Trends in online giving

An article in the Guardian on the Digital Giving Reviwew found that over a third of small charities' total donations are collected online through sites such as Everyclick, JustGiving, BT MyDonate and Virgin Money Giving. Compare this to 21% for medium charities and a disappointing 13% for larger charities and there does seem to be a big gap to bridge between online audiences and online donations. A lack of internal resources to promote and donor resistance are cited as the main reasons more donations are not collected online. Read the article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/nov/16/small-charities-online-donations

Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust Deadline

The Closing Date for the Local Round for the Trust will be 03rd December 2012 at noon. They fund under Community, Art, Sport and Environment The Trust aims to improve the quality of life of people who live and work in Wales. In particular the Trust aims to promote education, history, language and culture, particularly for those who face disadvantage or discrimination. More info visit http://www.millenniumstadiumtrust.co.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=6

Santander Community Plus

This has been about for a few months now and offers grants up to £5000 to community groups. The criteria is very broad, but must be for something specific, and the application form is only 1 page long which can be picked up at a local Santander branch. http://www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/aboutus.aspx

Heritage Lottery Fund

The Your Heritage programme will be closing on 30 November. This is being replaced by a simplified programme called Our Heritage which will be launched in February 2013 offering grants from £10,000 - £100,000. http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Summaryofprogrammes2013/Pages/Openprogrammes.aspx

Tesco Charity Trust - Large Grants Programme

The Tesco Charity Trust Large grants programme is open for applications. The Trust gives one-off donations ranging between £4,000 and £25,000 to charities working in the areas of: • Children’s welfare and education • Elderly people’s welfare • Adults and children with disabilities. The funding is available to charities working on an international, national or regional basis in areas where Tesco have a presence. The closing date for applications is the 2nd November 2012. http://www.tescoplc.com/index.asp?pageid=121#ref_tescocharitytrust

Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust - DEADLINE

Closing Dates for the Regional Round has been postponed to 01st November 2012 at noon. The Closing Date for the Local Round will be 03rd December 2012 at noon. More info visit http://www.millenniumstadiumtrust.co.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=6

Legacies

Legacies are a source of income that can transform a charity; but are also hard to plan for. Who, how and when to ask are frequent questions in setting up a legacy campaign; some recent studies I've come across have shown some interesting information. The time people write wills is more related to life changing events than to a time of year When do people make wills; these are the average ages (http://radcliffeconsulting.org): * 38 (getting married / starting family / thinking about guardians for children) * 68 (early retirement / thinking about grandchildren) * 80 (after bereavement) After a divorce is another time The average time between the last update of a will and it being proved (6 to 12 months after death) is actually around 4 years Typically 85% of the people on a charity's database already have a will (research from Adrian Sargeant), and as such you may well pick up a lot of smaller gifts perhaps from people who are new to your organisation, who might not have the money to pay for a will

Gwirvol Funding

The aim of the GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants scheme is to support the delivery of a wide range of new volunteering opportunities in Wales and overseas that will support the step change in access to volunteering for young people aged 14-25 and especially for disadvantaged young people. Grants are for up to £10,000 The deadline is 2pm on 14th November 2012 http://www.gwirvol.org/en/grants/

Trusthouse Foundation

The Trusthouse Foundation have changed their application form slightly so all the information now goes on their form so you do not need to sent in the additional information pages. You still can not save the text in the form.

