Frequently Asked Questions

When is the campaign running?

The campaign is 36 hours and will launch immediately following Sports Day on Wednesday 6th July and end on Friday 8th July.

How will the money be used?

The funds raised will be used to help ensure that we can continue to provide better educational experiences for our children, technology upgrades, enhanced learning spaces and resources to develop their learning for the next 10 years. Of course, this is totally dependent upon the amount raised- so we need your help!

What is the fundraising goal?

We aim to raise at least £100k with half of all donations being doubled by a group of generous match funders.

What do you mean by match funder?

Match funders are families, close friends or business owners who will provide a monetary gift that will enable us to double the amount we raise. Each match funder will select a giving level and will be recognised under the Sponsor section of the Educating Hearts & Minds Fundraising page. Ideally, all match funders will make a contribution before the campaign kicks off so that we know how much of the funds raised during the campaign will be doubled. Click here to see the giving levels

My family owns a business, how can we help?

Consider choosing our fundraiser as a charitable gift organisation by being one of our match funders. All match fund donations should be received BEFORE 6th July. Sound good? Click here to become a match funder

Will business donations count toward family group totals?

No, each business will be listed as a sponsor. The cumulative amount donated by businesses will create the match fund total.

How do I sign up for my fundraising page?

Simply click here to complete the form and we will take care of the rest!

I’ve signed up for my fundraising page, now what?

You will receive your personal Educating Hearts & Minds Campaign donation link via text and email a couple days before the campaign kickoff. If you’d like to add a photo/video to your page, please click here. No photos or videos can be added after Monday 4th July.

How do I ensure that my family group receives credit for a donation made?

As long as the donation is made using your fundraising page link AND you have selected your ‘family group team’ under the Community selection menu - your family group will receive credit.

Note: donations collected during the Birthday Bash (after Sports Day) will not benefit a specific family group but will be added to the overall fundraising amount.

So, there’s a prize for the family group who raises the most but what about the other children who have worked hard, too?

There will be a prize for the whole school - details to be confirmed.

What do I do in the run-up to the campaign?

After you’ve signed up for your fundraising page - NOTHING - unless, your household and/or family group has decided to raise funds earlier using more traditional fundraising e.g. bake sales, selling flowers, etc..

My family group has organised a mini fundraiser, what do we do with the money raised?

Please email FoHA (friendsofharpendenacademy@gmail.com) with the total amount raised. When emailing, your FAMILY GROUP NAME (e.g. Team Amber) should be the subject. We will keep a log of the total amount raised & arrange a collection of the cash from the team. The total will be added to the family group’s total on the day of the campaign.

On the day of the campaign, will you supply me with wording to send out to my family, friends and other connections?

Yes, your class reps will be sending out draft messages which you can edit. Once received; share it via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook post, email and any other ways you communicate. REMEMBER: the goal is to reach as many people as possible!

What’s my role during the campaign?

Following Sports Day, you’ll contact your friends and family to ask them to support our 36 hour campaign. We’ll provide the message to send out by text, WhatsApp, Facebook or email. During the 36 hours, we’ll ask and remind you to keep sharing your link and encouraging your contacts to donate. It’s really straightforward and effective.

What’s the time commitment during the campaign?

Maybe 5-10 minutes - really depends. During the fundraiser, your class rep will send draft messages that can be edited for your family & friends. All you will need to do is edit, copy, paste & send out! We encourage you to send via email, WhatsApp, SMS, Facebook - all or one of those - just reach as wide as your network will go!

My family and friends all live abroad, can they contribute?

Absolutely! As long as they have access to the internet, they can give!

Will I be notified when someone donates to my page?

Yes, you will receive an email notification.