Introducing Billy G’s secret Christmas Fruit Cake recipe, making a long-awaited return after many years. One tub of this special dough is all you need to create a delightful Christmas Fruit Cake or transform it into mini puddings using a muffin tray.

Indulge in the richness and moisture of this recipe that is sure to please everyone. Say goodbye to the stress of searching for the perfect recipe and preparing it in advance. Billy G’s Christmas Fruit Cake Dough tubs make the process effortless and leave a lasting impression on all. 

Hurry, as the quantity is limited, and it’s first-come, first-served!

Take advantage of this opportunity by organising a Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough fundraiser in Term 4 and generate excitement among everyone for this scrumptious Christmas Fruit Cake offer available with our 9 Cookie Dough flavours.

What Is Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough Fundraiser?

Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough fundraiser is a product drive fundraiser. Participants sell tubs of dough-licious cookie dough and earn wonderful incentive prizes for their school or group.

There is also no need to worry about cash handling! Our online ordering system directly deposits your profit into your nominated bank account weekly ($4 for each tub sold). Combine this with no upfront costs and free delivery*, and it’s risk-free fundraising at its best!

If your sports club needs funds – to send a team overseas or replace worn-out equipment, for example – then consider rallying your troops for a fun and profitable fundraising project. Cadbury Fundraiser is here to help your team to fundraising victory.

Other fundraising ideas

Charity match

For a gold coin entry fee, hold a charity match or round-robin in your chosen sport. Sell Caramello Koala or Summer Roll at the gate to raise even more.

Sausage sizzle

Every weekend at the game, get some volunteers behind the BBQ. Sausage sizzles are a proven fundraising winner!

Raffles §

Ask local businesses to donate prizes – the bigger the better – and throw in a 4.5kg Toblerone or 10kg Cadbury Dairy Milk milk chocolate block to sweeten the prize draw.

§ Raffles are subject to regulations in each state/territory and permits may be required. Customers should check with their local authority for further information.

Your GO-TO place for branded product fundraising! You get supplied quality branded merchandise that you sell in your FREE online store for HUGE profits!

You will receive FREE tools and Inspiration to help you run unique, fast, and profitable fundraisers online!

NO MORE BORING FUNDRAISERS

If you’re bored of running the same old fundraisers, and you’re looking for some variety, you’ve come to the right place.

Here at Fundraise Factory, we have a huge range of branded fundraising merchandise, available to sell in your very own free online store. The products have high profits and we can get you up and running online FAST!

TOP FUNDRAISING PRODUCTS

1. Tea Towels
2. Bucket Hats
3. Produce Bags
4. Sunscreen
5. School Leavers
6. Lunchbox Products
7. Reusable Cups
8. Beanies
9. Jute Bags
10. Drink Bottles
11. Seeds/Plants
12. Plus so much more – Talk to us for ideas and inspiration!

WHAT TO EXPECT

You will experience the following:

✓Great profits

✓Fantastic variety of products, keeping every fundraiser compelling

✓Fast setup to get up and running

✓Free online store for your fundraiser

✓Free 1 hour consultation for ideas and inspiration

PLUS:

✓Free tools

✓Free samples

✓Free visuals

✓Fast and supportive customer service

✓Free fundraising masterclasses

GREAT FUNDRAISERS FOR

• Schools
• Daycare / Early Childcare Sector
• Charities / Not-for-Profit
• Sports Clubs / Teams
• Service Groups / RSL / Scouts / Girl Guides / Scout Groups

As we approach the new year with financial uncertainty rising, nonprofits and community groups face the ongoing challenge of securing funding. A strategic approach to this is developing a grants calendar – an essential tool that can significantly enhance your grant-seeking efficiency and success.

Why a Grants Calendar is Crucial:

1. Streamlines Planning: A grants calendar helps you visualise the entire year’s grant opportunities, allowing for better planning and resource allocation.
2. Prevents Missed Deadlines: Keeping track of submission dates ensures that you never miss a deadline, maximising your chances for success.
3. Facilitates Strategic Timing: Understanding the grants landscape over the year helps you strategically time applications when your capacity is highest.
4.  Ensures Continuity: A calendar aids in maintaining a consistent flow of grant applications, essential for sustained funding.

