The power of employer engagement in school fundraising

Tapping into an often-overlooked resource can be a game-changer for school business leaders and encouraging parents to involve their employers in supporting fundraising initiatives can be a win-win strategy. Numerous companies, spanning sectors like banking, IT, phone businesses, supermarkets, utilities, and car manufacturers, are embracing match funding schemes through their Human Resources (HR) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments 

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on FundEd

Match funding serves as a catalyst for amplifying fundraising efforts. It operates on a simple principle – employees raise funds for a cause, and their employer steps in to match the sum. This not only motivates parent volunteers to escalate their involvement but also reflects positively on the employer, showcasing their commitment to enhancing facilities for students.

Leveraging local employer ties

For schools in areas with a predominant employer, match funding becomes even more potent. The close-knit relationship between the school community and a major employer creates a ripe environment for collaborative fundraising success.

Beyond financial support

Beyond monetary contributions, some companies extend support by pledging time and resources. This might involve employees allocating work hours for volunteering or offering professional skills, such as designing posters and newsletters. However, note that companies may impose an upper limit on such contributions, and often, registration as a charitable entity, like a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or School Fund, is a prerequisite.

Wren Academy’s success story

Wren Academy in Finchley, North London, stands as a shining example of leveraging match funding. The school’s Parent Teacher Association, known as the Friends of Wren Academy, has seamlessly integrated match funding into its fundraising strategy.

Amelia Coops, a representative of the Friends of Wren Academy, emphasises the importance of simplicity in getting match-funding schemes off the ground. A five-minute talk during each year group’s PTA coffee morning at the beginning of the academic year elucidates the value of match funding and outlines the straightforward steps for parents to get involved.

Coops explains, “Parents simply need to reach out to their employer’s HR or CSR department to inquire about match funding availability and the process involved.” The key, she notes, is to ensure that businesses matching parent-raised funds are strategically placed at high-value stalls during events. Subsequently, parents complete the necessary forms or compose letters detailing the funds raised, creating a seamless reporting process.

For SBLs, unlocking the potential of employer engagement in fundraising presents an avenue not just for financial backing but for fostering a collaborative community spirit that resonates positively across the school landscape.