General
If you are just setting out on your fundraising journey, it is good to brainstorm ideas with other stakeholders such as the Board of Trustees, a sample of beneficiaries and people with fundraising experience or expertise.
Charitable organisations often generate multiple income streams so it is worth thinking about enlisting someone, maybe a member of the Board to oversee fundraising. You will need to think about how your governing documents view fundraising efforts, you will need a bank account and protocols for recording income and banking. You will need to establish a clear understanding of how fundraising will help you to meet your objectives, and also that you have the resources to manage your activities.
Ideally your organisation will have a business plan and a strategic plan outlining fundraising aims and timescales. If you are approaching funding bodies you will need to provide evidence of support achieved through consultation exercises or feasibility studies. Gather as much data in support of your application as possible. You will also need a clear understanding of who will benefit from your project and how it will bring community benefits, improved skills, better health outcomes or other advantages. Check the guidelines to ensure you are applying for the correct funding.
Most grants will have restrictions around what the money can be used for and other income can be used for broader purposes, still relating to your charitable activity.
Grants are available from various funders such as The National Lottery, various Trusts and Foundations.
You can also fundraise by crowdfunding or creating fun events directed towards engaging your community such as bake sales, coffee mornings or sponsorship for running a race or climbing a mountain for example. The possibilities are endless, a quick search online will be sure to inspire you.
COVID-19 Reponse
There has been a phenomenal response in a lot of communities to meeting needs associated with the current pandemic. If you our your group have thought about ideas and action you can take but need funding to put them into place there are specific funds being set up to address this. SCVO has a regularly updated list of funds which can be accessed HERE.
Before you apply though you need to think about:
If you are just setting out on your fundraising journey, it is good to brainstorm ideas with other stakeholders such as the Board of Trustees, a sample of beneficiaries and people with fundraising experience or expertise.
Charitable organisations often generate multiple income streams so it is worth thinking about enlisting someone, maybe a member of the Board to oversee fundraising. You will need to think about how your governing documents view fundraising efforts, you will need a bank account and protocols for recording income and banking. You will need to establish a clear understanding of how fundraising will help you to meet your objectives, and also that you have the resources to manage your activities.
Ideally your organisation will have a business plan and a strategic plan outlining fundraising aims and timescales. If you are approaching funding bodies you will need to provide evidence of support achieved through consultation exercises or feasibility studies. Gather as much data in support of your application as possible. You will also need a clear understanding of who will benefit from your project and how it will bring community benefits, improved skills, better health outcomes or other advantages. Check the guidelines to ensure you are applying for the correct funding.
Most grants will have restrictions around what the money can be used for and other income can be used for broader purposes, still relating to your charitable activity.
Grants are available from various funders such as The National Lottery, various Trusts and Foundations.
You can also fundraise by crowdfunding or creating fun events directed towards engaging your community such as bake sales, coffee mornings or sponsorship for running a race or climbing a mountain for example. The possibilities are endless, a quick search online will be sure to inspire you.
COVID-19 Reponse
There has been a phenomenal response in a lot of communities to meeting needs associated with the current pandemic. If you our your group have thought about ideas and action you can take but need funding to put them into place there are specific funds being set up to address this. SCVO has a regularly updated list of funds which can be accessed HERE.
Before you apply though you need to think about:
- what else is already going on in your community, is this action likely to duplicate any existing services?
- do you and your organisation have the skills, experience and capacity to delivery what you are proposing, funders will to feel confident about that?
- how have you identified the need, who have you spoken to and how have you tested your thought processes?
Key points
- Fundraising is often a key part of running a charitable organisation
- Consider enlisting a fundraising leader to coordinate campaigns through digital marketing or in approaching funding bodies
- Remember to collect necessary information that will support your applications
- Restricted income streams will need stringent monitoring, follow the advice from your funders
- Unrestricted income allows for more flexibility but you are still required to account for its disbursement
Links for more information
Planning your fundraising
Start out on the right path, useful information that you should consider before embarking on your fundraising endeavours.
http://htsi.toolkit.sitekit.net/Funding/planning-your-fundraising.htm
Managing fundraising
The Institute of fundraising holds a wealth of resources to guide you on your fundraising journey
https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/managing-fundraising/
Planning your fundraising
Start out on the right path, useful information that you should consider before embarking on your fundraising endeavours.
http://htsi.toolkit.sitekit.net/Funding/planning-your-fundraising.htm
Managing fundraising
The Institute of fundraising holds a wealth of resources to guide you on your fundraising journey
https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/managing-fundraising/
