Income Generation and Fundraising Caroline Gilbert, Children’s University Josh Fleet, David Berney and Chloe Portman from Wishgenie

Graduations Grants Online/ Community

Asking for Money…

CU FamiliesSchoolsHE/FE Other Agencies Learning Destinations Businesses

The Case for Support At the heart of the community Open to all but also successfully target specific groups Access to a large family market/association HE Investing in the future Long-term positive associations We can and do help others to realise their goals Powerful imagery/PR potential/Branding opportunities Evidence of Impact - independently evaluated Scale of our operations: locally, nationally and globally

How to Ask for Money Make sure you actually ask! Be clear what you the want money for Be ambitious but don’t promise what you can’t deliver Be realistic about your costs Remember you are not begging Be passionate/demonstrate your personal belief Know your organisation and your finances Be persistent and don’t get disheartened

Graduations Sponsorship Merchandise Showcase your CU to potential sponsors and funders Media coverage Donations Appeal to guests for support: both in-kind and cash

Sponsorship Target Audience Core Values and History Size of Organisation Return on Investment What have they Previously Supported? Who Should I Contact?

Applying for Grants Create a one page overview of funding opportunity: Project description Need Beneficiaries Geography Impact Evaluation Timescale Cost including any matchfunding

Who to Apply to? Locally managed trust funds Local authority grants Awards for All (Big Lottery) Supermarkets e.g. Tesco Niche funders e.g. the Arts Council Banks e.g. Lloyds and Deutsche Bank Masons, rotary and other local members clubs Large national grantmakers who mange smaller grants programmes for specific geographic areas –

Things to Consider Check Criteria: organisational status, revenue or capital, core or project costs, age criteria etc Evidence of strong delivery track record, impact and financial sustainability If a new CU, utilise national documentation and your organisation’s track record with target group/other projects Make contact if possible; send summary and draft bids Matchfunding: use in-kind as well as cash contributions Collaboration: partners and other CUs It takes time to get a decision Growing trend for trusts not to accept unsolicited applications

Increase Your Chances of Success Research, research, research Create a one page overview Use your Patrons, Chancellors and Trustees In-kind contributions as well as hard cash Increase your profile/fully exploit graduation potential Establish a group of volunteers to drive fundraising efforts Numbers: beneficiaries, schools, website hits etc Evidence claims e.g. paper cuttings, evaluation summaries Be clear and concise - watch terminology Ask for feedback (good or bad) Remember a picture is worth a thousand words Work with partners/piggy back onto others’ events Increase your circle of contacts e.g. business breakfasts

Keep Hold of Them! It’s easier to retain and build existing relationships than find new supporters: Say Thank You Publicly Acknowledge Support Keep Supporters Updated Adhere to Reporting Requirements Remember People Talk! Ask again

Other Opportunities to Explore Explore Wider Corporate Sponsorship Charge Learning Destinations Events including a National CU Fundraising Day Individual Giving Programmes – ‘Friends of Shrigley’

Help, Information and Support Templates and guides on the members area of the website Caroline Gilbert co.uk co.uk