Raising Funds

There are, at first sight, many different ways of raising funds for your organisation. However, there is usually competition for grants and loans, and providers always impose conditions. One should consider carefully the likelihood of success with grant applications, and the ability to meet the conditions. Waltham Forest Vountary Action can assist with such assessments. 

• Trusts Directory of Grantmaking Trusts; available in book, CD-ROM or online from Directory of Social Change.
• Lottery  See Contacts Section under 'Setting Up'
• Local government Most funding goes to social services and education and few local government bodies have the budgets to support wider voluntary groups. Go to our Funding Section - Local Funding
• Central government The Home Office, the Department for Health, the Department of Children, Schools and Families, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Communities and Local Government Department are all major sources of funds.
• Companies The Guide/CD-Rom to UK Company Giving from the Directory of Social Change. See Contacts Section under 'Setting Up'.
• Individuals See Charity Commission guidelines on public collections (CC20). If you are registered as being charitable with the Inland Revenue you can reclaim the tax on donations made by known individuals. This is known as Gift Aid. See Contacts Section under 'Setting Up'.
• Members Subscriptions can be a source of funds to cover costs such as postage and phone calls. Members could also be encouraged to Gift Aid their donations.
• Running Events Guides and 'How to's' are published by the Directory of Social Change. See Contacts Section under 'Setting Up'
• Selling services - this is an effective way of raising funds that can be spent on any part of the organisation. However you need to consider the effect this will have on those people you are seeking to help, who may not be able to afford the service.