Funding and Income
The success of your group depends on its ability to secure the resources needed to make a difference to your beneficiaries’ lives.
Fit for Funding
Before you start applying for grants, you need to make sure that you have the basics in place. Funders need to know that they can trust you with their money, and that your project or organisation is well managed and likely to succeed.
Here are some of the key areas you need to think about. Most funders will need this information!
- Legal identity – What legal structure does your group have
- Aims and objectives – Does your group have a clear understanding of its aims and objectives?
- Governing document – Is your governing document relevant and up to date?
- Management – Is your group well managed?
- Policies – Do you have policies in place that cover the work you do?
- Insurance – Does your group have insurance to cover its legal responsibilities?
- Finances – Does your group have good financial sysstems in place?
- Fundraising strategy and business plan – Does your group have a realistic plan in place?
Our Fact Sheet includes further details on being Fit for Funding.
Developing a Fundraising Strategy
It is often assumed that a fundraising strategy is a sophisticated document that is put together by a professional fundraiser, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Put simply, a fundraising strategy is a written plan which details future projects for your group and how you intend to fund them. It helps you to plan for the future, identify actions and timescales and possible funding sources for your work.
Searching for Funding
Searching for funding can be time consuming, regardless of the type of project or the level of funding required. The funding landscape can be fast-moving with opportunities that have short timescales, new funding sources being launched and existing funding sources coming to an end. Knowing how to find this information and keeping up to date with new initiatives will give you the best chance of being successful. Northumberland CVA is able to offer one-to-one advice and support to voluntary and community groups and organisations within Northumberland. We also organise regular funding events that allow local groups to meet with local, regional and national funders.
Writing Bids
Writing bids is a valuable skill that every organisation can develop to give themselves the best chance of success. Northumberland CVA can support you to develop those skills through our bid writing, bid checking and training services.
Project Development & Delivery
We can support your organisation to develop your project, ensuring that your plans are realistic and you have the right partners involved.
Getting further support
Northumberland Community Voluntary Action (NCVA) can help you through the process of securing funds for your organisation. For more information, funding advice and support for groups in Northumberland contact: Martin Conway martin.conway@176.32.230.53.org.uk or call 01670 858688.