Published On: 2025-07-04Categories: Tips
Published On: 2025-07-04Categories: Tips
Published On: 2025-07-04Categories: Tips

Fundraising for schools, university societies, and youth organizations doesn’t need to be complicated.

From school trip fundraisers to activity-based university societies or local youth organisations, this guide offers fundraising ideas that are simple, impactful, and volunteer-friendly, including how Collective Sales personalised candle fundraising can make planning even easier.

fundraising ideas

Choosing the right fundraiser for your group’s size, time, and goals

bake sales fundraising

Bake sales

Easy and community-friendly, but often time-consuming for volunteers — and limited in revenue unless well-attended.

raffles fundraising

Raffles

Fun and low-cost to run, but require prize sourcing and awareness of local laws on lotteries.

quiz nights fundraising

Quiz nights & events

Great for building community spirit, but take planning, bookings, and usually a big time commitment.

candle sales fundraising

Product sales

Straightforward and flexible — you sell something meaningful, and keep the profit. Works well for smaller groups or busy terms when time is tight.

planning a fundraiser

What makes a fundraiser a good fit?

When deciding on the best fundraiser for your school or youth group, it helps to ask:

  • How much volunteer time do we realistically have?

  • Is there any upfront cost or financial risk?

  • Can supporters get something meaningful in return?

  • Is it easy for parents and carers to support?

A low-risk fundraising option: Collective Sales

At Collective Sales, we’ve designed a fundraising model that makes it easy for groups to raise money, without pressure or upfront costs. You:

  • Order UK-made scented candles (no prepayment required)

  • Sell at your chosen price (£15–£20 recommended)

  • Keep 100% of the profit

  • Return unsold candles for free if needed

  • Even get a personalised label for your unit or school

candle cash fundraising

It’s an easy fundraising idea that combines simple planning, full flexibility, and hands-on support—making it ideal for busy school staff or youth group volunteers. We even offer free sample boxes (with your logo, if you’d like) so you can experience the quality and packaging before you commit.

Common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them

🧩 Lack of clarity

If supporters don’t understand what the money is for, they’re less likely to buy. Make the goal crystal clear — whether it’s funding an international trip, covering camp costs, or buying new equipment.

🕒 Leaving it too late

If supporters don’t understand what the money is for, they’re less likely to buy. Make the goal crystal clear. Whether it’s funding an international trip, covering camp costs, or buying new equipment.

💸 Pricing uncertainty

Worried about what to charge? Be confident in the value. Supporters aren’t just buying a candle or a snack, they’re contributing to a cause and getting something meaningful in return. Frame it that way.

📢 Not promoting it enough

A few messages or outreaches aren’t always enough. Think about how you’ll spread the word: WhatsApp groups, newsletters, school bags, social media, the more visibility, the better.

🎯 Trying to do too much

Keep it simple. A straightforward, low-effort fundraiser is more likely to succeed (and feel achievable for leaders and parents) than something that requires lots of coordination or sign-ups.

Avoiding these common missteps can make a big difference, helping your fundraiser run smoothly, feel manageable, and actually hit its target. A little planning goes a long way!

FAQ – Fundraising in the UK

Some of the easiest fundraisers are those that don’t require much organising, like selling products people already love. Candles, chocolates, and tea towels are popular with UK schools, especially around seasonal events. Bonus points if you can take orders or sell directly without needing lots of volunteers.

Autumn is one of the best times to fundraise in the UK. People are already thinking about gifts and cosy treats, and it’s easier to tie a fundraiser into existing events like Bonfire Night, Halloween discos, or school fairs. Many PTAs and youth groups also start raising money in September or October for spring or summer trips.

Choose a fundraiser with minimal admin and no upfront costs, and something supporters actually want to buy. Collective Sales, for example, lets UK groups sell beautiful scented candles with custom packaging and no risk. You only pay for what you sell, and it’s simple enough for even the busiest PTA or leader team.

Free fundraising toolkit 📋

Stay organised and set your fundraiser up for success.
Our Fundraising Toolkit includes a handy checklist, planning tips, and ready-to-use resources to help you avoid common mistakes and keep things simple.

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