Asking businesses for donations

This is a brief but helpful guide for anyone wanting to ask local businesses for a donation towards their work http://knowhownonprofit.org/how-to/how-to-approach-local-businesses-for-donations

Comic Relief Small grants

Comic Relief small grant scheme - Deadline on 15 August. It will fund projects that increase access to sport and exercise or that increase local services, build skills of local people, increase community cohesion, respond to local economic needs. Up to £10,000 http://www.cfiw.org.uk/grants.html#comicrelief

People's Health Trust - new funding round

People's Health Trust is an independent charity addressing health inequalities across Great Britain. Their new funding round will be open in a few weeks; visit the link below to register an interest http://www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/?dm_i=10CZ,VPC6,6NCI1W,2M8QA,1#

Statistics for funding

For those in Powys, the link below provides useful statistics for to support funding applications; the stats cover all aspects of life in Powys from transport, to economy, to housing and education. http://www.powys-i.org.uk/index.php?id=9756&L=0

Promoting Change Network - LankellyChase

LankellyChase wants to form a funded network of 15-20 organisations who are working to transform the lives of people who face severe and multiple disadvantage. The network will promote the exchange of ideas and learning and the creation of a strong evidence base to show how positive interventions can be both transformational and cost effective. Applicant organisations should therefore be prepared to work in an open, problem solving way and to share their work with others. For more info visit http://www.lankellychase.org.uk/accessing_funding/funding_opportunities

Powys Well Being Activity Grant

Powys Well Being Activity Grant 2012/13 The aim of the grant is to support the priority areas outlined within the Powys Public Health Strategic Framework and be core to the ‘Our Healthy Future’ priority areas for action which include; reducing smoking prevalence, increasing physical activity and healthy eating, reducing the harm associated with alcohol and substance misuse, reducing the number of teenage pregnancies, increase health in the workplace, Increase immunisation and vaccination rates, reducing accidents and injuries, increasing mental well-being and reducing inequities in health Granta aare avaialbel between £1,000 - £5,000. There are a number of restrictions on the funding.... The grant cannot be used for salary costs, training of statutory, public or private employees; however payment for training third sector employees and volunteers to deliver health improvement or protection work is permitted.Part- fund an activity or project that is already receiving funding from the Welsh Government. However it can be used to undertake work that is in addition to an existing commitment or to communicate an activity which is receiving funding from the Welsh Government.Commission a consultant to advise on a strategy, action plan, programme or project. Fund public sector policy development, conferences, workshops or meetings. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 7 September 2012. For application forms contact marie.grannell@wales.nhs.uk or Marie Grannell on 01874 712729.

Alec Dickson Trust

The Alec Dickson Trust provides grants of up to £500 to help young people of up to 30 or small groups of young people to run a volunteering project in their local area. The fund seeks to support projects that enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society such as, the homeless, those with drug dependency problems and people with disabilities. For further information on how to apply contact alecdicksontrust@gmail.com or call 020 7278 6601. Alternatively visit http://www.alecdicksontrust.org.uk/

CFAP

If you are considering applying to CFAP (Communities Facilities Activities Programme), be aware that the deadline and the end of the month is the last round. A new scheme will be launched next year, but is is not yet known the remit of this.

Funding tips

TIPS Before applying to a trust, check out their page on the charity commission website. I always go through their accounts as these will show who and the amounts of money they have been giving to. Some will also have some information on the projects they have funded. You can also find who the trustees are, and from that what other trusts they are involved with, and through a bit of 'googling' their interests which may help you form your case in the application.

