Could Your PTA Be Missing Out on a Simple Fundraising Idea?
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Amelia Jones
8 May 2025
🕓14 min
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are the backbone of many school communities. They’re the reason libraries get restocked, playgrounds get repainted, and extra-curricular activities remain affordable. But anyone involved in a PTA knows that sustaining effective fundraising year after year is no easy task. Bake sales, raffle tickets, and second-hand uniform sales are fantastic—but they can quickly lose their sparkle with repeat audiences.
In Croydon and across South London, schools that have experimented with STEM-based fundraising events have found them to be a winning combination of fun, value, and educational impact. Could your PTA be missing out on this simple but powerful idea?
1: Why Traditional Fundraising Can Hit a Wall
Every PTA has its greatest hits—those events that are guaranteed to bring in some cash and community spirit. But over time, even the most successful bake sale can begin to feel a little tired. Parents grow weary, volunteers burn out, and participation rates can dip. That’s often not because the community doesn’t care, but because people crave novelty and purpose. If your PTA is looking for a fresh approach that captures children’s imaginations and boosts your budget, it might be time to consider an often-overlooked opportunity: STEM enrichment fundraising events. These educational, high-energy science experiences not only bring families together, but also generate funds in a way that leaves a lasting impression on pupils—and strengthens the school's learning ethos.
There’s also the pressure to make fundraising events more than just “money makers.” Today’s parents and teachers increasingly want school activities to tie into learning and child development. If children are going to stay after school or families are giving up part of their weekend, many are asking, “Is this also educationally valuable?”
That’s where STEM fundraising ideas step into the spotlight. By blending hands-on science fun with purposeful engagement, these events solve two challenges at once: they raise money and they build student interest in subjects that are vital for 21st-century life.
2: What Makes a STEM Fundraising Event Different?
Unlike more passive forms of fundraising, STEM experiences are inherently participatory. They transform school halls and classrooms into pop-up science labs—where children launch rockets, make slime, explore circuits, or create mini chemical reactions. These aren’t just events you attend. They’re events you do.
The result is twofold. Firstly, children have a blast—literally and figuratively. They come away with messy hands, wide eyes, and stories to tell. Secondly, because the event has real substance, parents are often more willing to pay for entry, donate, or sponsor. They’re not just supporting the school—they’re investing in their child’s learning journey. From a PTA perspective, a science fundraising event is also easier to justify when approaching local businesses for sponsorship. It aligns with curriculum goals and has broader social value. Some companies may even contribute resources or personnel if they see the event as a STEM or CSR outreach opportunity.
And here’s another bonus: science events can often run with the support of enrichment providers, meaning less pressure on PTA volunteers to manage the logistics alone. You bring the audience, they bring the spark.
3: Real-World Examples from Croydon Schools
Several Croydon-based primary schools have already integrated science-themed fundraising events into their annual calendar—with fantastic results. At one school, the PTA hosted a “Family Science Night” that invited families to explore activity stations set up around the school hall. Each station had a small entry fee, and children earned stickers for each experiment completed. The event raised over £900 in one evening and sparked interest in launching an after-school science club.
Another school used a STEM day as both a fundraiser and a celebration of British Science Week. Each class participated in a hands-on workshop, and the PTA asked parents to contribute a small donation in lieu of the traditional dress-up day. Because the event clearly linked to learning, most families gave more than the suggested amount.
There are also examples of science parties run as community events, where non-school families are invited to join in for a fee. These not only raise funds but help build wider community engagement—especially important for schools looking to strengthen ties with local parents or expand their reach. These case studies show that science isn’t just a school subject—it’s a community-building tool, a source of excitement, and yes, a valuable fundraising asset.
4: Planning a Successful STEM Fundraiser
The key to success with a science-themed fundraising event lies in the planning—and the partnership. Begin by setting a clear goal: Are you fundraising for a specific project? Do you want the event to coincide with a learning week or school celebration? Once your goals are clear, consider working with a science enrichment provider who can deliver workshops, demos, or activity stations. Many companies offer school-friendly pricing for PTAs and can even tailor events based on your themes or age groups.
Promotion is crucial too. A well-marketed science night with teasers (like “Will You Make the Loudest Volcano?” or “Can You Catch a Shadow?”) can drum up serious excitement. Use posters, social media, and newsletters to build momentum in the lead-up to the event.
On the day, offer entry tickets or charge per activity station. You can supplement this with a science-themed bake sale, science book stall, or even sponsor-a-scientist competitions. The possibilities are endless—and refreshingly different from the usual PTA repertoire. Importantly, make time for feedback and celebration after the event. Showcase photos, student quotes, or even video snippets to remind families what they helped create. That post-event buzz will make it easier to organise again next year.
5: Why STEM Fundraising Makes Long-Term Sense
Fundraising is about more than short-term income. It’s about creating school culture. When a PTA puts on a science event, they’re sending a message: our school values learning, curiosity, and creativity. That message doesn’t go unnoticed. Croydon’s school communities are full of potential. With a little science magic and the energy of a committed PTA, your next fundraising event could be the one everyone remembers—not just for the money raised, but for the learning, laughter, and inspiration it brings.
Repeated STEM events can also help identify students with a passion or talent for science—who might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional classroom settings. It’s not uncommon for children to “come alive” in these hands-on environments and for that spark to fuel further ambition.
And finally, there’s the reputation effect. Schools known for exciting, educational events tend to attract more interest—from prospective families, donors, and even local media. That’s value you can’t put a price tag on.
Conclusion
So, could your PTA be missing out on a simple fundraising idea? If science workshops, family STEM nights, or mini maker fairs aren’t on your radar yet, it might be time to reconsider. These events are inclusive, imaginative, and deeply engaging. Most importantly, they raise funds without feeling like hard work.
Looking for a fresh, exciting way to raise money for your school while inspiring the next generation of scientists? we offer custom science fundraising experiences for PTAs across Croydon and South London. Workshops, science nights, demos, and hands-on fun that the whole school community will love.
📩 Get in touch today to start planning an event that’s as educational as it is profitable. Your PTA deserves a fundraising idea that makes a real impact—and we’re here to help!
