Best free resources for new fundraisers
"Being flooded with information doesn't mean we have the right information or that we're in touch with the right people" - Bill Gates
This article is part of the Practical Guidance series. Find the list of posts here and the video playlist here.
If you’re new to fundraising or you’re just setting up a community group, social enterprise or charity, here are 5 free fundraising resources I would highly recommend checking out.
1. Voluntary Service Council
You will have a local organisation that is there to support the Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) in your area. You’ll find it by searching for ‘council for voluntary service’ or ‘voluntary service council’ then your area.
These organisations usually offer free advice and guidance on setting up and running your organisation, can signpost you to other specialist support, and host networking events and training for people who work in the sector locally.
It’s well worth getting in touch with them to see what they offer and how you can connect with other people doing similar work in your area.
2. Community Foundations
Most areas within the UK also have a Community Foundation, which distributes small grants on behalf of small local charities and philanthropists. They are often a good first port of call if you’re looking for a small grant to get something started at a grassroots level. They’re also a big part of the local voluntary sector and can also be helpful for connections and networking opportunities.
Find yours here - https://www.ukcommunityfoundations.org
3. National Council of Voluntary Organisations
NCVO is where I go to get an ‘official’ answer about anything I’m not sure of. Their ‘help & guidance’ covers:
Setting up
Running a charity
Governance
Involving volunteers
Funding & income
Strategy & impact
Safeguarding
Digital & technology
Closing down
4. Official websites
What I mean here are the governmental departments that are responsible for the not-for-profit sector. This is the place to find out how to register your organisation and how to submit your accounts as well as all of the approved templates for your constitution, deeds or articles.
Charity Commission: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
CIC Regulator: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-regulator-of-community-interest-companies
5. Funding Databases
Online funding databases are a great place to start when looking for potential funders. The following are all free forever, or free for small (under £30k turnover) not-for-profit organisations:
My Funding Central - https://www.myfundingcentral.co.uk
Get Grants - https://www.getgrants.org.uk/funding-finder
Charity Excellence Framework - https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/Home/FundingFindersResources
If you’re at the stage of ‘Funding Your Project’, you can find the online training here.
You might find the following free online courses useful:
Thanks for reading, Rachel x