Author Topic: Fundraising ideas?  (Read 17881 times)

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2007, 14:03:43 PM »
What exactly do you mean by placement? I understand a placement to be a volunteer opportunity with an existing organisation, but it doesn't sound like that's what you are talking about?


No i was just saying that the volunteer centre was saying they cant seen to get anyone  to volunteer for animal related charitys so asking for volunteers re this idea wouldnt be much luck.   I guess the centre might have some info  on the setup etc that be handy.

Offline LMC

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2007, 09:33:15 AM »
What exactly do you mean by placement? I understand a placement to be a volunteer opportunity with an existing organisation, but it doesn't sound like that's what you are talking about?

The Volresource link in my earlier post is excellent for people thinking about starting a group - startup checklist under Management link is a good kicking off point.

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2007, 02:03:56 AM »
Ill have a word with the local volunteer centre here but still not sure of the next step?  Dont even know what i should take to them in way of a 'plan/lay out' ?  I remeber havin a word with 1 of the staff there awhile ago & was told that the hardest placement was for any kind of animal volunteering.   

Offline LMC

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2007, 16:32:13 PM »
I work for a charity, so have a bit of inside knowledge on this type of stuff.

First up, in my job I see a *lot* of requests for money and goods. RR's letter is excellent - it says what's needed right up front. Nothing annoys me more than having to read a great long spiel of stuff I already know or could easily find out with a vague and pathetic "Please give us your support" right at the end (What exactly do you need and what's the benefits? - that's what funders want to know.)

Where the letter could be improved is through putting in some 'happy stuff'. Of course you need to show the need. But the request also needs an example of how their contribution might help (and there's enough wonderful stories on here of how kitties have survived and been rehabilitated from horrible circumstances). With apologies to those with charity experience, but for the benefit of those who don't: the 'after' story is what we call an outcome. ALL donors look for outcomes. They may not work directly with the cats - you do. Share the success as well as the heartache.

Second, there are many advantages to being a registered charity. It gives you credibility as there are certain legal requirements that have to be met in terms of financial reporting etc (not that stringent or costly at the kind of levels of money you guys would be looking at). Many charitable trusts are legally restricted by their trust deed to funding only registered charities. So even if they want to help, they can't. Many businesses have a policy of only giving to registered charities. Another advantage of registration is that you can reclaim Gift Aid from taxpayer contributions.

Yes, you have to have a committee (minimum three trustees) and constitution. http://www.volresource.org.uk/ is very helpful for people looking at setting up a charity - and far friendlier than the Charity Commission's website, although you will need to go there for registration documents etc. (NB I have no connection with Volresource except that I find it useful).

There are so many individual rescuers out there - why not get together to set up a charity? There is nothing to say that you all have to live in the same town. And as you are all volunteers, you can all be trustees (Trustees may NOT draw a salary but MAY reclaim expenses associated with their charitable work). Meetings don't have to be that frequent - once every three months should be ample. Surely some of you must live within close enough distances to make that reasonable?

Free (pro bono) legal advice and accountancy services are often available - talk to your local volunteer bureau as local solicitors or accountants may be registered as interested in donating their time to local charities.

Offline Christine (Blip)

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #19 on: August 06, 2007, 14:01:53 PM »
On the subject of your sample letter, which I do think is a good idea, you would not have to handle any money yourself as you would be acting as a sort of broker between the company and the rescue.

I would suggest a trial run.  Start by asking one or other of the rescues on here if you can send something like this on their behalf.  Then identify a couple of businesses which might be willing to help: they could be local to the rescue concerned or they could be animal-related in some way.  Sam identified quite a few of the latter category recently.

Then redraft your letter to personalise it for the rescue you are supporting and the business you are approaching.  There are several people on here who could help with that if it's new ground for you.

Then send the letters.  Be prepared to face rejection - although you only need one success to have achieved something good.
I'm a member of the British Humanist Association, the national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs http://www.humanism.org.uk/home

Offline Pinkbear (Julie)

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #18 on: August 06, 2007, 00:46:52 AM »
RR, anything to do with money is never uncomplicated.  :scared: :Crazy:

Companies donating to your venture will need to see evidence of VAT and or Charity number. They need these for their own VAT records. It's relatively straight forward to register for VAT, but will still entail lots of paperwork and you will need to submit accounts to Inland Revenue.

