School and college fundraising

Get your school or college involved in fundraising for Once Upon a Smile and make a difference to families in need.

Whether you take part in our Smile Mile, where students walk, run, or skip to raise funds, or get creative with our NEW Enterprise Challenge, there’s something for everyone. We provide full support with an A–Z fundraising guide packed with ideas and resources to help you every step of the way.

Fundraising ideas

Are you looking for ideas for your next fundraiser? Here we have a couple of ideas which might interest you.

Fun Fair: Organise a fun fair with games, food stalls, and entertainment.
Read-a-Thon: Encourage students to read books and collect pledges from family and friends for each book they finish.
Charity Walk/Run: Host a charity walk or run event where students, teachers, and parents can participate together. Collect donations and sponsorships for each participant to contribute. One of our organised activities is our Smile Mile.
Art Exhibition: Organise an art exhibition featuring artwork created by students and sell the artwork for a donation.
Bake Sale: Host a bake sale with delicious treats made by students and their families.
School Talent Show: Organise a talent show where students can showcase their skills and talents.
Dress-Up, Non-Uniform or Theme Days: Organise dress-up or theme days, where students pay a small fee to participate.

Discover our A-Z fundraising ideas guide

FAQs

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How can my school or college get involved in fundraising for Once Upon a Smile?

You can get involved by choosing from a range of fundraising activities, such as organising a Smile Mile, taking part in the Enterprise Challenge, or hosting events like bake sales and sponsored runs. We provide full support and an A–Z fundraising guide to help you get started.

What is the Smile Mile/Santa Dash?

The Smile Mile and Santa Dash are fun, sponsored walk, run, or skip events that can be organised at your school or college. Students and staff can take part to raise money while enjoying a healthy, active day. It’s a great way to bring everyone together for a common cause!

What is the Enterprise Challenge?

The Enterprise Challenge encourages students to use their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to raise money. It could involve creating products to sell, organising events, or coming up with other innovative fundraising ideas. We’ll support you with all the resources you need.

Can we fundraise for Once Upon a Smile throughout the year?

Yes! You can choose to fundraise during specific events or run year-round campaigns. We’re happy to work with you on ongoing or special fundraising initiatives.

Do you provide resources for schools and colleges?

Yes, we offer an A–Z fundraising guide, promotional materials, and advice to help you plan your events. We also provide support every step of the way to make your fundraising efforts a success.

Can we involve the whole school or college?

Absolutely! Fundraising events can be tailored to suit all ages and involve students, staff, and parents. The more people involved, the bigger the impact you’ll have.

How do we send the money we raise?

You can send the funds via our website, by bank transfer, or by post. We will provide all the details you need when you register your fundraising activity.

How can we get in touch for further help?

If you need help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our fundraising team. We’re here to assist with any ideas, resources, or support you need!