The School Fundraising Handbook: How to maximise your income from grants, sponsorship and many other sources of finance
£16.99*
Pros
- A very well researched book offering important signposts showcasing sources of available grants.
- Offers guidance and advice on what you need to consider and prepare when applying for school-specific grants.
- The book not only looks at sources of additional funding, but also offers advice on how schools can save money.
- The book offers signposts for funding sources for each individual country within the United Kingdom.
- Essential reading for school leadership teams and SBMs in all sectors of UK schools.
Review and ratings independently compiled by Colin Hill, Supported by Crown House Publishing
It is clear that the cuts in educational budgets have had an impact on schools, with added costs and unexpected circumstances all putting pressures on the finances. The variance of income between schools is evident, although the educational outcomes of students are set high no matter what economic, social and political expectations are placed on the education system, so maximising income opportunities has suddenly become a critical element of school leadership. Many have adopted a role of School Business Manager (SBM) whose main role is to enhance the budget, allowing increased opportunities for staff, leaders and students, but seeking out the elusive ‘pots of gold’ can be one of the greatest barriers to sustainable success.
In her book, Lindsey Marsh hopes to show how school leaders and SBM’s can maximise the school income from grants, sponsorship and other sources of finance. The book is split into three main sections exploring: applying for grants; fundraising for specific school projects, and; additional information.
Applying for grants can sound like a long-winded and bureaucratic process, but there are lots available for schools that do not have to be paid back. Lindsey considers the application of grants for all countries within the UK, signposting funding organisations, social media signposts (including #UKEdChat 😇), publications, and so on. However, the important aspect covered by the book is to offer insights into what is expected from grant applications, and what you can expect in return. Advice on getting prepared for a grant application is extensively explored, including the type of documentation you should collect and evidence, how to complete the grant application, and how to communicate your plans for monitoring and evaluation.
The second section of the book explores ‘Fundraising for Specific School Projects’, where Lindsey explores how to go about applying for funding for ICT projects, school libraries, school trips, playgrounds, environmental projects, music projects, extra-curricular clubs, food projects and other projects you might deem important for your setting. Again, the book allows time for considerations to be made before applying and purchasing, with handy checklists within each section and additional signposts indicating where to source and apply for resources and funding – I mean, who knew that WH Smith offer grants to schools for books which are funded from the proceeds of their carrier bag sales? Not only does the book showcase where funding might be available from, but Lindsey also lists a great selection of projects that you may not have considered for your school, and inspiration is offered throughout the book – I particularly liked the list of environmental projects that schools could (and should) be considering to help build awareness for their students.
The final section of the book explores other sources of funding for schools, including fundraising events, business sponsorship, other income-generation strategies, and (interestingly) money-saving ideas. This final chapter of the book is interesting as Lindsey looks at common-sense ideas that schools can explore to save money that has already been allocated. She offers purchasing tips, exploring discounts, collective procurement and sustainability.
This is an essential book to have on hand for school leaders or school business managers who are looking at opportunities to maximise income, develop their school resources further and provide ideas on how to complete the (sometimes convoluted) process of applying for funding grants.
*RRP – Price correct at time of publication.
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