Fundraising and sources of funds
Information and advice on fundraising and finding sources of funds for your setting.
Fundraising
Generally it is easier to raise money for one-offs such as start-up costs and tangible items (like equipment) than it is to get money for regular running costs, such as salaries and utility bills.
How do I get started?
A good place to start is our funding and grants page. This provides detailed information and guidance about the funding available to groups and individuals through:
- Oxfordshire County Council
- district councils
- grant-making trusts
- The National Lottery
- company giving
You may also find information about new funding streams in:
- Inspiring Play, a bi-monthly newsletter for play providers.
- Children and Young People Now also have information available on trust funds and how to access them. UK wide funding and grants
Fundraising ideas and events
Fundraising events can be great ways of raising (usually) smaller amounts of money, and provide an opportunity to promote your club. They are also an opportunity to include other key people involved with the club such as children, parents/carers, schools and other supporters. 101 fundraising ideas for pre-schools (.pdf format 122 Kb) should help.
A registered charity can fundraise from the general public, although permission may be required. If your group raises funds this way it should follow best practice and be careful to conduct all fundraising activities honesty, openly and within the law.
You should:
- Obtain permission, where necessary
- Word publicity clearly and carefully
- Remember to use your charity number on all posters, fliers and letters
- Keep careful financial records
Recommended reading - The Charity Commission CC20 - Charities and Fundraising
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Finding funds to support out of school childcare settings
Fee income
The main source of income for most clubs will be the fees received from families who use the club. This will involve careful planning of your club – see advice and support page on business and development planning. There is help available to support families in paying for childcare. Please see below.
Short Break Transport and Inclusion Support Scheme (Short Breaks)
(For children and young people aged 5 – 17 years)
Funding to support families on a low incomes with paying for transport, fees or extra support for disabled children and young people aged 5 – 17 years to access activities.
Funding to support families
Working tax credits and childcare vouchers
Funding available to parents to help them meet the costs of registered childcare. It is important that parents are regularly reminded of the availability of this support.
Pupil premium
Early years pupil premium
The early years pupil premium (EYPP) gives providers of early education and childcare extra funding to support certain 3 and 4-year-olds. All providers delivering funded early education places will be eligible to receive the early years pupil premium.
Pupil premium for schools
Families can ask headteachers about pupil premium, and whether any financial help is available to support children and young people to access activities.
School budgets
In most cases, out of school provision will bring educational benefits. As it is a pupil focused activity it is possible for the school budget to support out of school provision or buy places in a provision.
Some schools have seen improvements in educational attainment, as a result. For example, attending a breakfast club can mean pupils are better prepared to start learning at the beginning of the school day.