I am working with two community-based groups at the moment, both of whom need, for the first time in their history, to raise significant sums of money.
This can be intimidating and nerve wracking, but it can also be fun!
In both cases, their funding need is not urgent, which does take some of the pressure off. Nonetheless, the organisations will need to make substantial and highly competitive grant applications, the success or failure of which will go a long way to deciding the success of their project.
Despite this, in both cases I will be encouraging them to make sure they ensure they put the fun into their fundraising, particularly as they involve their community. Grant funders like to see a complementary contribution from the people / area where their grant is to be spent. For some funders it is the engagement of the local community in the project through local fundraising that is one of the deciding factors in the decision as to whether a grant is made. The process of raising such funds, however modest the amounts may appear in comparison to the overall funding need, can also be hugely energising and enjoyable for local communities, bringing them together as they share the planning, successes and even failures. Alongside the serious business of fundraising I hope both organisations will also enjoy the process of raising money for their cause!
If you would like to talk to me about developing a fundraising strategy for your project, with fun included, then please get in touch.
Who’s first for a sponsored dunking?