Fundraising!
Posted by Gavalaaar13 , Saturday, 19 March 2011 03:30
INTRODUCTION
Fund-raising is hard work and time consuming, but it has one important aim: to enable you to go on an expedition, journey, or project of your choice. You must be inspired and committed by your chosen project and be able to communicate your enthusiasm to those who might give you the money you need. The money is out there, but as with hidden treasure, your task is to find out where it is, who has the key to the treasure chest, and how to persuade that person to open it. This will need, above all, your imagination and determination.
BEFORE YOU START
Budgeting
Before you start asking people for money you must find out exactly how much you will need in total. Any potential sponsors will want to know how their money is to be spent, and you need to establish a target. For many people, this will simply be the expedition fee, but don’t forget any hidden/extra costs (insurance, film, vaccination costs, a personal medical kit, transport to the departure point, any specialist clothing, etc.). You don’t want any nasty last minute surprises.
It might be helpful to draw up a budget - simply a list of items of income and expenditure, with a balance equal to your fund-raising target. This can be monitored throughout your fund-raising campaign, to check that targets are being met and expenditure is not becoming excessive. Constantly working to reduce expenditure is productive. Before you buy anything (postage, printing, insurance, kit, air tickets, food etc.) be sure that you cannot get it at a better price or even free. Wholesalers, or friends of friends (you cannot lose by asking), may help or you may be able to negotiate a favorable price because of what you are doing.
Using your bank or building society
It might be helpful to open a bank or building society account specifically for your fund-raising. This means donations can be made payable directly to the expedition or project and separate from your own money. It also provides contact with a potential ally - the bank/branch manager. He or she can advise you on:
• investing your funds in a high-interest account (quite significant if your fund-raising continues for, say, a year)
• making a loan, if necessary
• currency and banks in the country you are visiting
• contacting local individuals or organisations who might be able to contribute
• investing your funds in a high-interest account (quite significant if your fund-raising continues for, say, a year)
• making a loan, if necessary
• currency and banks in the country you are visiting
• contacting local individuals or organisations who might be able to contribute
If you will be dealing with very large sums of money, it is possible that you will benefit from the advice of an accountant.
WHERE TO GO FOR MONEY?
There are many sources of funds which you may be able to tap. Look at as many aspects of yourself and the project as possible, and try to identify those points which might be of interest to potential donors. Perhaps try asking yourself: on the strengths of my personal qualities and of what I am doing, who could possibly give me some money? And conversely: what is there about any particular organisation that would make it want to give me money?
Trusts and charities
Many British charities are established for educational purposes. There are a number of key directories which you should find in the reference section of your local library. Some such directories are listed later, along with a selection (by no means all) of appropriate grant-giving organisations.
Fund-raising events and activities
There are endless opportunities to use your personal qualities and imagination with this type of fundraising. However you must be honest about who you are raising money for: it is for you, to take part in a particular expedition. Be enterprising. Here are some possible ideas but the more original you are the better:
• Sponsored events (e.g. walks, swims, parachute and bungy jumps) are very popular, but wouldn’t it be better to do something which also benefits others? So how about a sponsored litter pick, bulb-planting, car washing, etc. All are time-consuming to organize so make sure that it is going to be worthwhile (and not dangerous). The success is in getting as many people as possible to sign up before the event, and if possible leaving the money with you on trust, so that you don’t have to chase up all the promises afterwards.
• Raffles. Try to get local firms and shops to donate prizes so you get all the profit. If you are operating outside the confines of a supporting institution such as a school or college, you are legally obliged to register the event with the local council.
• Fetes, jumble sales, bazaars, discos, etc. Also take a lot of time but if you can get friends to help they are worth doing.
• Sponsored events (e.g. walks, swims, parachute and bungy jumps) are very popular, but wouldn’t it be better to do something which also benefits others? So how about a sponsored litter pick, bulb-planting, car washing, etc. All are time-consuming to organize so make sure that it is going to be worthwhile (and not dangerous). The success is in getting as many people as possible to sign up before the event, and if possible leaving the money with you on trust, so that you don’t have to chase up all the promises afterwards.
• Raffles. Try to get local firms and shops to donate prizes so you get all the profit. If you are operating outside the confines of a supporting institution such as a school or college, you are legally obliged to register the event with the local council.
• Fetes, jumble sales, bazaars, discos, etc. Also take a lot of time but if you can get friends to help they are worth doing.
Trading activities
The sale of T-shirts, badges, postcards, sweets, popcorn (or any thing you can think of) is only worthwhile if you can get the items donated or at very low cost. Be careful to calculate that the profit is worth the effort. Try to get as much donated or free or get help from friends makes this easier. Unless you have a trading license (from the local council, and not easy to obtain), these activities must take place on private premises with the permission of the owners (e.g. school, university, parish council etc.).
Personal contribution
A personal commitment of your own money is advised, and expected by many donors. This might be from your savings or raised by getting a part-time job.
WHAT TO DO and HOW TO DO IT?
Strategy
Having decided on your fund-raising methods, it is useful to write out your strategy on paper. Give yourself a timetable with specific tasks and financial goals (be realistic!). You can then work out how much time you want to allocate to fund-raising amongst your other commitments like exams. Start as early as possible - everything always takes longer than you think.
Research
Spend time on research. If you are specific about what you are doing, and then target people and organisations accordingly, you are much more likely to succeed. If you don’t you are just wasting everybody’s time. Research is not just about libraries; it is also about asking friends and relatives, telephoning possible charities and organisations, asking for names of key people to write to, and finding out procedures on how they like to be approached for money.
FINALLY ...
Remember to thank all those who help and sponsor you when you receive the funds and even a postcard from the field or a brief report on your return. This is essential. Not only is it polite, but others (or even you) may want to ask for their help again and they will be more keen it they know that their help or money was appreciated and recognised before. It is hard work to fund-raise, but there is that aim at the end of it all, so do not get exasperated if money is coming slowly. Careful planning, and an original and enterprising approach will hopefully ensure success.
GOOD LUCK!
Posted in
bank,
Budgeting,
Expeditions,
experience,
Fund-raising,
Fund-raising events,
hot to do it,
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MONEY,
Sponsored,
Trading,
Trusts and charities,
WHAT TO DO,
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