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Fundraising and Grants
One of the greatest problems of any voluntary organisation is how to pay for the extras that can provide better facilities for the members without the necessity of increasing subscriptions whenever something comes up. The solution will enable the organisation not only to hold onto its members but may even lead to an increase in membership with consequent benefits to all. Whatever the method of raising funds that is tried, it is vital that the ownership of any scheme is wholeheartedly endorsed and supported by the members. Thus the reasons and aims of any scheme presented must be made clear to all.
There are five main ways of
obtaining this extra cash flow. Some are short term and others long
term...
Active Fund Raising
This may take many forms
and may involve a number of helpers for a short period or less
helpers over a longer period. Examples - cake stalls, jumble sales,
book stalls or a small raffle with a very limited number of tickets
as opposed to a Raffle on a much grander scale.
The most lucrative is the big raffle which, of course,
is subject to the appropriate Lotteries Act with its stringent rules
and regulations. Provided the Raffle is properly planned, controlled
and executed, this can be a big source of income. Once a year is
quite sufficient and members should be asked (on their joining or
renewal forms) if they are willing to sell a book of tickets ($2.00
per ticket in a book of not more than five tickets has been found to
be a very successful formula). It is a good idea to have a name for
the raffle - possibly related to the subsequent use of the funds. An
excellent idea is to have an Early Bird Bookseller's Prize. To
qualify for this Prize, the completely sold book butts and
remittance must be returned to the Promoter by a certain date. This
helps the cash flow and soothes the nerves of the promoter who is
anxiously waiting to cover costs and the prize monies!!
Donations
General -
Cash Donations of $2.00 or more may be allowable as an Income Tax
deduction to the Donor - see AFFHO Information Sheet No
4 for full details. The opportunity to include a donation can be
made as an addition to Membership renewal forms. Donors should
receive some mention in the respective Newsletter/Journal unless
anonymity is specifically requested.
Specific
Gifts: Donations of a book/s or a microfiche may be encouraged. It
does no harm to recognise such donations in Library Accessions and
some societies include a plate/label inside the book cover stating
by who donated the book.
Bequests: There may be some
members who would be prepared to remember their society in their
will or by the addition of a codicil. It is worth a mention in the
Newsletter/Journal - perhaps the society's Honorary Legal Adviser
would be willing to draw up a suitable clause for inclusion?
Sponsorship
Generally defined as a
contribution in cash or kind from an external (commercial) source
for all or part of a project.
Usually the
sponsor will expect some form of recognition of his contribution by
the society being sponsored - which after all is not unreasonable.
Details should be agreed beforehand to save any embarrassment to the
society if the sponsor requires something which the former is not
happy about.
Direct Appeals to Members
These are usually only
resorted to when the reason for the appeal has not been budgeted for
and the matter is of some urgency - such as the AFFHO Save the
Census Fighting Fund in 1996.
Grants
If it can
be determined who, what, where and why a Grant is being offered then
the secret is to make sure that the application form is completed
correctly and lodged in sufficient time to be considered. Remember
the saying - you've got to be in to win!
The
appearance and quality of the application is most important. Since
Grantors do not like handing funds over to unincorporated bodies,
make sure that your Society is Incorporated (see AFFHO Information Sheet No
1) Check that the society's letterhead includes this fact and
ensure that the presentation is professional i.e. well typed and
legible with no spelling mistakes!
Sometimes the
Grantor may wish to sight the Constitution, Certificate of
Incorporation and last set of Audited Annual Accounts of your
society. Make sure that the request is supported with the full
details of why the funds are needed. Include details of Committee
members with contact addresses, phone/fax numbers, email addresses,
etc. Do not place your order before you get the grant - it might be
refused!
Who offers Grants
Every State, Territory or
Country has a list of organisations and funds who make Grants under
certain conditions and to certain categories of recipients. Look in
the White Pages of the Telephone Directory under 'Grants'
and start there. Of course there are Federal, State and Local
Government bodies all of whom have funds at their disposal for
various community purposes.
Do not forget the
Lotteries Commission in your State for Community Funding/Grants. The
Premier's Department in some States may have a Special Fund. Do not
overlook the Capital City Convention Bureau if a Congress/Conference
that may attract persons from other States or from Overseas is being
held.
Whilst many grants will not
be applicable to your society, there may be some that may come
within your operating parameters.
ArtsInfo:
This organisation provides
a single access point to all possible sources of support available
in the cultural sector and brings information on the wide array of
cultural grants, support programs as well as industry training and
development programs offered by the three levels of government and
their agencies as well as assistance through corporations,
foundations and non-government bodies.
The
database can be accessed through either:
Telephone
on freecall 1800 241 247 (10.00a.m. until 6.00 p.m. EST), Internet or email.
The Federation of Australian Historical Societies Inc
This organisation publishes
annually a booklet called Funding Database (ISBN 0 9595714 4 2)
price $35.00 plus postage. It lists all National and State (by
State) Agencies involved with grants for all categories of things.
Internet or email.
Correspondence to: FAHS Database, 43 Phillips Street Alexandria NSW 2015
Last modified: 3 July 2009