Craven Events

Funding Overview

The aim of these factsheets is to give guidance on the whole process of fundraising from deciding what you need funds for to making the application. It is designed for groups that have not yet begun fundraising, and as a useful tool for more experienced fundraisers.

Fundraising is a vital part of your organisation. It involves getting the resources - money, equipment, premises etc. - that your organisation needs to carry out its work. Fundraising should therefore be an organised, planned activity. There are a number of stages:

• Stage 1: Appoint a fundraiser or fundraising group
• Stage 2: Make sure you're ready to be funded
• Stage 3: Decide what you need funds for
• Stage 4: Make a budget
• Stage 5: Locate funders
• Stage 6: Make applications
• Stage 7: Follow up

These guidelines go through each of these areas one by one. You may want to follow this process step-by-step, or refer to one section that interests you.

IMPORTANT: PLAN AHEAD!

Raising money takes time. Forward planning is essential and a clear fundraising plan is a good way of clarifying what you need to do and when, so that you are not constantly raising money for the short term.

The time from when you decide you need funds to when you get them paid into your account is likely to be a few months. As a guideline always allow six months (it might be less, it could be more).