Trusts and foundations
More and more donors, particularly larger donors, are choosing to channel their giving through a trust, or foundation. Many of these function just like individual donors though some of the larger ones have a committee and published criteria. It pays to know and to respect these criteria. Trusts don’t like to waste time on applications for support that are outside their expressed interest areas (just like private individual donors).
How to fundraise from trusts and foundations when you have high reserves
by Mike Zywina
What happens if your organisation has ‘too much’ money? While most charities and social enterprises don’t find themselves with high reserves often, this can pose challenges when it happens – especially if you work in trusts and foundations. Mike Zywina shares four tips for what do if your organisation has a lot of funds in reserves or finds itself in an unusual financial position.
Read moreChapter Mental Health: Conversational trust funding application
by David Burgess
In this inspiring case study, David Burgess shares how Matt Zeqiri tried out an innovative trust funding approach that was visually impactful and compelling. Some simple, well thought out changes saw his organisation’s application jump straight to the top of the pile and ensured it secured that all-important funding.
Read moreI just did my first round of grant assessing – here’s what I learned
by Vic Hancock Fell
After years of fundraising for small charities, Vic Hancock Fell found herself on the other side of the process – assessing grant applications. Find out what Vic learned and what changes she’ll make when she writes her next application for a trust or foundation.
Read moreCDE project 8 summary: trusts and foundations
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
Trusts and foundations are significant donors to charity but while most operate in ways substantially different from individual donors they have distinct needs in terms of requiring an exemplary and rewarding donor experience for trusts and their staff. This project will seek to define the best ways to deliver that experience for any trust or foundation.
Read moreWhat you need in your backpack. Essential preparation for grant applications
by Jo Garner
Are you settling down to write that all-important grant application? You’ll need to make sure that your fundraising ‘backpack’ is full of the essentials if you are to succeed, says Jo Garner. You’ll find them here on SOFII.
Read morePassion and pragmatism – your main tools for winning grants
by Jo Garner
Never forget that charitable foundations and trusts exist purely and simply to give money away. Click here to find out how you can make your application stand out from the crowd.
Read moreGetting that grant: how to write letters that interest potential donors
by Charlene Rocha
Looking for that big grant but before you even make the application you have to write a letter of interest? No idea what this is? Click here to find out – and how to make it a good one.
Read moreDon’t chase the dollars!
by Tom Butero
Don’t chase the dollars, says Tom Butero in this new article on raising grants. What? That’s what I’m for, you must be thinking. Tom explains it could be dangerous to jump at an opportunity without thinking about the outcomes, negative and positive, it could have on your organisation.
Read moreTen tips to spur the creative grant proposal-writing process
by Pamela Grow
Pamela says: ‘Your final step should be a gracious letter to the foundation, thanking them for their time and their thorough review of your proposal. You’d be surprised at how few organisations take the time to thank the foundation.’
Read moreThe Art Fund: the battle to save the Staffordshire Hoard
by SOFII
This emergency appeal captivated the imagination of the public and was so successful that it even closed a few weeks early. This will be a useful read for all fundraisers.
Read moreWhat are charitable foundations and trusts?
by Jo Habib
Charitable foundations and trusts are simply marvellous – they exist only to give away money. Maybe they could give some to you. If you are new to fundraising, Jo Habib will explain what they are when you click here. If you are an old hand, are you contacting givers of gifts, investors, or shoppers?
Read moreGrant writing in a character limited world
by Charlene Rocha
Has technology saved you time and trouble when writing an application for a grant? Or do you find online application forms limit how much you can say? Click here to find how you can get all your valuable information across in fewer words.
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