Fundraising Surgery

Charity Fundraising contribution to Professional Fundraising (Jan 2007)

Q: ‘We have recently gained a considerable grant from a foundation. How do I ensure that when the funding comes to an end , we haven’t become too dependent on it ,and that the good work generated can continue?’

A: We frequently receive pleas for help from charities approaching the end of their only source of funding. Voluntary sector organisations have a responsibility to deliver their objectives, but also to ensure their work will be sustainable and secure into the future.

Grant exit strategies require good planning from the outset, the spreading of risk and appropriate fundraising skills. Put a fundraising plan in place as early as possible and assign someone with the time and resources to implement it. Don’t underestimate the time and effort that will be required to achieve continuation funding, it’s often far more difficult than the initial start-up grant.

A major funding success represents both opportunity and threat. We advocate spreading the risk by diversifying the range of funders you approach and don’t assume that because a funder gave you a grant last time they will continue to fund you in the future. For any organisation, risk goes down as the number of income sources increases. Don’t overlook the possibilities of sponsorship or earning income. NCVO’s sustainable funding project is an excellent source of further information.

Diligent record keeping of service delivery, including photos, statistics, feedback and evaluation forms, all help to prove that funding the continuation of the project is worthwhile.

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