A much better suggestion for your consideration is to contact the Charity Commision - I assume in Scotland things are run the same way - and go through the list of charities already registered. Some exist on exactly the same mandate as you're suggesting - to raise funds for smaller charities. Perhaps you could work with them and pursuade them to give to money to animal groups?  ;D

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #17 on: August 06, 2007, 00:24:04 AM »
If you want a straight forward way of organising charitiable donations given to you, go ask the bank about a Sole Trader account.  ;)


 :-:

Never heard of that?


What i was thinkin is if i can get an 'rescue' account cos i think that would all that will be needed to fundraise & maybe letterheading so any money raised by the public/companys/bussiness would go into the account & distributed.   Nonthing  to complicated

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #16 on: August 06, 2007, 00:10:45 AM »
Oh yeah  what actual benifits do you get  once you are registered, i know a few smallhomed rescues are not registered as theresto  much paperwork involved also to much hassle/bitching  on the committee side?

Offline Pinkbear (Julie)

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #15 on: August 06, 2007, 00:07:32 AM »
Believe me, RR, you don't want the hassle of setting up a charity. It'll do your head in and unless you are shelling out loads in VAT, what you gain from it doesn't make the paperwork worth it..  :Crazy: :Crazy:

If you want a straight forward way of organising charitiable donations given to you, go ask the bank about a Sole Trader account.  ;)

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2007, 00:00:00 AM »
lol i was just  wondering if something along the same line is possible for the fundraising side  started/run by an individual

Offline Pinkbear (Julie)

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2007, 23:52:07 PM »
Yes, Ron of Lostcatsbrighton is now a registered charity.  ;) He has remote help wth admin stuff from folks like me, but on the ground he's on his own.

To set up a charity you need a minimum number of 'trustees', which usually are around 3. The constitution is then drawn up by the trustess and submitted for charitible status consideration.... But these trustees don't actually have to be on the ground workers. So technically, yes, a one person band can become a charity... if they can pursuade some folks to sit as trustees. Hope that makes sense..?  ;D

MBll

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2007, 23:40:31 PM »
Iv  read on the re 'FUNDRAISING EVENTS' thread the following ...


*all the rescues are known on here - some definitely are registered charities, I know we are, and Ron was applying*

I thought ron was like dawn  on his own?    Was wondering how an individual can get registered as i believe a rescue account is needed & to have that a couple of other things are needed like a committee & 'Articles of Constitution'








Offline Tan

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Re: Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2007, 22:12:02 PM »
I think it's brill you are trying to help rescues more and more fool them in your area if they won't take that help.

« Last Edit: August 05, 2007, 22:17:35 PM by Tan »

MBll

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Re: Idea For Fundraising
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2007, 19:46:18 PM »
Just need to add here aswell as the resues on here my idea was to include  other small homebased  rescues that are not on purrs & some are non cat ones :-:


But as i said before ...with this sort of idea itll get no where with 1

Offline Christine (Blip)

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Re: Idea For Fundraising
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2007, 19:33:01 PM »
Getting individual businesses to sponsor individual rescues is an excellent idea  :wow:

With initiatives like this, targeting is everything.  I have to go and do some domestic stuff now, but can I come back tomorrow and add some thoughts to this thread?

 :Luv:
I'm a member of the British Humanist Association, the national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs http://www.humanism.org.uk/home

MBll

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Idea For Fundraising
« Reply #8 on: August 05, 2007, 19:28:27 PM »
This is 1 idea I have been sitting on to  fundraise for a few rescues but guess it wont get off the ground regurding the red tape stuff.  The idea was to raise money & distribute through a 'rescue' account also to approch/contact bussiness/companys to get them to make a  montly donation/sponsor through a rescue account  to advertise them


I have a 'sample' fundraising letter i got from a site gwad dont know how long Iv had this? Anyway Im altering it a bit so heres a look at it anyway


Dear            SPEC LETTER

I AM NOT LOOKING FOR A MONETARY DONATION".

I am writing to ask if you would consider donating any unwanted stock for our online auction to raise much needed funds for the many small home based animal rescues within the UK.

All over the country there are people working tirelessly on a voluntary basis to save animal lives. These rescuers work for no glory, no pay and no reward.  Most of these struggling rescues  are unknown and unheard of.  Everyday they rescue animals that are unwanted or have been savagely beaten, dumped, half drowned, left in rubbish bags (including tiny pups and kittens) and take them into their homes, feed them, get them veterinary attention then try to restore their faith in humans by re-socialising them in order to try and find them a home.  This takes time and money.  The rescues get no funding and depend entirely on the generosity of others.

These people are just ordinary people who have jobs and families and often the money comes from their own pockets with few donations & no help from either government or lottery.   

