Workshop: Fundraising

Workshops for Community Leaders
Fundraising Exercise

TRUE

1. You should request funding for a specific project. It’s important that the expected outcomes be reflected in the project budget.
2. Get to know your potential sponsor. Applications sent to the “wrong” sponsor usually land in the trash.
3. Personal contact is important. People give people.
4. Be honest and reasonable in the amounts you request. Remember that sponsors also know how much things cost.
5. Sponsors like to support projects that are co-funded by others. It shows that we are active and do not only count on money from this one sponsor.
6. The best projects are those that are sustainable and will be continued even after the sponsor’s support ends. Always show future plans for the project in the application form.
7. If the sponsor proposes non-financial support, it should be accepted.
8. Projects should be written in clear, comprehensible language. The sponsor should not need to know specialized terminology.
9. Remember that you can also offer something to a sponsor – advertisement, invitation to a party or other project activities.
10. Even if your project is not accepted for funding, remain in touch with the sponsor, informing them about your activities. If you maintain contact and interest, the sponsor might support your projects in the future.
11. Use the “small steps approach”. Apply first for small amounts and gradually build up to large grant requests. Sponsors like to give to organizations they know.
    

FALSE

1. Foundations give money for everything. What’s important is the justification.
2. If you decide to ask for money, don’t limit yourself, ask for the maximum amount.
3. Once you have prepared am application, send it to every institution you know. That will increase the chances of it being supported by at least one.
4. Remember, founders give money for the whole project. You will not receive money for part of a project, even the best project.
5. The best projects are “closed” projects, those that terminate when the funding ends.
6. Applications should be honestly written. Specialized language is preferred.
7. A sponsor has money and should be convinced to support our project. Remember that project goals are less important than the power of persuasion.
8. Sponsors are interested in organizations and projects, not people. Don’t bother a sponsor with telephone calls and visits.
9. Make the situation clear: you need financial support. Otherwise the sponsor will likely propose non-financial support.
10. Even if you seek support for your project form several sponsors, do not make that known to the sponsor. No one likes to be one of many. The sponsor must feel that he is special, singular and important.