6 steps to successful fundraising
6 steps to successful fundraising (Credit: johny007pan / shutterstock.com)
1. Project idea
- be passionate but realistic about your idea
- involve and consult with other members of your organisation or group
2. Action plan
- write down the idea and all associated activities in a brief but structured document
- possible headings could include aims and objectives, detailed project description, 'charitable' need for the project, total budget and costs, timescale, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the project
3. Looking for funding sources
- make contact with the local authority (i.e. city / borough / district / county council) that gives advice and often runs funding surgeries, as well as the local Council for Voluntary Service
- make contact with the Fundraising Officer at CTC
4. Produce a funding plan
- find out more about potential funders and their specific criteria on the internet
- once you have chosen a list of potential funding sources, prioritise them according to amount of funding, deadlines, date of outcome and likelihood of success
5. Fill in application form / write proposal letter
- if an application form is provided, make sure you answer all questions and attach supporting documents, e.g. constitution, action plan, bank statements, photos
- if the funder asks for a proposal letter, briefly describe the project and associated activities as already set out in your action plan and attach supporting documents
6. Monitoring of successful application
- if you receive an offer for a grant and have signed the grant acceptance form, the project needs to be monitored according to the funder’s criteria, e.g. through regular progress reports
- think about future funding opportunities before the initial grant has come to an end