Funding options
Most voluntary and community organisations could not exist without funding or fundraising in some form. Some organisations find that it dominates their activities, whilst on the other hand, some projects who have received guaranteed three-year grant support, leave it until the last three or four months to find follow-up funds. Getting the balance right between providing your services and finding funding is crucial. It is therefore important that funding and indeed fundraising has a high priority in your long-term planning, in the ongoing work of trustees or management committee, and for staff and volunteers in their day-to-day activities.
Getting the balance right starts with taking responsiblity of what you are trying to do, and understanding why and how. It is then extremely important to research thoroughly the funding options available to your organisation and make an informed judgement of what source is a good fit for you. At every stage of this process ensuring that sound business and financial plans are in place to safeguard the long-term sustainability of your organisation.
This section aims to provide you with an overview of the various funding options available to voluntary and community organisations. It introduces you to the concept of each funding option, examining its advantages and disadvantages and signposts to useful sources of information.
Throughout the section there are useful resources available – case studies, weblinks to further sources of information and various guides to download.
