For many years, the classic school fundraiser has been the PTA raffle: ticket books, handmade posters, and a few crowd-pleasing prizes. Across the UK, the landscape is shifting. More PTAs are choosing digital-first online auctions powered by platforms like Aucly to make fundraising quick, secure, and stress-free.
The move is driven by changing technology, limited volunteer capacity, and new financial pressures on school communities. In this post we explore the data behind the trend, why online auctions make sense, and real-life examples from PTAs who have already made the switch.
The Fundraising Climate: Why Change Is Needed
UK PTAs are working harder than ever to reach their fundraising targets, and traditional approaches are under strain. Recent insights highlight how the environment has shifted:
- Parentkind’s 2021 survey reported UK PTAs raised £60.8 million in 2020–21, down from £79 million in 2020 and £121 million in 2019. (Parentkind Annual PTA Survey 2021)
- The same survey showed an average loss of £4,367 per PTA during the 2020/21 academic year due to COVID-19 and cancelled events.
- Parentkind’s 2021 impact report notes PTAs continue to raise over £120 million annually, even as volunteer time and numbers decline. (Parentkind Impact Report 2021)
- The cost-of-living squeeze leaves families with less disposable income for raffle tickets, making high-volume, low-value fundraising a tougher sell.
Put simply: the traditional raffle model is under pressure. Time investment is rising, events are harder to run, and returns are less certain.
Why Online Auctions Are Gaining Traction
Digital auctions provide a modern answer to these challenges. Here’s why so many PTAs are embracing them:
1) Reach and Accessibility
Online auctions open bidding beyond the school hall. Grandparents, alumni, local businesses, and supporters further afield can take part, increasing competition and generosity. (PTA.org: Online Fundraising Auctions)
2) Volunteer Time & Efficiency
Raffles demand manual work: printing tickets, collecting cash, and drawing winners. Online auctions automate payments, bidding, countdowns, and reminders so volunteer hours go where they matter most. (PTA.co.uk step-by-step guide) Modern platforms like Aucly handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
3) Higher Potential Returns
When bidders can see the value of each lot and track live competition, the yield per donor rises. One UK school raised £2,092 via a silent auction with just 23 lots — outperforming many raffles. (PTA.co.uk case study)
4) Broader Prize Options
Raffles often rely on small prizes or vouchers. Auctions unlock higher-value items: weekend stays, sports tickets, professional services from parents, or unique experiences. (Raise-More UK)
5) Digital + Hybrid Flexibility
Auctions can run on their own or alongside in-person events. A hybrid approach extends the fundraising window and welcomes remote supporters. (PTA.co.uk – How to Run a Silent Auction)
6) Fits the Modern PTA Reality
81% of PTAs cite a lack of volunteers as a major challenge. (Parentkind Impact Report 2022) Digital fundraising reduces admin while platforms like Aucly make professional auctions easy for small teams.
Real-World Case Studies
Kemsing Primary School, Kent
With around 196 pupils, Kemsing Primary ran a silent auction alongside their summer fair. They offered 23 lots — from Wimbledon tickets to dinner-and-babysitting bundles — and raised £2,092. (PTA.co.uk case study)
- Used Facebook and local community groups to promote lots in advance.
- Blended high-value and affordable prizes to keep the whole school engaged.
- Piggy-backed on the summer fair’s footfall for instant traffic and buzz.
Haileybury School, Hertfordshire
Haileybury ran an online silent auction via GalaBid as part of their Master’s Appeal, listing 31 digital lots and 7 live-auction highlights. (GalaBid case study)
- Reached alumni and supporters worldwide, not just those on campus.
- Automated payments and digital catalogues cut down admin work.
- Countdown timers and notifications created excitement that a raffle rarely matches.
Other UK Examples
Specialist provider Raise-More reports that online and silent auctions often outperform raffles significantly — reinforcing the national shift toward digital formats that offer flexibility, lower volunteer effort, and bigger returns.
Raffle vs Online Auction: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Raffle | Online / Silent Auction |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer time needed | High — ticket sales, cash handling, manual draws | Lower — digital setup, automated payments, instant winner reports |
| Audience reach | Mainly local families | Global — alumni, relatives, and community supporters can bid remotely |
| Prize type | Many small items and vouchers | Fewer, higher-value experiences and bundles |
| Potential yield | Lower average spend per supporter | Competitive bidding drives higher returns per lot |
| Payment handling | Manual, often cash-based | Automated card payments with instant receipts |
| Engagement | Moderate — relies on event-day buzz | High — live updates, countdowns, and push notifications |
How to Make the Switch
- Define a clear fundraising goal. Set a target such as “Raise £5,000 for the new library by the end of term.”
- Plan your timeline. Source prizes 2–3 months out, choose an auction platform like Aucly, and schedule communications.
- Curate strong lots. Mix premium experiences with everyday treats, ask parents or local businesses for donations, and use engaging descriptions with high-quality photos.
- Promote widely. Use email, social media, QR codes, and countdown reminders to reach families and remote supporters.
- Make payments simple. Accept cards or PayPal through your platform to remove cash-handling headaches.
- Review and repeat. After the auction, analyse what worked and refine for next time.
- Combine with other events. Pair your online auction with a raffle, fair, or themed evening to maximise reach.
Common Questions
“Our community is small.”
Online reach solves that — invite grandparents, alumni, and friends of the school to bid from anywhere.
“We don’t have the tech skills.”
Platforms like Aucly handle setup, payments, and reporting, so your PTA can focus on the fun parts: sourcing prizes and cheering on bidders.
“Aren’t raffles easier?”
Raffles often require more volunteer time for compliance, ticketing, and cash collection. Auctions run for longer, reach more supporters, and automate the admin.
“Do we need a licence?”
Always check local guidelines. Raffles often require specific licences; auctions may not, but your PTA should confirm with local authorities.
Conclusion
In a world where volunteer time is scarce and families feel the financial squeeze, switching to an online auction offers PTAs a smarter, more resilient alternative. With the right platform and engaging prizes, you can reach more supporters, raise more funds, and spend less time organising.
You’re not just replacing a raffle — you’re upgrading your fundraising model with greater reach, engagement, and returns.
Ready to make the switch? Try Aucly — the UK online auction platform built for schools and PTAs.