Annual return: information that registered charities must submit to the Charity Commission every year. The complexity of what’s required depends on how much you raised during the year. You may only need to report your income and spending.
Beneficiaries: those who will benefit from funds raised by the PTA, typically the pupils at the school.
Business partnerships: PTA initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with local businesses, typically through donations, sponsorship or volunteering.
Chair: the elected committee member responsible for overseeing the activities and operations of the PTA.
Challenge events: an activity where individuals and groups complete a specific, difficult task, for example a run, hike or cycle. Participants raise funds through sponsorship.
Charitable purpose: an overarching description of what the PTA aims to accomplish.
Charity: a non-profit organisation that operates for the public benefit.
Charity Commission: the Charity Commission for England and Wales is a government department that regulates registered charities.
Committee: officials responsible for planning, organising and executing fundraising events and initiatives.
Committee meeting: a planning meeting which is attended only by the committee.
Constitution: a document that sets out the rules governing how the PTA operates. The constitution outlines its purpose, management, membership and how decisions will be made.
Crowdfunding: a fundraising technique that uses social media and online platforms to collect small amounts of money from a large number of people.
Digital donation platform: a website or application that enables the PTA to collect donations and sponsorship online. Donors can use payment methods such as credit cards and debit cards and leave messages of support.
Fundraising goal: a specific target set by a PTA to guide their fundraising efforts and measure success.
Fundraising thermometer: a visual representation of a PTA’s fundraising progress, often displayed in the school reception or printed in the newsletter to motivate parents to contribute and reach the fundraising goal.
Fundraising strategy: a detailed plan of how the PTA will raise funds and meet its financial goals.
Gift Aid: an incentive that enables charities to claim back tax already paid on donations. For every pound donated, the charity can claim an additional 25p from the government.
Grant: a sum of money awarded to a PTA or school by a foundation, trust, company or government agency.
Grant giver, grant funder, grant-giving trust or grant-making body: an individual or organisation that evaluates grant proposals and awards funds to projects and initiatives that meet their specific criteria and requirements.
Grant reporting: the process of providing progress updates, impact reports and other documentation
to a grant-making organisation after funds have been received.
Grant writing: the process of creating and submitting a proposal to secure funding from a grant giver. It usually includes detailed information about the project, including its goals, objectives, methodology, timeline, budget and expected outcomes.
Incidental lottery: a type of raffle that does not require any permissions or licences and is often held during an event. All ticket sales must take place during the event, but the draw may happen afterwards.
In-kind donation: a non-monetary gift of goods or services, such as food, clothing or professional skills.
Lottery: a form of gambling where individuals pay to enter and winners are determined by random selection. Raffles, tombolas and sweepstakes are all examples of lotteries.
Match funding: when a company or individual donates an amount of money equivalent to that raised by an employee or supporter.
Parent community: the parents and carers of the children at the school.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA): an organisation that consists of parents, teachers and staff who work together to enrich the education of the pupils in a school. Depending on the definition of a member, PTAs are sometimes also known as PTFA (Parent Teacher and Friends Association), PA (Parents’ Association), and Friends of…, among other names.
Pre-loved sale: where the PTA offers pre-worn school uniform at sensible prices to help parents with the cost of uniform and lessen the environmental impact of new clothes.
PTA member: a PTA’s governing document defines who its members are. Many parents become a member of the PTA automatically when their child joins the school.
QR (quick response) code: a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone. QR codes can link to websites and online payment pages.
Regular giving: a scheme that encourages supporters to donate to the PTA on a regular basis directly from their bank account.
Restricted funds: money donated to a specific appeal, eg, in response to a request for money to fund a playground, which can only be used for that purpose.
Secretary: an elected committee member who is responsible for keeping accurate records of the organisation’s meetings and activities.
Small society lottery: a non-commercial lottery that requires the PTA to register with the local authority and pay a small fee. Registration allows PTAs to sell raffle tickets before an event where a prize draw is due to take place, for example at the school gates during the week before a summer fair.
Social media: PTAs use social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter/X to promote events, raise awareness, engage with parents and supporters, and increase donations. Social media also helps them build relationships with the local community.
TEN (Temporary Event Notice): a licence that allows the PTA to hold small-scale, one-off events involving the sale or supply of alcohol or the provision of regulated entertainment.
Treasurer: an elected committee member who is responsible for managing the PTA’s finances.
Unrestricted funds: donations the PTA can use as it wishes within its charitable aims.
Volunteers/helpers: people who generously donate their time and energy to help with PTA events
and fundraisers.
Welcome pack: a collection of materials and information the PTA sends to new parents at the school, typically before their children start. It explains what the PTA does, how it works and encourages them to volunteer.
Have we missed something? Email us at info@pta.co.uk.