How to Develop a Grants Calendar:

1. Research Upcoming Grants: Start by identifying all the potential grants available to your organisation for the next year. Use grant databases, government websites, and other resources specific to your sector.
2. Record Key Details: For each grant, note down the opening and closing dates, grant purpose, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. This information is crucial for quick reference.
3. Prioritise Opportunities: Not all grants will align perfectly with your organization’s goals or capacity. Prioritize the grants based on their relevance, potential value, and your likelihood of success.
4. Plan for Preparations: Include in your calendar the preparation start dates for each grant. This should be well in advance of the submission deadline, giving ample time for crafting a strong application.
5. Use Digital Tools: Leverage digital calendar tools that allow for reminders and sharing among team members. This keeps everyone in the loop and accountable.
6. Regular Updates: The grants landscape can change, with new opportunities emerging and deadlines shifting. Regularly update your calendar to reflect these changes.
7. Review Past Applications: If you’ve applied for recurring grants in the past, review your previous applications and outcomes. Use these insights to refine your approach.

Top tip: Not all grants will be visible at the time of making the calendar so spend some time listing all the grants you have applied for this year, and add them to the calendar with a note to check dates closer to the open dates.

In conclusion, a well-maintained grants calendar is more than just a scheduling tool; it’s a strategic asset. It helps your non-profit or community group approach grant seeking methodically, ensuring you’re always prepared, never miss an opportunity, and ultimately, stand a better chance of securing the funds you need to make a difference in the community.

As you gear up for the new year, take the time to develop your grants calendar. It could be the key to unlocking a year of successful funding and impactful work. 

By Janine Owen, Grant’d: Impact storytellers and experts in grants management and strategy

Let’s paint a picture: You’re part of a vibrant school or community group. Your heart is brimming with hope, ambition, and dedication. But often, what you have in passion, you might lack in funding. Enter the world of grants – a potential lifeline for schools and community non-profits, especially those steered by tireless volunteers like you. But with so many vying for the same pot of money, how do you ensure your grant application stands out?

By integrating these three foundational strategies into your grant-writing process, you’re setting the stage for success:

1. Strategy: Define, Align, Shine!

• Understand Your Needs: Begin by dissecting what exactly you need funding for. A new library? A community event? A water station? This will become the heart of your application and help you with the grant research and finding the ‘right’ grant.
• Budgeting Brilliance: Know the costs. Whether it’s for materials, people-power, or infrastructure, having a clear budget is pivotal. And make sure you include in-kind support, like volunteer hours, to manage the activity. (Psst – head to The Centre for Volunteering to calculate the in-kind cost of your volunteer’s time).
• The Right Fit: Not every grant is your grant. Choose those that perfectly dovetail with your needs, ensuring your project aligns with what the funder wishes to support. The better you understand your needs (step 1), the easier this research and fit process will be.

Eligibility & Alignment: Once a potential grant is on your radar, ensure you tick all eligibility boxes. It’s like pairing the right key with its lock. Moving beyond the obvious eligibility criteria is the alignment piece. Is your proposed project really aligned with what the funder is looking to achieve?

This is where you need to read between the lines and get to know the funders objectives and strategies. For example, the NSW Sustainable Schools Fund would align to projects that are ‘hands-on’ and delivering sustainability projects for schools. It wouldn’t align so well with the project design or research piece to deliver the project. Same project but different ask based on the alignment with the funder (ie. ‘delivery of project’ V ‘development of project’

2. Data: The Backbone of Authenticity

• Why Data Matters: The proof is in numbers (or data). By presenting relevant data, you’re broadcasting reliability and adding a tangible dimension to your narrative.
• External Vs. Internal Data: Whether it’s statistics from recognised bodies or your collected data, combine both to present a holistic picture. Some examples include testimonials, case studies, location-specific statistics and letters of support.
• Budget Data: Remember, asking for funds you can’t expend is not a good idea. Always be driven by the funds you ‘need’ to spend, not ‘want’ to spend. Align your finances, ensuring you request precisely what’s necessary. Psst. Top tip: Don’t wait until you do your grant application to develop your budget. Once you have an idea of your organisation’s funding wishlist, start developing your project budget to inform the type of funding you need.

3. Story: Where Heart Meets Hard Facts – Our Three Golden Tips for Writing That Stellar Grant

• Readability: Prioritize clear, concise language. You’re not writing a complex thesis but a compelling invitation for partnership. Simplify jargon and be direct. The best advice is to write it to a 5th-grade level.
• Engaging Content: Yes, you’re addressing professionals, but they’re human first.
• Craft your application so that it resonates with the person reading it. Make them see, feel, and believe in your vision.
• Get a Second Opinion: Before hitting that ‘submit’ button, have another set of eyes scan your application. They might catch errors or offer a fresh perspective, making your application more robust.