Free consultancy support -

Free Consultancy Support for Small Charities (well an income under £1 million!) FROM INSTITUTE OF FUNDRAISING) DEADLINE TO APPLY 16 JULY We are delighted to be able to offer three small charities access to free consultancy through our Office for Civil Society (OCS) project. Building on the success of the award made to Support Dogs in Year 1 of the project, we are offering a further three small charities access to the consultancy skills of volunteers from the high profile management consultancy The Cranfield Trust. The Cranfield Trust is a nationally respected charity providing free management consultancy for charities and social enterprise groups involved in issues of poverty, disability or social exclusion. Highly skilled managers from the commercial sector act as Trust volunteers throughout the country. If you are anticipating change and need one to one support in planning and managing your organisation and services, Cranfield Trust volunteer consultants will work alongside you, providing advice and mentoring. Their skills cover a wide range of issues, including Reviewing strategic and business plans Financial management and forecasting Feasibility plans for income generation activities Marketing and communications Developing IT systems Human Resources and staffing The award will see three small charities receiving tailored management support from a Cranfield Trust volunteer consultant in developing or updating a strategic business plan. This support will be between 5 to 13 days worth of support depending on the needs of the organisation and has the monetary value of at least £5,000. What will the award include? Organisation health check and review of financial position and operations Action planning to manage through the challenges of the coming 12-24 months One to one tailored support from skilled volunteer consultant through business planning process working with Chief Executive, Board and staff as appropriate Access to free learning through the Institute of Fundraising’s OCS project What are the eligibility criteria to take part in the programme? Organisations must be able to show that: They have an annual voluntary income of £1million or less They are working to address issues of poverty, disability or social exclusion How to apply Please complete this application form and send to smallcharitiestraining@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk by 5pm on Monday 16th July 2012. Applicants will be informed as to whether they have been accepted onto the scheme the week commencing 30th July 2012. If you have any queries or wish to speak to someone regarding your application please contact Annie Clarke, Head of Learning Development on 07585 967678 or email annie@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

Santander Foundation 'top tips'

Top ten tips from the Santander Foundation Great applications don’t start with the application form. You should start by reviewing what your charity needs in order to reach its goals over the next year to three years. Don’t chase the money. Have a funding strategy and stick to it. Once you’ve identified which funders you are going to approach visit their own website or get a copy of their latest funding guidelines. Don’t rely on abstracts on other organisation’s websites. Read all of the guidance. If there is anything that you don’t understand, ask the funder. Most funders spend a great deal of time and effort trying to make their criteria and guidance as clear as possible so take care to read it. The reason why most applications fail is because the applicants haven’t met all the criteria. Evidence. Rather than simply attest that there is a need for this piece of work in your area, show evidence that you have consulted with your members, clients, beneficiaries, etc. and that this is the best way of delivering what they want. Also provide evidence of the long term difference that this grant will have for your beneficiaries. Make sure that you include everything that has been asked for. Up to 50 per cent of applications fail because the business plan, budget or annual report and accounts weren’t included. Where the funder uses an application form make sure that you answer the question rather than put “see attached”. Conversely, don’t send things which you have been specifically asked not to send. Use clear language and avoid jargon and acronyms. If you must use initials then use the title in full the first time followed by the acronym in brackets. Ask for the money and state exactly what this will be used to buy. You should include a simple budget at the very least. Please – no more £1,000 computers! We watch the PC World adverts too you know. Cost out each item accurately. Finishing touches – get someone else to read your final draft before you send it. If possible, someone who does not work in your field. Passion sells. The most powerful applications come from people engaged with service delivery. As a fundraiser if you aren’t involved in delivering the service that your charity engages in then use quotations from the people that do and the people that use the services. Make sure that at least one other person has a copy of the application and is fully briefed. That way if you’re away on holiday or maternity leave when the funder calls or visits, then all your hard work won’t be wasted. Don’t make assumptions - most funders are generalists so you need to explain the issues that your charity is dealing with.

Advocacy Fundraising

Ive come across this site recently, which although aimed ad advocacy fundraising, the information, tips etc are just as relevant for other applications, worth a visit http://www.advocacyfunding.co.uk/improve-funding-prospects/#more-801

People's Postcode Trust

The Trust is open for applications from groups in Wales from 9th Jult until 24th August. Their small grants program exists to try to make the world a better place through short-term, project specific funding. Funding is for 3 month projects, ranging from £500 up to £5,000 in Wales to registered charities, community and voluntary groups, community interest companies and other not-for-profit organisations. Projects must fits at least ONE of the following: Prevention of poverty Improvement of health Promotion of community development Advance participation in sport Promotion of human rights Promotion of environmental protection More info on their website..... http://www.postcodetrust.org.uk/

Lloyds TSB Foundation Older people Programme

The Lloyds TSB Foundation fhas launched a new £2 million funding programme which has a focus on older people who are experiencing financial difficulties. It is offering grants up to a value of £50,000 over 3 years Applications must be for work that improves the life choices and chances for older people and: Offers a sustained programme of support. Demonstrates measurable changes and benefits for individuals. Projects must meet at least one of the following criteria: They are looking for projects that are innovative and push existing boundaries. THey should also extend or replicate a proven model of working to deliver the goals and that will improve joined up working with local agencies. Projects should also support service user involvement. It will NOT fund core. For more information visit http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk/FUNDINGPROGRAMMES/Pages/Olderpeopleprogramme.aspx The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 20 September 2012 (5pm).

