabby" asking the parents for money. It's quite normal!!

Xmasbaby11 · 21/06/2018 18:18

I don't think it would work at our school. Parents like to think they've got something for their money, and will spend money at a cake sale etc but no way would just give money.

FramptonRose · 21/06/2018 19:00

I get where you are coming from but I agree with PP the kids really enjoy the events.
I have done 5 years on the PTA and we do lots of events, Summer/Christmas Fairs, Circus, School Disco, magic shows and we raise lots of much needed money for the school. I have had the odd parent say to me, they would prefer to just hand over a cheque at the beginning of the year but in reality would people do that, I doubt it!
If get good donations for your events for people to win and put on events that the kids want to go to you will raise so much more than on a go fund me page.

DropZoneOne · 21/06/2018 19:05

Don't use JustGiving - very high monthly fees for the charity. Use BT MyDonate. We have got a page set up but it was for a mum who ran a local marathon and kindly put her sponsorship money to the pta.

Our events website has a donation button. In 2 years, only £40 has been donated despite several families saying they'd rather pay £50 a year than attend events.

GColdtimer · 21/06/2018 19:34

"DH is known to object and sends letters to school and PTA when they come up with it as he feels it is a wrong approach".

Oh I bet the love him OP. I presume he is an active member of the PTA and volunteers his time to help out at Events and with the general running of the committee. Or does he just think they should be grateful for his superior insight and that's all he needs to contribute?

OP I think it's great for fundraising for a specific thing. I think people might not engage with it if it was just there generally. Our PTA takes online payments for tickets and activities and I often donate even if we can't make the event.

reluctantbrit · 21/06/2018 20:30

Well, he just spend his free time in the last 4 months to sort out the Y6 yearbook. He is more than happy to go to events even if it does not interest him if DD wants him to.

He thinks that it is only fair to tell that parents are not happy with some events run by the PTA. Based on the gossip in the playground and what is said over a drink in the pub several parents do not like these kind of fundraiser but hardly anybody says it.

In my opinion too many parents do not say enough.

Quickerthanavicar · 23/06/2018 19:32

I know people who would happily pay a three figure sum if the PTFA forgot them for a year.

Kokeshi123 · 25/06/2018 01:02

People here saying "I wouldn't donate to this" are missing the point. It doesn't have to be something that everyone wants to donate to, it only has to appeal to some of the parents. And some parents would much rather make a donation than go to some event.

Agree with others that you will get the best responses if you list your funding items and let people choose what to donate for. We just had a thread on MN about Y6 hoodies, which are apparently funded partly by PTA donations in some schools? Sorry, there is no way I would put money into something like that. Most tech stuff, ditto. On the other hand, some PTA causes are worthwhile. Let people earmark their donations.

shoelaces · 25/06/2018 21:40

Our PTA have just invested in a wireless chip and pin card machine for the summer fair.

Feedback suggests parents will be happy to spend more but didn't have cash on them and no cash machine near by. Time will tell if this is right or not, but I think so. Just from my own perspective of having to remember to get cash especially for school things.

shoelaces · 25/06/2018 21:49

Meant to say as well, I know of a PTA for a high school that spends money on:

Underwear and socks
Warm PJs for winter
School shoes
Deodorant
Other toiletries shampoo etc
Mobile hairdresser

Not my DS's school and not close, about 4-5 miles away. I would defo give money via just giving to this PTA and I'm sure others would if they were able to raise awareness. The mum I was speaking to said other PTA mums don't want to get the school a bad name in terms of linking poverty to poor results. So it's all done in 'secret'. Really sad they don't feel able to ask for help to fund this.

trinity0097 · 26/06/2018 21:16

My dad organised a virtual fete once when they had building work at his school - you just sent in what you would have wasted at the fete normally! Raised more than usual! I guess something similar could work with a just giving page

Original poster
BerryBad · 27/06/2018 22:42

Thanks all, really interesting views...

OP posts:
BingTheButterflySlayer · 28/06/2018 07:01

I don't think it would have worked at our school - our PTA events tend to be actual "events" that the kids really look forward to and do become a big event for the community. The turnouts are huge - we had the summer barbecue at the weekend and there were people there for hours just sat drinking from the bar chucking 20ps at their kids to go do the little stalls on the go and going to see the show that was on. (World cup match on didn't go against people staying and chilling as well)

pitterpatterrain · 28/06/2018 07:07

As a PP would prefer to be able to do a regular bank transfer - our church print their sort code and account number on the weekly leaflet with the service, certainly would be fine for the PTA to do the same

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