Activate your community

Activate: Fundraising and your organisation

Posted on by CAN Team
A Guide to Fundraising for Local Community Organisations

Local Community Organizations (LCOs) often seek funding to support their activities, foster community connections, and raise their profile in the area. Fundraising can involve both local businesses and larger funding bodies, depending on the scale of the project and the amount of money needed. Before starting, ask two critical questions:

  • Why do we need to raise money?
  • How much do we need to raise?

Planning Your Fundraising Effort

Consider these steps before starting:

  1. Define Your Purpose
    Clearly understand the goals of your fundraising effort, ensuring they reflect the views of your members.
  2. Identify Practical Requirements
    • Do you need a license or permission for your event?
    • Does your association’s constitution allow for the proposed activity?
  3. Choose the Right Approach
    • For small local events, approach local businesses and agencies.
    • For long-term projects, target larger funding bodies like the National Lottery.

Tips for Fundraising from Local Businesses

  • Leverage personal connections; businesses are more likely to give to people they know.
  • Visit local shops in person with a letter on your association’s headed paper.
  • Specify how funds will be used, acknowledge donors in publicity, and follow up with a thank-you note and event feedback.

Writing Successful Applications to Funding Bodies

Funding bodies often require:

  • A detailed proposal outlining your project, its purpose, and its beneficiaries.
  • Evidence of need, supported by data, surveys, or community feedback.
  • A clear plan showing how the project will be managed, including staffing, publicity, and logistics.

Key Considerations:

  • Align your application with the funder’s criteria.
  • Prepare a realistic budget covering costs and potential income.
  • Include “hidden” costs like insurance and maintenance.
  • Plan monitoring and evaluation methods to track success.

Documentation to Include:

  • Your constitution and legal status.
  • Recent financial statements.
  • Project-specific budgets and risk assessments.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

  • Use tailored, professional, and concise communication.
  • Avoid jargon and provide clear, factual details.
  • Speak with funders beforehand to ensure alignment with their goals.

After Securing Funding

Always thank your funders, share the outcomes of your project, and maintain a good relationship for future opportunities.

By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, your association can effectively secure the funding needed to support its initiatives.

CAN Team