Creating opportunities for families to engage with the daycare community while supporting its goals fosters stronger relationships and can help raise funds for special projects. This chapter provides ideas for daycare fundraisers and family events, along with templates for advertising and expressing gratitude after events.

Why Host Fundraisers and Family Events?

1. Community Building: Strengthens relationships between families and staff.

2. Enhanced Learning: Provides unique experiences for children and families outside regular daycare hours.

3. Financial Support: Generates funds for new equipment, field trips, or special activities.

Event and Fundraiser Ideas

• Description: Kids bake treats to sell during drop-off or pick-up times.

• Tips: Offer allergy-friendly options and display ingredients clearly.

Bake Sale

• Description: Collect gently used books from families to sell at affordable prices

• Tips: Include books for all ages and set up cozy browsing stations.

Book Sale

• Description: Families bring in gently used clothes to exchange.

• Tips: Organize clothing by size and include a donation option for leftover items.

Children’s Clothing Swap

• Description: Display children’s artwork for families to admire or purchase.

• Tips: Frame or mount artwork for a professional touch and include art created collaboratively.

Annual Art Show

• Description: Families bring in gently used clothes to exchange.

• Tips: Organize clothing by size and include a donation option for leftover items.

Field Trip

• Description: Set up a lemonade stand at a community event or on daycare grounds.

• Tips: Include a few snack options and involve children in running the stand.

Lemonade Stand

• Description: Collect bottles, cans, or electronics and redeem them for funds.

• Tips: Partner with local recycling centers for easy drop-offs.

Monthly Recycling Fundraiser

• Description: Host a casual barbecue for families and staff to socialize.

• Tips: Offer simple games or activities for children during the event.

Family Barbecue

• Description: Provide after-hours childcare so parents can enjoy a night off.

• Tips: Plan engaging activities and include dinner for the children.

Parent’s Night Out Event

• Description: Partner with a professional photographer for family or child portraits.

• Tips: Offer photo packages with varying price points.

Picture Day

• Description: Families can purchase potted plants or seed packets to support the daycare.

• Tips: Pair this event with a gardening workshop for added value.

Plants and Seeds Sale

Remember to ...

Advertising the Event

Purpose: Attract families and community members to participate.

Includes:

• Event details (date, time, location).

• Purpose of the fundraiser or event.

• Ways families can contribute or participate.

Thank-You After the Event

Purpose: Show gratitude to participants and supporters.

Includes:

• A heartfelt message of thanks.

• Event outcomes (e.g., funds raised, items donated).

• Acknowledgment of specific contributors, if applicable.

Planning Tips for Success

1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve, whether it’s building community or raising funds.

2. Delegate Tasks: Assign specific roles to staff or volunteer parents to streamline preparation.

3. Promote Widely: Use newsletters, parent boards, and social media to advertise the event.

4. Engage the Children: Involve children in appropriate aspects, like making decorations or helping with setup.

5. Follow Up: Share the event's success in your next newsletter or on social media to celebrate the community’s involvement.

By incorporating fundraisers and family events into your daycare calendar, you create meaningful experiences that strengthen connections and enhance your program.

For more information please check our Handbooks attached below