Fundraising

Planning

This is by far the most important stage when trying to raise funds for your activity. Here are just a few key things to consider in your planning stage:

  • What do I need money for?

It is important to know what you need money for and not just ask for money to have as a back-up. Have a specific activity, a piece of equipment or an event in mind before you ask.

  • How much do I need?

Some of the people you approach for money will ask to see a budget whilst others will ask you how much you want. It is good therefore to have an idea how much you would like. Be realistic and do not ask for huge amounts of money from one source – this could scare off a potential sponsor who may have given you a smaller amount. It is also important not to ask for too little – some sponsors may be very generous but if you ask for a smaller sum they will only give you that. Therefore, tailor your request to the individual sponsor and activity.

  • Where can I get it from?

There are a wide range of people that can be approached for sponsorship. Local companies (e.g. banks, restaurants, bars etc), individuals, university dean’s/vice-chancellors, local councils, local charities, local BMA office, local medical companies like MPS, MDU, medical sickness etc.

  • What can I give them in return?

With the exception of a few charitable trusts and, if you are lucky, some rich individuals, most sponsors will want something in return for their money. This may be a leaflet advertising their activity (e.g. BMA), the promise of the chance to talk to people (e.g. a talk from a bank representative about their accounts) and posters with their name/logo on it etc.

Approaching Sponsors

Again there are several key points to consider here:

  • How to get in contact with the sponsor?

There are many forms of communication available including letters, email, phone calls, face to face meetings etc. Each of these have there own place in sponsorship and again it is important to tailor this to the individual sponsor. Letters are the most formal way of approaching people and this is the preferred form for trusts etc. For local companies, it is often sufficient to arrange a face to face meeting, possibly via a phone call. Local medical companies such as the BMA and MPS are usually contactable via email and phone calls.

Phone calls are very good to arrange meetings, initiate contact, follow up a letter or email to see if it has been received, up date sponsors on the progress of your activity etc.

  • What to say when you get in contact?

There are a few key things to include in your letter, email, phone call or meeting. It is important to describe a bit about Medsin and the work we do, then explain about your branch or activity and your plans (e.g. what you are going to need the money for). It is important then to ask for their assistance and describe what you can give them in return. It is good then to offer more information if required e.g. a strategic plan for your activity. Finally, thank the person and say that you hope to hear from them soon. Ensure that you leave your contact details with them.

If you are writing a letter it is important to be concise but to include all the information required. If at all possible it should be less than one A4 page but a maximum of two depending on the person you are approaching (e.g. some charitable trusts request a three page synopsis etc).

  • Approaching a Charity

Before approaching a charitable trust or foundation it is important to read Medsin's Guide to Charity Status which will give you information on how to use the Medsin charity name and number.

Also, as the Medsin charity number and name will be use, the request has to come from the national committee. Therefore, the national committee should be informed beforehand using the form at the top of the page.

If you have applied for a grant for your project or campaign, or would like to apply for a grant from Medsin-UK, it is important to fill in the grant application form, also at the top of the page.

After you have successfully fundraised

Whilst the steps you take to get fundraising are very important, the steps you take afterwards are just as important. If a sponsor gives you money once, they are likely to give it to you again. Therefore, it is important to regularly update the sponsor with information about your activity. If it is a one off event like a conference, it is good to invite them along.

Remember to say thank you to the sponsor as without them the activity would not be able to proceed. If you are creating a magazine or newsletter etc, it is good to give them a copy just so they can see where their money has gone.

Hints and tips

  • Be polite to any potential sponsor
  • Follow up all contact with a phone call to enquire on any progress
  • Plan your fundraising well
  • Regularly update sponsors on the progress you are making and invite them along to your activities
  • Stay positive as successful fundraising is very rewarding
  • This is only a brief overview. For more information see the sponsorship section in the Branch Resource Pack

Medsin-UK Funding 2006-07

Over the course of the year we hope to apply for a number of grants from a variety of charitable trusts and foundations. Some of these are based in the UK and others are international donors.

Below is a list of all the organizations that we have applied to, or are planning on applying to over the next twelve months.

Charitable Trusts/Foundations

  • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • The John Ellerman Foundation
  • The Clothworkers Foundation
  • The Batty Charitable Trust
  • The Foyle Foundation
  • The Garfield Weston Foundation
  • PF Charitable Trust
  • Department for International Development (DfID)
  • The Nuffield Foundation
  • Sir Jules Thorn Trust
  • Laing’s Foundation
  • Baring Foundation
  • The Porter Foundation
  • The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement
  • The Funding Network

For more information on any of the trusts listed, if you are interested in helping out with fundraising on a national level or just have some questions about fundraising for your activity then contact Selina and she will be happy to answer any questions.

Last updated on Sunday 21 October 2007 at 19:45.