The Certificate in School Fundraising and Income Generation
Case Studies from Special Schools
Ann Johnson, Vice Chair of Governors, Round Oak School
Previous Fundraising Experience
Ann had previously submitted funding applications but tended to be unsuccessful. Since completing the course Ann has had great success and feels the course feedback and tutor support has really benefited the pupils.
Success sincecompleting Course
Raised over £60,000 to install a sensory garden and outdoor performance area, from local Trusts, Children in Need, HSBC and donations from individuals, including £20,000 towards a successful Sports Specialist Status Bid.
Future Plans
To continue to build on successes to date and raise more funds.
‘The course helped me write a whole range of funding applications, hone my grant research skills and know how to present our school and it’s range of projects’
A Johnson, Round Oak School
Beryl Jenkins, Business Manager, The Ridgeway Community School
A special school for children with serious and profound learning difficulties
Previous Fundraising Experience
Beryl describes herself as very much a beginner before the course.
Success Since Completing Course
Grants totaling £80,000 in the last 6 months including:
- £18,000 Children in Need grant over 3 yrs to provide salaries for WISH project staff
- £15,000 Foyle Foundation grant for equipment for a new communications room
- £17,000 Variety Club of Great Britain towards a new minibus
- £6,000 grant from a local Surrey charity for a people carrier
Future Plans
Now researching grants for a new sensory garden.
"I now know where to look for grants and how to take a strategic approach. Our success over the last 6 months has been as a result of this course."
B. Jenkins
Angie Smith, Bursar, Sidestrand Hall School
A special school for children age range 8 to 16 yrs, complex needs
Previous Fundraising Experience
Angie is the bursar and treasurer of the registered charity side of the school. She had limited experience of grant funding and enrolled to gain skills and confidence.
Success Since Completing Course
- Raised funds for a go-kart track
- £5,000 Awards for All grant - towards the after school club
- £10,000 Eastern Counties Education Trust grant - to provide soft play equipment
- £6,875 Local authority short breaks bid- to take the juniors on a short residential
- £1,000 Local community partnership grant - to refurbish staff room
Future Plans
The school is now bidding for specialist status for behaviour and approaching businesses for sponsorship. They have already gained financial commitment from Interconnector, a local gas site that supports community involvement.
"The course has shown me how to prepare bids and what to include. I would recommend this course to anyone, especially now budget funding is just not enough."
Angie Smith
D Bumfrey, Teaching Assistant, Sheringham Woodfields School
Previous Fundraising Experience
"The course has definitely been a help as I was very new to fundraising."
Success Since Completing Course
Our main project has been a mini bus appeal for which we have received:
- Foyle Foundation: £10,000
- Local Businesses: received £10,000 from HSBC and £1,000 from Barclays Bank
Future Plans
To achieve charity status and specialist status.
"The course has really helped me, I still constantly refer back to course materials."
D Bumfrey
School Governor
Secondary special school catering for children with PMLD to moderate learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, etc.
Previous Fundraising Experience
Very little experience and took the course as a new challenge after retirement
Success since Completing Course
- Raised £20,000 for specialist sports status from Business Sponsorship
- Received £10,000 national lottery grant
- Dedicates one day a week going into the school to look at what progress has been made. Has changed how the school functions as it is now able to have a wishlist which she works through.
Future Plans
Now seeking £43k for a sensory garden for the most severely disabled children. We have a fundraising statement for the school.
"A brilliant course. I can now write objectively rather than emotionally. I'm still a Governor but now also a fundraiser for the school as an outcome of the course."