16 Apr Getting started – charity fundraising and donations

In an age of uncertainty, one significant concern that looms over the heads of many will be finances. I’m 32 years old, and it almost seems as if every other year of my life has involved a “once in a lifetime” event, on either a national or international scale, that has resulted in significant cause for alarm over how society can continue to tick over, with so many seismic changes shaking more and more money out of everyone’s coffers.

Charities and community groups in particular frequently feel the brunt of such shifts, be it having to pick up the pieces after cuts to services, world events leaving more of society in need of support, or pools of funding vital to charities and groups drying up for one reason or another. If those offering support for those in need are struggling themselves, where can they turn to? What hope do they have?

There will always be an array of grants and funding opportunities to access out there, however, this is out in an ever-changing landscape, covering different causes and themes, so it may seem a daunting prospect for those groups looking for such potential lifelines. Fortunately, this is an instance where we, Torbay Communities, can step in to support the local Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector with our community funding advice service and our Community Funding Advisor, Steven Chown. Steven can help groups in need to find and apply for funds that will help keep the figurative (or, indeed, literal) lights on for many. Speak to Steven if you would like advice or to join his monthly funding bulletin by emailing him at [email protected] or call  07977 635814.

Fundraising and donations will always be a core source of funds for so many in the VCSE sector – this can be in addition to funds secured by grants or funds, but, for many, the simple truth is they may be unsuccessful in their funding bids, so will be more reliant on other sources, such as public funding through the generosity of the community. Over the past year alone, the funds received through the community’s generosity have been staggering; we cannot thank you enough.

Collecting donations online has become more and more accessible and easier through developments in technology, as even a smart phone can be used these days to take card payments – but don’t take that as a green light to immediately begin waving a phone under people’s noses for donations, as the approach is always half the battle. In person, this could be the classic bucket or pot (just make sure you have the necessary licenses – look up street collection licenses if in doubt, or get in touch with us for advice) or a donation button on your website/social media.

Online digital fundraising can even be taken through platforms such as easyfundraising, a website which offers free donations from big brands while customers shop, all without costing their customers a single penny more, and the Torbay Lottery, with half of each £1 ticket being donated to that player’s charity of choice.

On our website, we have our own buttons for donations, easyfundraising and Torbay Lottery. We also have a guide on fundraising that covers not only online methods such as the above but all sorts of suggestions of how to run fundraising events, many of which are tried and tested by ourselves and many of our peers out in the VCSE sector.

You could set up a sporty challenge – previously, we ran the Race Across Torbay, in which kayakers, paddleboarders and even a couple of waterbikes made the journey from Torquay Harbour to Brixham Harbour, all in the name of community transport. Want to stay on dry land? It could be a run, a football tournament, or even a skittles match.  Or even go virtual with a video game tournament!

Make an occasion out of it – a tea party, a disco, or even collect on a significant day like a birthday or wedding. Or go for something more low-key – it could be a barbeque or pub quiz. Anything that brings people together (especially food and good times!) can be an easy win.

You can find this and more here on our website, give us a call on 01803 212638, or email [email protected].