Friends of Blackthorns School - FoBS
Friends of Blackthorns (FoBs) is the parent teacher association for Blackthorns Community Primary Academy.
FoBs is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (no. 296156). Being a charity allows FoBs to apply for ‘Gift Aid’ (earning an extra 25p from every pound donated out of earned income), benefit from ‘charity matched’ giving schemes (more information below), receive prize donations from local companies and be eligible for certain grants available to charities.
Over the years FoBs have raised tens of thousands of pounds through events supported by families at the school. These funds have been spent on projects, items and experiences which help to support and enhance educational aspects at the school and also build upon the school’s community spirit.
All our parents and carers are automatically members of FoBs on joining the school and can get involved in a number of ways from joining the committee to ad hoc help at fundraising events. Getting involved in FoBs is fun and a great way of getting to know other families at the school – just ask any of the committee members or helpers!
FOB's Objectives
Our key objective is to help advance the education of pupils in the school in particular by:
-
Developing effective relationships between the staff, parents and others associated with the school
- Engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the school and advance the education of the pupils
How Can I Help?
Easyfundraising
You can help to raise money for the school while you shop online.
By registering with Easyfundraising and selecting ‘Blackthorns CP School' as your charity you will receive donations for FoBs (usually a percentage of the money spent) without costing you an extra penny. The website contains over 2000 retailers.
Corporate Help
Company ‘matching’ money raised – your company may offer to match money you have raised by helping at an event.
For example they may match the money raised on a stall or by an activity you were helping with. Please check with your employer.
Gift Aid: one-Off Donations and Sponsorships
If you are a UK basic rate taxpayer and you make a one-off donation, or sponsor an event held on behalf of FoBs. For every £1 you donate, FoBs can claim an extra 25p.
Give as You Earn
Does the company you work for allow payroll giving?
It is possible to set up a monthly donation that is deducted before tax so each £1 you give will only cost you 80p (if you are a higher rate taxpayer, it will only cost you 60p). So it you want to regularly donate £5, it will cost a basic rate taxpayer £4 or a higher rate tax payer £3 (the tax man pays FoBs the rest!).
Raffle Prizes and Sponsorship
Your company may be willing to offer raffle prizes, sponsor stalls at events or sponsor fundraising activities.