Please consider donating any stock that may otherwise be thrown away or left lying in a stockroom somewhere.  Obviously pet food, toys, baskets, bedding would be gratefully appreciated but also other things like towels, sheets, blankets, CDs, books etc no matter how small.  The rescues would be grateful for anything you see fit to donate for the online auction that will help this worthwhile & needy cause.

If you would like to know more about the work of these rescues contact details will be provided so you can get a first hand look at the work these rescues do and just how badly their services are needed. If you would prefer to donate directly to a rescue a list is available at your request.  Otherwise please contact me on the number below and I will arrange collection.

If you choose  to  consider to make a regular  monthly  donation into a ’rescue’ account it will be distributed  to the rescues we are aiding & it will be so much appreciated.

The rescues that will benefit are the following

*****************
****************
****************
**************
**************
*************
*************
**************

On behave of the rescues thank you for your time.

Yours Sincerely 




All this is a bit sketchy the now but Im awating your opinion/criticism to say how stupid the idea is  :-:


I havent listed any rescues as i need to know if their interested etc.

Offline Ela

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Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2007, 17:29:22 PM »
Quote
I guess im one of those folk then ?  Personaly speaking i would like nothing more to help rescues in my area & have asked only to be snubbed

I wouldn't say so if you have tried and then folks don't accept your kindness.
« Last Edit: August 05, 2007, 22:10:58 PM by Tan »
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MBll

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Re: Lying Public
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2007, 17:04:57 PM »
generosity dawn....im touched  :innocent:

Offline Dawn (DiddyDawn)

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Re: Lying Public
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2007, 16:53:38 PM »
Its not all a case of not being able to 'get out in the field'  there are folk that are snubbed by rescues  when offering to bea volunteer ....you would think that they would be interested in someones help an extra body but thats not the case ...your left being snubbed/sneered at & feeling of wasting their time asking?

I have already told you, you are more than welcome to come and do my cats litter trays.....I will get them to save it up especially for your arrival  :evillaugh:  ;)

Offline Christine (Blip)

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Re: Lying Public
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2007, 16:46:02 PM »
[Its not all a case of not being able to 'get out in the field'  there are folk that are snubbed by rescues  when offering to bea volunteer ....you would think that they would be interested in someones help an extra body but thats not the case ...your left being snubbed/sneered at & feeling of wasting their time asking?

I can well imagine that, RR, it must be very disheartening indeed.

You can still do good work though - what are your ideas for money-raising schemes?  If you are a bit shy about posting them, why not PM them to me and I will offer my advice (for what that is worth  :-[).
I'm a member of the British Humanist Association, the national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs http://www.humanism.org.uk/home

MBll

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Re: Lying Public
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2007, 16:40:46 PM »

For those not able to get out in the field,


Its not all a case of not being able to 'get out in the field'  there are folk that are snubbed by rescues  when offering to bea volunteer ....you would think that they would be interested in someones help an extra body but thats not the case ...your left being snubbed/sneered at & feeling of wasting their time asking?

Offline Christine (Blip)

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Re: Lying Public
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2007, 16:27:07 PM »
I have several ideas on fundraising for few rescues  but gulity of not getting my arse in gear on this as I dont know how to get it off the ground by myself as I cant see me getting ANYWHERE will bussiness/companys on my own.

What are your ideas, RR?  Why not start a new thread asking folks for their comments - it may spark off other fund-raising ideas.  With 800 members, we will surely have at least one or two who could appraise and develop schemes?

For those not able to get out in the field, there are plenty of other things we can do that are of real practical help and support to those in the front line  :Luv:
I'm a member of the British Humanist Association, the national charity supporting and representing people who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs http://www.humanism.org.uk/home

MBll

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Fundraising ideas?
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2007, 16:12:01 PM »

Quote
Please get out there in the field and do it.

That is the problem there are too many people thinking about helping but not enough doing any more than thinking. In other words gunners but never taking aim and firing



I guess im one of those folk then ?  Personaly speaking i would like nothing more to help rescues in my area & have asked only to be snubbed  unfortunately the rescues that i hear of that are looking/want help are MILES away.  The only help if you can call it help is by  posting on other sites when someone is looking for a pet & pointing them to various rescues, persuading others to rehome from rescues then buyin from petshops/bsb etc  & by donating some money to  1 or 2 rescues .......true not hellish much by way of help..


I have several ideas on fundraising for few rescues  but gulity of not getting my arse in gear on this as I dont know how to get it off the ground by myself as I cant see me getting ANYWHERE will bussiness/companys on my own.




« Last Edit: August 05, 2007, 22:11:20 PM by Tan »

 


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