Tips for Lottery funding

When putting applications together for the Lottery; I have found the following pointers to improve success; - Keep it simple - keep to a simple aim for the application; this allows you to repeat / reinforce the message of the application. The more complex you make an application and the more you try to do, the easier it is for the key message to get lost - Work backwards form the outcomes - the outcomes are an important part of the assessment, and need to flow through all the application. You need to ensure the need you describe will be addressed by the outcomes. - Use a range of evidence. Local statistics, research, how your work relate to local strategies, quotes, etc, When using evidence from consultations, add how many people you spoke to and importantly how their views influenced the project - Use tables; these help to explain the work and how it relates to the need and outcomes. Again these can make presenting a lot of information more straightforward. I also use a table to show have the activities of the project relate back to the outcome - Repeat and reinforce the key message - without doing overboard; make sure you repeat the key message / change your application is seeking to make. When explaining the need ensure the needs that you are giving relate to the aim. There is always a temptation to put lots of peripheral information down, which although factual and describes the work of the organisation, this can distract from the key need you are addressing.

Environmental Grant from Powys CC

The Powys Environmental Partnership is one of five thematic partnerships working under the Powys Local Service Board. The Small Grant Scheme can be offered to any project within Powys that will benefit the environment and communities of Powys and support the environmental aims of the One Powys Plan. Further details can be found here http://one.powys.gov.uk/index.php?id=11571&L=0 The grant will not fund advertising and direct marketing costs or work that should have been part of regular maintenance. The maximum size of grants is £750. The closing date for this round of applications is 31st August 2012. All grants must be matched pound for pound either through the group’s own funds or by unpaid volunteer time and the project must be completed by 31st March 2013.

Gift Aid - are you doing it right?

According to HMRC 25% of charities are using the incorrect form to claim gift aid, you should be using the most recent version of form R68i, failure to do so may result in gift aid not being claimed. For more information and to get the most up to date for visit http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/complete-form-r68i.htm

Ideas Fund Innovators

Funding up to £1000 is available to assist groups or individuals who have projects that are inspiring, original, innovative and that can be delivered in all creative disciplines in the UK. Applications from ALL creative sisciplines will be considered The deadline is 21 September 2012 Enquiries IdeasTap Woolyard 54 Bermondsey Street London SE1 3UD Visit www.ideastap.com/

Grants for IT

Voluntary organisations can apply for funding towards PC's, WebSite Development, training, software and any capital items required. Restriction of one application per year Typical projects that have been awarded include community re-generation/enrichment, community activities and those groups which involve their community in learning new skills. http://www.netsolutionswales.co.uk/e-nsw-2/grants.asp

Heritage Lottery Fund

The Heritiage Lottery Fund is open for applications for their new grant fund All Our Stories. All Our Stories is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in their heritage. With our funding and support you could plan activities that help you explore, share and celebrate yours. http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/allourstories.aspx

Welsh Government Grants for third sector

The Welsh Government have a list of all their grants for the third sector,there are a lot of grants listed, but check the closing dates for you get too excited, as many of the schemes closed several years ago!

Beginners Guide to fundraising using social media

This gives a useful tips to help get you started with or improve your fundraising using social media.

Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust

This scheme will be open from 01st June 2012 to 10th September 2012 to receive applications for regional projects, up to a value of £7,500 They fund under; Sports, Arts, COmmunity and Environment For the community priority 'The Trust will give priority to organisations that are looking to tackle social, personal, economic or cultural barriers within their own communities. In particular projects that lead to greater independence and give people more control over their lives will be given priority. The Trust welcomes applications that give people a voice to express their needs and hopes.' The application form is straight forward to complete, and you need to make a strong case for why they should fund your work If you want any help with an application, please get in touch

People's Health Trust

For the Health Diverse programme in north and east Wales this is open until 4th June. It is open to Organisations with income under £75,000. The criteria is general - to improve the health and well-being of local communities

Major donors

I recently attended a training session on major donors - 1 statistic that struck me was that for those giving over £1million (in UK) 45% goes to Universities, 22% to international development, the rest were all under 5%. How universities manage their relationships with donors so well gives us food for thought and I think there is a lot charities can learn from them........

Village SOS

Village SOS award This scheme is open again until 12 September to help kick start a rural revival using the power of sustainable community enterprise. Grants are upto £50,000 to support inspiring business ideas that will bring communities together and support activities or enterprises that tackle the challenges they face. More ideas and info on their website - To apply you must be a small community with a population of 3000 people or less

Cable & Wireless Worldwide Foundation - 2012 Round Open

Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations in the UK for communication solutions and services to support people with special needs. The Foundation is looking to partner and build relationships with organisations that support, research, develop or implement the appropriate specialist communication requirements for those with special needs. The term special needs applies to people with physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning problems, and also the circumstances that create an exceptional situation requiring individualised educational programmes, physical accessibility or care requirements. Grants are available up to £10,000 to support communication solutions and services available to people with special needs with the aim of enhancing their lives by providing accessible means of communicating. Application forms are available to download from the Foundation's website and completed forms should be returned by email. The deadline for applications is 25 June 2012.

Powys Environmental Partnership Grant

The first round of this year's Powys Environmental Partnership Small Grants is now open. Closing date for applications is Friday 11th May 2012. For more information contact Heather Delonnette Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, Powys County Council Tel: 01597 826165

http://www.actionforall.org.uk/fundingyourfuture/news

http://www.actionforall.org.uk/fundingyourfuture/news

Princes Countryside Fund deadline

The current round of funding is due to close on 13 April. They will fund projects to help reconnect people with the countryside and that support improving the sustainability of rural communities. They also fund up to £50,000

Online Fundraising

For those interested in online fundraising; before you get too carried away with it as a way to solving your financial problems, first use social media and online networks to build up the engagement with followers, find where people are talking about you and join those forums / groups and steer supporters to your website. Facebook and Twitter also have their place; consider how each platform is used and who best to target with each. There is now so much advice and information online there is no excuse for groups not dipping their toe into the social media world

Trusthouse Foundation

This is a great foundation for projects in Powys as one of their priorities is rural communities, there are further priorities within this broad area which include older people, mental health and young people so very broad. Their funding for revenue is under £10,000 but can be used for core costs. They also have a fast track fund for sums under £5000 I've always found them very helpful and have had a good level of success in applying.....

Powys County Council Grant

For those in Powys, don't forget that the Community Regeneration and Development Fund will close on the 3rd April. They will pay 50% grants for work that addresses regeneration in Powys

Info is available from comgrant@powys.gov.uk

Online funding presentations

Link to a presentation I put together on Internet fundraising

http://www.slideshare.net/jrxm/internet-fundraising-1

Historic Buildings

While Im on the web search subject - http://www.fundsforhistoricbuildings.org.uk/
This one is specifically for those seeking funding for a Historic Building

Grant databases

The following review for different grant databases is really useful

http://www.rivernorth.co.uk/directories.html

Henry Smith Charity

Another grant success for Mid Powys Mind, securing two years funding to develop their healthy lifestyles project

Llandovery Heritage Centre

We have finally begun working on the options appraisal for Llandovery. Our first day was very full with a vast number of ideas and information to absorb. Myself, Andrew and Ian will be back a number of times in the coming weeks to gather more views from the community and interested organisations