For the hardworking volunteers driving schools and community non-profits, grant applications might seem daunting, but they’re an avenue teeming with possibilities. By intertwining strategy, data, and storytelling, you’re not just asking for funds; you’re inviting funders into a shared dream, one where communities grow, flourish, and soar. Remember, it’s not just about securing funds, but building bridges and forging lasting partnerships.

By Janine Owen, Grant’d: Impact storytellers and experts in grants management and strategy

Books make great gifts for grandparents, extended family and friends. You can even allow everyone to create their own personalised cover!

When you are choosing a school for your child, one of the biggest factors is your own first impression of the school’s community. Your Parent Association can significantly shape these impressions, so it’s vital to be present and approachable from the start. Open Days and Orientation Events are particularly important opportunities to make your new families feel welcome. Here are some things to think about when preparing for those events:

1. Identify Committee Members

Make your committee members easily recognisable. Whether through custom attire, name tags, or a designated colour scheme, ensuring your presence is unmistakable is really important. This approach breaks the ice and makes parents feel comfortable approaching you.

2. Active Engagement

Don’t just set up an information booth in a corner and think your work is done. It is so important to engage proactively – get amongst it and have your team mingle with parents and staff. Your committee will look a whole lot more approachable and parents can ask questions without feeling intimidated and needing to join on the spot. The more approachable and helpful you are as a committee, the more trust and connection new parents will have.

3. Leverage Social Media

In today’s fast-paced world, not all parents can attend school events physically due to work or other commitments. To bridge this gap, use social media. Platforms like Facebook Live provide an excellent means to connect with parents who can’t be there in person. You can offer a ‘Parent’s Perspective’ Q&A Session, provide additional information, and engage with questions and comments.

Another great idea to welcome new families is to create a closed Facebook or Whatsapp group for the incoming cohort of parents. By creating it yourself, you can be there to answer any questions, but it also allows families to connect with each other and potentially organise catch-ups.

Welcome New Families – your ‘Welcome Pack’

New families, and sometimes even seasoned ones, are bound to have questions about school procedures, expectations, and community involvement. Crafting a guide (hint: use a platform like Canva) such as a welcome pack aka ‘Dummies Guide’ aka ‘FAQ‘ that addresses these common queries can serve multiple purposes. If the school produces one, discuss contributing to theirs or else creating a more informal version with practical info for families. Perhaps you can split the cost of printing and supplies for your school welcome pack with the school. Things to consider:

1. What will it look like?

The guide should be informative as well as visually appealing. Think bullet points, icons, and colour coding to make information easy to digest. Also, make it available in both print and digital formats for accessibility if possible. Digital versions can be posted on the school website or Facebook page for easy access and reference. Here are some ideas for what to include in it.

– Welcome letter

Here is where your president officially welcomes new families! Make it warm and friendly. You want parents to know that you and the principal are approachable and all part of the same team. Creating community spirit from the start is what will make your fundraising in the coming years even more successful. Talk about what they will find in their welcome pack and let them know all the ways to stay informed and keep up to date with what’s happening at the school – newsletter, Facebook, emails and school apps. Don’t make your letter a novel, though. Ain’t nobody got time for that!  Make sure you include:

– Contact information

List the essential names and contact numbers of both the school and the Parent Committee for easy reference. Maybe laminate these and pop a magnet on the back so parents can stick it on the fridge. Even though absences etc aren’t in your scope, include those details so they are there for ready reference.

– Calendar of events

Have you already booked events in for the following year? In conjunction with the school, create a list of dates to help you put a calendar of events together. Include all your fundraisers (of course!), school holidays, sports carnivals, pupil free days, public holidays, Parent Committee meeting dates (if you know them already), school photo day etc.  The earlier parents can lock dates into their diaries, the better.

– Mission statement

It doesn’t have to be a formal, glossy phrase (unless you have one already!), but it’s important to let your families know about your committee and what it stands for. Talk about what you care about as well as the many ways that you contribute to making your school great. Talk about your past achievements and what your future goals are too.

– Membership form

The most important inclusion in your welcome pack! If your school requires all members to have any safety checks, make sure you include an application form for this too. You want to make it as easy as possible for new families to join.

– Volunteer opportunities

If you’ve already got your fundraisers locked in for the following year, give some thought to the jobs (big and small) that will be required for these events. Do you have major roles that need filling? Flag them here. Invite any interested parents to get in touch for a coffee chat – trust me… if an interested person feels like a part of your team from the start, you are avoiding a lot of wasted talent! You may even want to draft a….

