Starting Fundraising in your Organisation

Voluntary and community organisations should aim to develop a coherent ‘fundraising mix’ that takes into account long-term, medium-term and short-term needs and does not rely too heavily on one or two sources of funding.

If you already fundraise, analyse your income and expenses for the past three years before developing a plan. If you are just beginning to fundraise, you will probably need help and advice.

Help and advice from the Institute of Fundraising

• Trustees should download the Trustees Guide to Fundraising, a FREE resource which gives a helpful overview to the importance of and possible routes for fundraising in your organisation.
• Take part in the Institute’s Foundation course which guides you through the essentials of fundraising and lets you learn from other fundraisers and an instructor experienced in fundraising.
• Review the Codes of Fundraising Practice. The Codes highlight the legal and best practice standards for a range of fundraising techniques and form the basis of the sector's self-regulation. Find out more about the Codes of Fundraising Practice.
• Become an Institute member which gives you access to networking events, discounts on training courses and other member benefits which will help you learn. Find out more about joining the Institute of Fundraising.
• Engage with your senior management team and trustees to be clear about your objectives and agree on your organisation’s fundraising strategy.

You many need to employ a consultant to help you start building your strategy. The Institute of Fundraising offers an online Directory of Fundraising Consultants which is searchable by region and area of fundraising specialisation.

Other Practical Tools

• The Factsheet 'Employing a Fundraising Consultant' (57kb) provides further guidance.
• The Institute's Best Practice for Fundraising Contracts Code of Fundraising Practice and accompanying model contract sets out legal and best practice requirements for fundraising contracts. The Agreements are in model form and the Institute strongly recommends that they should be adapted for individual circumstances, in which case appropriate professional advice should be taken. The accompanying Guidance Notes should be read and understood in the first instance.
• Useful Links lists many other organisations that can advise on fundraising, governance, capacity building and charity law.