A Fundraiser s Perspective Learning the Craft of Fundraising through Trusts AVA Fundraising Masterclass: Getting it Right By Gayle Johnston Fundraiser for several Camphill charities in Aberdeen 01224 900051 gayle@camphillestates.org.uk Linked-In
The Audience Do you have any fundraising experience? Application to Trust inc. BLF? Is fundraising your only role? Is fundraising part of your role?
What is Fundraising?
Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving Hank Rosso, Fundraising Expert
Plan Your Project!!!
What are you fundraising for? 1. Restricted grants/donations towards: Capital Building Refurbishment Equipment Revenue Salaries to run core services or to develop services Overheads rent, electricity etc Training Feasibility studies 2. General unrestricted donations
Other points to consider Who will be involved in delivering your project? Who will manage your project? When will the project start? Realistic? How long will it last? How much will it cost? Have you got quotes? Does your charity have a policy of obtaining minimum number of quotes for work?
Ask yourself 1. Why is your project needed? 2. How have you identified this need? 3. What difference will it make? Why is this important? 4. Why are you the best organisation to do this work? 5. Are there any other organisations doing this? 6. Why should a trust/company/person invest in your organisation?
Trust Research Examples AVA newsletter (monthly) ACVO e-bulletin (weekly) Grantfinder, IDOX via AVA and Aberdeen City Council Open 4 Community Funding Scotland website maintained by SCVO OSCR and Charity Commission websites audited accounts Solicitors and accountants Similar organisation website or audited accounts Books buy online or go to library eg. Directory of Grant Making Trusts - access at Information Centre at Central Library, Aberdeen Trustfunding.org.uk annual subscription from 325 + VAT Newspaper Facebook/Twitter Other fundraisers is there a network for fundraisers in Aberdeenshire?
Examples of what to record Name of Trust! Charitable giving criteria type of organisation, location, size of organisation. Exclusions Amounts they award Deadline Meeting dates When do you hear if successful or not does this go in line with your project timescale? Do you need to fill out an application form? Do they require any supplementary information? Past giving Trustee information.
Next Fundraising Plan Format that suits you I like tables!
A good application will: Include a cover letter address to person with right Trust name and address! Answer all the questions! And read the question carefully are you actually answering it? Be very clear about your organisation and project easy language. Be very clear about costs cost breakdown, funding secured and shortfall. No jargon, no lies, no statements that you cannot back up with statistics, no overly emotive and manipulative language. Be an appropriate length of application for amount requested. Be personalised think about location of trust and the decision makers/trustees. Include photos with a statement below. Include quotes from beneficiaries, families, external organisations, staff, volunteers, public figure. Tell stories
General Advice Keep up-to-date with Trust guidelines Call Trust before applying Ask someone to proof read application eg. AVA Development Officer Always thank trusts whatever the outcome If no, ask for feedback If successful, inform finance team Keep up-to-date with the project timescale changed? Have costs increased? How do you manage this? Does the grant need to be spent by a certain date? If awarded money, spend it! Pledges can be lost. Report to your Trustees
Advice continued.. Apply to as many funders as possible Apply before deadline Requirement to report back to funders how did their money make a difference? Share stories. Fundraising is a team effort Keep accurate records of who you have applied to, deadlines for reports etc. Will you accept donations from any Trust? Audited Accounts - reserve levels and management report. Confidentiality Code of Fundraising Practice
Mistakes!
Anything can happen be flexible! Know yourself Up s and down s find out what motivates you! Remember what fundraising is it s about achieving great impact.and that is what you are doing.