Funding Advice in Kennet

*NEW* Futurebuilders launches new tender fund

Futurebuilders England have launched a new interest-free loan fund for third sector organisations struggling to meet the cost of tendering for public sector contracts. The £1m Tender Fund is intended to help third sector providers win contracts where prohibitive tendering costs would otherwise make it difficult for them to bid.

Jonathan Lewis, Chief Executive of Futurebuilders England said, "We know there are organisations with the skills to bid for and win public sector contracts who simply can't afford the costs involved in preparing competitive bids. Our conversations with the sector tell us that providers often need money to fund tendering related costs such as legal bills, financial expertise, staffing backfill and advice from procurement specialists.We want to be as flexibile as possible with the finance we offer and respond to the sector's needs, so we set up this fund specifically to help address this problem. The new Tender Fund will provide interest-free three year loans of between £3,000 and £50,000. This will help organisations who simply need a smaller sum of money to get them through the tendering stage. We are determined to get as many third sector organisations as possible winning contracts to deliver public services, and we feel this fund is one way we can help."

To find out more about the Tender Fund, or to apply for a Tender Fund loan, call 0191 261 5200 or email info@futurebuilders-england.org.uk. There is no closing date for applications, and the Fund will be available on a first come, first served basis until the £1m runs out.

Charities Information Bureau provide funding advice in Kennet. To make an appointment or talk through your funding requirements ring VAK (01672 564140) or CIB on 01380 729279 or email Enquiries@cibwilts.org.uk.

Are you registered?

Since the launch of our website at the end of 2002 CIB have been pleased register around 200 people for membership. CIB had been conscious for some time that access to their database of funders was restricted, the use of it only being available via staff, and decided that the Internet could provide another route towards making their services more accessible to users.

The site contains two databases, one suitable for groups seeking funding and one for individuals. The service is available free of charge to people in Wiltshire and Swindon, our main area of operation, and users are asked to register first, when they will be given a password to allow them to use the system.

If you would like to register contact CIB on 01380-729279 or email: enquiries@cibwilts.org.uk.

Is your organisation registered for Gift Aid?

Personal donations could be increased by 28p in every £1. It could help you make more of every penny donated by tax paying individuals.

To find out more ring VAK on 01672 564140.

Effective Fundraising -   Fundraising Principles

Fundraising is:

- about meeting need and bringing about change

- about relationships with those who give

- about spreading the word and having clear objectives

- about communications - success depends on getting the right message across to the right person at the right time.

Because:

- giving is satisfying and should be the beginning of a continuing relationship

- a satisfied donor will give again and persuade others to support the cause

- enthusiasm is infectious - people give to people; the cause may become secondary

- have desire to succeed

- be persistent when necessary

- show a commitment to the cause

- communicate the need

- be knowledgeable about the cause

- open their hearts; then open their minds; then open their cheque books!

- remember that the most important words are 'Thank you'

People give to good causes for many reasons. These include:

- emotional response

- touching the heart

- identifying with the cause

- giving something back

- compassion in memoriam

- ego, self esteem

- people like to give

- because it feels good, but above all

- BECAUSE THEY WERE ASKED

What Every Donor Wants:

- to believe that their gift will be effective and used for a purpose

- good stewardship – to see a sensible, cost effective use of resources

- a prompt response and cheerful service

- feedback- progress updates

- to see the fundraiser’s commitment

- good feelings arising from the belief that their gift is valued, appreciated and will make a difference.