20 Quick and Easy Fundraising Ideas for Charity Nurseries and Pre-schools

Fundraising in a charity-managed nursery or pre-school can feel challenging, especially when trustee and staff time is limited, budgets are tight, and families already have a lot on their plates.

The good news?

Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective.

Settings often do best with simple, repeatable ideas that fit naturally into the daily routine and involve parents without pressure.

Below are 20 easy-to-implement fundraising ideas, including both quick wins and long-term options that quietly raise money over time.

Quick & Easy Fundraisers - Great if you’re short on time and are raising funds for a particular item.

1. Pyjama Day or Non-Uniform Day

A classic for a reason. Ask families for a £1–£2 donation and let children come in their pyjamas or favourite clothes. No setup, no disruption.

2. Crazy Hair or Hat Day

Simple, fun, and memorable. One themed day can raise funds and spark conversations at home.

3. Sticker or Temporary Tattoo Sale

Set up a small table at pick-up time for a week. Children choose one item for a £1 donation.

4. Guess the Teddy’s Name, Birthday, or Height

One teddy, one poster, one prize. Parents guess throughout the week and a winner is drawn at the end.

5. Decorate-a-Biscuit Session

Build this into a normal activity slot. Parents donate £2 per child while children enjoy a creative treat.

6. Children’s Artwork Sale

Each child creates one piece of artwork. Parents can buy their child’s creation for a suggested donation — often a lovely keepsake.

7. Coin Jar at Reception

A clearly labelled jar (“Help us buy new outdoor toys!”) encourages spare change donations with almost no effort.

8. Coffee and Cake at Pick-Up

Once a term, offer tea, coffee, and donated cake for a small donation. Informal and community-building.

9. Mini Raffle

You only need a few prizes. Ask parents or local businesses for small donations and sell tickets over several days.

10. Second-Hand Toy or Book Basket

Parents donate items, and others buy them at pick-up time. A small table works just fine.

Long-Term and Ongoing Fundraising Ideas- These fundraisers run quietly in the background and are ideal for settings that prefer fewer events but steady income.

11. Easyfundraising

Parents raise money simply by shopping online. Registration is required but once set up, this requires very little ongoing work.

12. Amazon Wish List

Families can donate gift cards instead of cash (especially popular around holidays and the end of term) or you can share your wish list and let them purchase items for you.

13. Monthly “Spare Change” Club

Parents opt in to donate £1–£3 per month via standing order. Small amounts add up quickly.

14. Permanent Collection Box

Keep it visible and update signage regularly to remind families what they’re supporting.

15. Sponsored Toddle (Annual Event)

Children walk laps around the playground or nursery grounds. Even a short toddle can raise a surprising amount.

16. Name-the-Bear Competition (Term-Long)

Run the competition all term and draw the winner at the end — minimal admin, steady engagement.

17. Adopt-a-Toy or Adopt-a-Book Scheme

Parents donate £5–£10 towards new resources, with names added to a thank-you board.

18. Seasonal Fundraising Days

One simple event per term keeps things manageable:

• Autumn: Pumpkin or leaf theme

• Winter: Festive jumper day

• Summer: Teddy picnic

  
  

19. Local Business Support

Approach one local business per term for prize donations or sponsorship. Many are happy to help community charities.

20. Birthday Donation Option

Offer parents the option to make a small donation when their child celebrates a birthday at nursery.

Tips for Successful Fundraising in Small Nurseries

• Keep it simple — £1–£2 donations work best

• Explain the purpose (“We’re raising money for outdoor equipment”)

• Make donations optional to avoid pressure

• Repeat what works — familiarity increases participation

• Fundraise little and often rather than running big events

Final Thoughts

Fundraising doesn’t need to be loud, stressful, or time-heavy. For small, charity-run settings, the most successful approach is often a mix of quick, joyful activities and quiet, long-term fundraisers that build up over time.

With the right balance, fundraising can strengthen your community while helping you provide the very best for your children.