– ‘Just One Thing’ Letter

That’s right! A Just One Thing Letter encourages parents to get involved in your school community through a ‘Just One Thing’ campaign. This campaign sets out various ways parents can contribute, from attending meetings to volunteering at a sports carnival to assisting with fundraising. Invite your families to nominate the ‘One Thing’ they are prepared to do to contribute in a meaningful way. Check out our ‘Just One Thing’ letter template here. Feel free to customise it to suit your school’s needs and goals 

– Something Special

To add a little something extra special you can include a gift or poem. You might include an item of school merchandise, a bottle of customised water, a lollypop with a tag saying ‘looking forward to a “sweet” year with you’ or a packet of microwave popcorn with a tag saying ‘Thanks for POPPING in! See you on the first day of school’. Pinterest is a great source for all sorts of idea like this. Your gift could even be as simple as a Kit Kat and a teabag.

– Celebrate Committee Achievements

Don’t forget to highlight your Parent Association’s contributions to the school. Showcase past achievements and ongoing projects. Including photos of successful initiatives can demonstrate the positive impact your committee has. This can be a powerful motivator for new parents considering getting involved.

3. Seek Feedback

As you are preparing the draft of your document, reach out to existing families via surveys and social media (and in person too!) to understand what they wished they knew when they first joined the school community. The existing cohort of newbie families can be particularly helpful with this. You can then address not only the common concerns and questions, but also the kooky and left-field ones, making it even more valuable as a tool for welcoming new families.

4. Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

If your guide becomes a substantial document, consider getting it professionally designed and printed. This opens the door to sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Local businesses might be interested in supporting your school’s efforts as well as gaining exposure, creating a win-win scenario.

First Day of School Celebrations

The first day of school is a milestone for students and parents alike. It’s a time for both celebration and reflection. Here’s how you can make this day special:

1. Decorate the School

Nothing is better for welcoming new families than decorating the school premises. While it may require some effort and resources, it’s an excellent way to create a welcoming atmosphere! You might even turn it into a yearly tradition.

• Chalk Walk: Transform a plain concrete path into a colourful welcome with chunky chalk and creativity.
• Signage: Invest in welcoming banners, flags or a selfie frame or backdrop that can be reused annually.
• Classroom Door Decorations: Design personalised welcome decorations for each class.

2. Welcome Gifts and Photos

Welcome new families with small tokens or gifts. If you like, you can write a thoughtful poem to go along with it. This gesture makes them feel valued and excited to join the school community. Additionally, set up photo opportunities for students, so parents can capture memorable moments.

Welcome Poem

Here’s an example Welcome Poem, written by Mandy Weidmann, that you are free to customise for your own use 

It’s time for school at last,
We’re so excited you are here!
We hope that you are ready
for the new school year

You’ll need a good breakfast
and lots of great sleep
There is so much to learn
and many friends to meet!

In the classroom and playground
you will learn and you will play
You’ll go home a bit tired
at the end of every day

To the big people in your life
A huge welcome to them too!
They are an important part
of what is great at our school

One day when you’re a grown up,
you’ll look back once in a while
We hope that you remember our school
with pride and a great big smile

Community Welcome Events

When the madness of the first day is all over and everybody’s had a chance to soak it all in, consider hosting some kind of welcome event.  Most parents love to get know the other parents in their class but may not always be around at drop-off and pick-up. Holding a whole of school community event at the beginning of the year is a great opportunity for new and current parents to socialise and often make lasting friendships. Here are some ideas for events.

1. Welcome Morning Tea

Hold a simple morning tea during the first week of school. It’s an easy event to organise and doesn’t require elaborate preparations. Consider having a coffee van or cart to treat parents, along with cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches. If you have your event on the first day, you can call it ‘Tea and Tissues’.

2. Welcome Picnic or BBQ

Organise a picnic or BBQ, either on the school grounds or at a nearby park. This casual gathering encourages families to bring their own food or participate in a sausage sizzle. Add some games or entertainment to keep both kids and adults engaged.

3. Movie Night

Host an indoor or outdoor movie night for the school community. Families can bring their own chairs or blankets. Ensure you have the necessary licensing for the movie, and consider selling popcorn and drinks as a fundraiser.

Conclusion

Incorporating these strategies will ensure that your Parent Association creates a warm, inclusive, and vibrant school community. New families will feel welcomed and motivated to become active members, enriching the overall school experience.

And don’t forget facebook, email groups and other social media as a tool to welcome and build community.

Best of luck for your own ‘Back to School’ preparation!