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Fundraising

Suitable for all schools and nurseries

Overview

Education phase

Early years Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Key stage 5 Key stage 1

Category of activity

Supporting

Types of activity

Funding

How it helps

  • Supports TfL Travel for Life travel activities
  • Encourages community involvement

About the activity

While many active travel initiatives are free or cheap to set up and run, some will require extra funds for equipment, facilities or resources.

If you have an activity or scheme that requires funding, speak to your borough officer to find out whether they know of new or existing funding sources available to you.

You can seek funding both within your school and from external sources. 

Below are some ideas for sourcing funding contributed by current TfL Travel for Life schools.

Ideas for gaining internal funding

  • Competitions
  • Parent-led fundraising
  • Sponsored events – either paid participation or local sponsorship
  • School alumni

Ideas for gaining external funding

Retailers and local companies:

  • Some supermarkets have  have community grant schemes, so try researching them
  • Approach local businesses such as bike shops - ask how they promote their services to the local community and whether you can work together
  • Contact your local ward councillor who may have funds available for small projects
  • Talk to a local construction firm to see if they can contribute hi-vis jackets

Grants:

  • Awards for All gives grants of up to £10k
  • Jack Petchy Foundation
If you have any other examples of funding sources which may benefit London schools please email  travelforlife@tfl.gov.uk

How to evidence your activity

  • Involve your borough officer: Share your ideas, agree your targets and discuss any challenges you face
  • Keep a record of how you made your funding request and how the money received will support your active travel targets
  • Sign in to TfL Travel for Life to add your story. Explain your activity and include your funding proposal, if you produced one. Also include any risk assessment documents

Activity steps

Step 1

Contact your borough officer. Speak to your borough officer about the active travel project you have in mind and find out if they know of any suitable funding available

Step 2

Make your case. Approach your chosen local business or grant body with your request. Make sure you include as much detail as possible about how you plan to spend the money

Step 3

Share success. If your funding request is successful, shout about it in the school newsletter or on the website while promoting the event or resource the money will support

Step 4

Tell your story. Upload your evidence to "my activities"