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Money for Nothing? - Fundraising Tips |
fundraising
Money for nothing? -
Fundraising Tips.
Some Basic Fundraising Tips.
You must be clear what you want the money for and be prepared to have a
set of 'key performance indicators' (KPIs) to demonstrate how you
intend to use it
Examples of fundraising objectives;
- Producing materials to support a campaign
- Costs associated with hosting events to educate or entertain SSDP
activists and/or members of the community.
- Buying merchandise in bulk to sell at a profit over time
- Helping activists with travel or training costs.
Examples of KPIs for above;
- Number of posters/flyers distributed; subsequent increased
website traffic/petition signatures/donations,
- Number of attendees at event; new contact details collected for
mailing list; new members signed up; press coverage and positive
feedback for Union
- Percentage discount gained; profit projected/obtained with
planned sales
- Resources drafted following training and events for activists;
reports presented to Union of improved working
The Ask
- The biggest obstacle to getting money is not asking.
- Do not ask for unrealistic quantities - at least some
planning should go into any approach or application for funds and you
should be able to mentally or physically produce at least half a side
of A4 making the case for what you will do with the amount you have
asked for, set against KPIs.
- Build a relationship with the donor; do not treat them like a
bank. If they refuse you, still thank them for their time and ask
to be informed of future opportunities to apply (if appropriate) and
keep a record of these approaches. If they support you thank them for
their generosity - whatever the amount! - and keep them updated
as to what you did with their money.
- The more local businesses and organisations you have a
relationship with the better your chances of raising funds in your area
as this will give you credibility.
- Think about giving in kind as well as financial support - can
they let you have a venue or equipment for free? Do some printing for
free, or help advertise a campaign or event for free.
Student Unions
- Arrange a meeting with the individual(s) responsible for
allocating student union grants.
- Find out what they can offer you, i.e. what the criteria are to
receive funds and for what purpose.
- Student unions are more likely to fund you if you can show them
that a lot of members are dependent on your society receiving funds.
Some will also expect you to raise a certain amount in membership fees.
- Produce a balanced budget and show that you will attempt to raise
funds from other means but that you are reliant on receiving a
reasonable grant. Speculate responsibly!
Membership fees
- Asking individuals for money when you first meet them can feel
awkward unless they come to you and you are a recognised brand that
that they will enjoy giving to.
- When collecting email addresses leave a column asking for a
suggested donation.
- Consider whether as organisers; are you prepared to make a small
single or regular donation? If you do then shout about members who have
already given.
- When they ask you what the money will be used for, list things
which seem useful for the cause and not for the members, i.e. campaign
resources not catering for an event.
Events
- Events are likely to be your most useful alternative means to
raise funds.
- Try and avoid general fundraising initiatives and fundraise for
specific purposes or campaigns, and preferably for specific
amounts.
- Consider if it is shortly after people receiving their loans or
at the end of term when people are most short of cash.
- Cake sales are fun and an interesting way to engage people but
they will not yield huge amounts of money - these can often act
as 'trail' events that pre-advertise something more significant
like a debate or lecture.
- Raffles are worthwhile if you have something worth giving
away (This is where gifts in kind come in handy!)
- Parties like clubnights, open mic nights etc are likely to be the
best way to raise larger amounts of money, dependent on event planning
skills of organiser. Try relate to a campaign and consider joint-events
with other campaign groups.
Sponsorship
- Local businesses, Local charities, community groups are all
generally happy to be approached.
- Think through what you are prepared to offer them; make sure it
isn't open-ended - where will you promote them, how and for how long.
- Think through what you are able to offer them; how many
people might be made aware of them through your work?
- Think through how this will benefit them - for example, are your
audiences (students/young people) likely to become their customers or
supporters? If not, is there another way our work will reach their
customers (community stalls and events).
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