How to Get Started in Fundraising

The voluntary and community sector could simply not survive without the fundraising efforts of volunteers and professionals willing to engage the general public, approach funding bodies or earn income to finance all the good work carried out each year.

Fundraising is normally undertaken by a not-for-profit organisation which may also be a charity or by an individual fundraising on behalf of that organisation in a formal or informal capacity.

Schools, Businesses and Statutory organisations can also fundraise but will not normally benefit from the special provisions given to charitable organisations and other not-for-profits. (article on school fundraising)

Individuals who seek to fundraise on an individual basis should make themselves aware of the legal position of their activity before starting and where necessary inform the appropriate authorities of their intentions. Organisations are often very keen to assist and support volunteer fundraisers in their ambitions. (article on fundraising for individuals)

To obtain the most benefit from fundraising efforts, it is recommended that an organisation should be formally set-up (if one does not already exist) and that charitable status (or equivalent) should be sought prior to appeals starting.

If you know who and what you are fundraising for you should consider taking a strategic approach to fundraising. A planned approach is likely to produce better results. You may wish to consider fundraising from the three main sources of funding that is: grant-makers, the community and by trading.

Visit the fundraising guidance section of the www.grant-tracker.org website for more information on how to fundraise.