Education

Increasing School Donations Without the Admin Headache

November 10, 2025

Fundraising is a vital part of any independent school’s strategy, but it works best when giving is simple, flexible, and integrated into the way your school already operates. A recent ISBA podcast on fundraising highlighted exactly this: sustainable, long-term support comes from building fundraising into your school’s strategy, normalising giving, and creating a culture of philanthropy.

For many independent schools, which are registered charities, this approach also helps manage charitable compliance while encouraging community support.

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Make School Fundraising Simple and Flexible

Not every parent, alumni, or supporter will have the same capacity to contribute, and some payments may have been affected by VAT or other restrictions, but that doesn’t mean your fundraising efforts should stop. With esenda’s quick and easy payment links, schools can offer flexible options that make it easy for supporters to donate when and how it suits them.

  • Links are quick to create and share, online or offline.
  • Schools can offer multiple donation options without adding administrative burden.
  • Flexible giving helps maximise school donations while managing sensitive cases with care.

By making it simple and flexible, Esenda supports independent school fundraising that reaches as many potential contributors as possible.

Multiple Payment Methods for Maximum Support

Offering multiple payment methods in one place further supports school fundraising efforts. Families, alumni, and other supporters can donate via card, direct debit, or other options, removing friction and making giving straightforward.

This also helps normalise giving, as donations are offered in the same way families pay for other school fees or activities. It feels familiar and integrated (not like a separate, complicated process) encouraging ongoing contributions.

Build Long-Term Value and a Culture of Philanthropy

The ISBA podcast highlights that fundraising should be part of senior leadership strategy. By embedding giving into the school’s operations, schools can foster a long-term culture of philanthropy, ensuring sustainable income generation and increasing school donations over time.

By using esenda’s flexible payment links and consolidated payment methods, schools can make fundraising seamless and consistent, helping to build alumni donations and support for current projects.

Supporting All Families

While some supporters may not be able to give, esenda allows schools to manage donations sensitively. Flexible links and multiple payment methods mean families can support what they can, without pressure, while still maximising the contribution of those who are able to.

Tips for Independent School Fundraising

Increase school donations and support fundraising in a way that is simple, flexible, and integrated. By combining easy-to-create payment links, multiple payment methods, and an approach aligned with everyday school operations, with esenda schools can:

  • Normalise giving as part of the school experience
  • Build a culture of philanthropy and sustainable income
  • Offer flexible donation options to maximise support
  • Encourage alumni donations and wider community engagement

For independent schools looking for effective school fundraising ideas and support, esenda provides the tools to make every donation opportunity count.

Book a demo to learn more about how esenda can help with your school fundraising.

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