Developing a Funding Strategy

Session 3: Developing a Case for

Support

Developing a case for support

How do you persuade anyone - individual, company, government, trust - to support your organisation?

Before you start…

Before you start looking for support you need to have worked out why you exist in the first place.

Vision: The type of world you’re trying to createMission: The activities you’re engaged in to achieve

your visionValues: How you go about your work

Vision, mission, values

The importance of clear vision, mission, values:

• Easier to identify appropriate funding opportunities

• Avoid becoming ‘fundraising-led’• Helps you remain focused on what’s really important

Be prepared

Checklist Deadlines / Submission dates How much time will it take me? Application form or proposal? Additional information - accounts, publications etc… How much might the donor give? How many donors will you approach? Document your work

Content The problem or need that is to be met Aims & objectives Urgency of the need The consequences if nothing is done Your approach - how you’ll meet your aims Why your approach is best/most cost-effective Expected outcomes Why your organisation is best placed to to the work

…More Content

Capturing and disseminating the learning Monitoring & evaluation Budget Timetable Other sources of funding What happens when the funding finishes When the money is required Collaboration with other groups

Things to Remember Attention to detail Be specific Benefits, not features Emphasize the importance of the work / project Urgency Credibility - of the application and of your

organisation Realistic Include an Executive Summary Presentation Clear English - avoid jargon Use case studies where possible Back up your claims with research

What Ernest Hemmingway has to do with Fundraising…

The Six Word Story

For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.

Your Six Word Story

Can you sum up your message in 6 words?

The Four Frames

Now Later

Positive Opportunity Vision

Negative Crisis Risk

A Project in 50 Words

Community Foundation:

“PART 3 – Your Project• Please describe the specific project for which you are applying for a grant (Maximum 50 words please)”