This document provides guidance on successful fundraising strategies for schools seeking funding for learning outside the classroom (LOtC) experiences. It outlines various potential sources of funding, including statutory funding, charitable trusts, corporate sponsors, individual donors, fundraising events, and earned income. It then discusses key principles for maximizing funding opportunities, such as integrating LOtC with the curriculum, targeting funding sources, cultivating relationships with donors, and communicating impact. The document advocates having a clear fundraising strategy and plan, being prepared, confident, and communicative when making funding asks.
1. The fundamentals of fundraising Key principles of successful fundraising for schools Elaine Skates, Deputy Chief Executive Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
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19. Maintain the relationship Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Don’t forget to say thank you and communicate the impact the funding has had.
20. Any questions? Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Email : [email_address] Websites : www.lotc.org.uk www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk
Notes de l'éditeur
BE READY Money becomes available at strange times, in strange amounts and for strange reasons. An organisation’s funding cycle is tied to the budget cycle their funders work to. This is tied to the financial year. However, the spending process may not work out quite evenly. For example, Government departments and local authorities sometimes have underspends where they are anxious to spend any money which may be left over. By understanding the funding cycles that apply to our organisation we can take advantage of these opportunities by having projects ready. Funding cycles also apply to individuals, who are likely to have more money at certain times of the year, or they may have giving patterns associated with religious or social festivals. Money is also sometimes given away in strange amounts. For example, some Trusts and Foundations won’t consider any application for less than £20,000 whilst at the other end of the scale, the smaller Trusts give money in multiples of £250. Therefore as fundraisers we need a sound grasp of the needs and potential needs of our organisation- a shopping list of needs. This allows us to see the overlaps of interest between our needs and the funder’s budget, and it also gives the donor confidence that their contribution will make a difference.
BE READY Money becomes available at strange times, in strange amounts and for strange reasons. An organisation’s funding cycle is tied to the budget cycle their funders work to. This is tied to the financial year. However, the spending process may not work out quite evenly. For example, Government departments and local authorities sometimes have underspends where they are anxious to spend any money which may be left over. By understanding the funding cycles that apply to our organisation we can take advantage of these opportunities by having projects ready. Funding cycles also apply to individuals, who are likely to have more money at certain times of the year, or they may have giving patterns associated with religious or social festivals. Money is also sometimes given away in strange amounts. For example, some Trusts and Foundations won’t consider any application for less than £20,000 whilst at the other end of the scale, the smaller Trusts give money in multiples of £250. Therefore as fundraisers we need a sound grasp of the needs and potential needs of our organisation- a shopping list of needs. This allows us to see the overlaps of interest between our needs and the funder’s budget, and it also gives the donor confidence that their contribution will make a difference.
Exercise. Now critic the 3 examples, using the three tests to decide if their messaging can be improved. What is good and what are areas for improvement? Peacock- avoid words like first class, leading edge, premier, outstanding. In whose opinion? You need to get someone else to say those things for you. The first 3 lines of a proposal are the most important, so your message needs to be punchy and stand out from the crowd.
It can be developed into a series of messages to reach a variety of donors and supporters. Work through these questions to think about our case statement
A good proposal structure should be no more than 2 pages long and should include the following: Problem (or vision). Why would us not achieving our vision be a problem? Evaluation- what success looks like and how it will be measured Budget- Ask for specific amount of money, break it down as much as possible and don’t ask for round amounts as it looks like you haven’t worked out your figures accurately Now flip chart discussion on what makes a good problem. What are our problems as we should present them to funders