These 12 Funding Guides will take you through the various stages of developing and delivering a large fundraising project.
We advise that you read them as and when the individual guide is relevant to your project, however reading all 12 will provide a good overview of fundraising for a capital appeal.
Each Guide has in addition a Tool, Template or Helpful Hint to equip and explore the subject matter further.
FG 1: Introduction to Capital Fundraising
At some time or another, every church will need to raise a large amount of money for a capital campaign or large fundraising project, therefore fundraising should be an organised activity.
You may wish to start by watching our short web clip ‘6 P’s on Doing a Capital Project Properly’
Click here to download Funding Guide 1
- 6 Steps to Success Click here to download
- Here to Help Click here to download
FG 2: Is your Vision Clear?
With a large fundraising project you will be taking your congregation on a long journey, with only the vision to lead them, therefore it needs to be clear, concise and above all inspiring!
Click here to download Funding Guide 2
- Talk to your Congregation Click here to download
- Topics for Discussion Click here to download
FG 3: Committees, Capacities and Capabilities
If you are embarking on a major project, it is a good idea to establish a number of support groups. These groups can be called a range of things, but whatever their name, these groups ensure that the work load does not fall on a select few.
Click here to download Funding Guide 3
- Running your Meetings Click here to download
- Committee Structures Click here to download
FG 4: Bringing your Project to Life
This is a good opportunity to evaluate all the information you have collected, and work out what is most feasible in terms of project plans.
Click here to download Funding Guide 4
- Planning and Permissions Click here to download
- Feasibility Study Click here to download
- Architect and Surveyor Click here to download
- Business Plan Click here to download
FG 5: Parish and Community Audit
A Parish or Community Audit explores the reality of the geographical church parish, and identifies the local demographic. Once this has been established, there is the opportunity to further explore how the proposed project can better serve its congregation and community.
Click here to download Funding Guide 5
- Talk to your Community Click here to download
- Parish / Community Audit Survey Click here to download
- Analysing your Results Click here to download
FG 6: Budgets
Funders will require reassurance that you will be able to administer your project effectively so you will need to show that you have thought carefully about the finances. A robust budget will give confidence that you have planned ahead and your project is achievable.
Click here to download Funding Guide 6
- Vat Recovery Click here to download
- Budget Template Click here to download
FG 7: Developing a Funding Strategy
It is a good idea to identify two or three people to lead on fundraising as this should never be one person’s responsibility. A funding strategy needs to be clear and concise so the person assessing the funding application can easily understand your group’s future plans.
Click here to download Funding Guide 7
- Statement of Significance & Need Click here to download
- Case for Support Click here to download
- Employing Professional Help Click here to download
FG 8: Identifying Potential Funders
When considering who to apply to, it is important to be strategic, realistic and targeted. There are plenty of Funders out there – all you need to do is match your project to their funding criteria, and approach them with an application.
Click here to download Funding Guide 8
- Landfill Communities Fund Click here to download
- The Lottery Click here to download
FG 9: Applying to Funders
When embarking on the application process, you need to have all the information, facts and figures at your fingertips, so that you can write a persuasive and inspiring application.
You may wish to start by watching our short web clip ‘What Funders Want To Know’
Click here to download Funding Guide 9
- Aims, Outcomes & Outputs Click here to download
- Questionnaire for reading your Application Click here to download
- Final few things to Remember Click here to download
FG 10: Launching your Appeal
Don’t underestimate the value of individual donations. Churches are unique in being open to every person in your community so you have a large ‘audience’ to speak to and ask for their support.
Click here to download Funding Guide 10
- Producing an Appeal Leaflet Click here to download
- 6 Steps to a Successful Event Click here to download
FG 11: Project Planning and Building Works
There will be a number of different professional services you may need to employ. Your Architect will most probably manage the relationships, but it is useful to know who is doing what.
Click here to download Funding Guide 11
- Tendering Process Click here to download
FG 12: Consolidate and Celebrate!
When you have completed your fundraising project, it is hugely important that you celebrate its success with a launch event. The best way to recognise everyone’s hard work and generosity is with a launch event or official opening.
Click here to download Funding Guide 12
- Evaluation and Monitoring Techniques Click here to download