People for Purpose CIC

There is no doubt about it, fundraising is tough right now! There is huge competition for the funds available and funders are being overwhelmed with the level of applications. There are still many opportunities out there, but it is essential to use your time and resources in the best way to secure success. As someone running a small charity or social enterprise it can feel overwhelming and hugely challenging to find the time to put in numerous grant applications (I've been there!). So here are some basic top tips I hope might help. ?? Don't spray and pray! You won't improve your chances of success by sending out as many applications and appeal letters as you can, you will just add to the growing problem of funders so overwhelmed that they close opportunities early (or completely!). Instead, do your research on the funders that are the best fit for your cause and your project, and make sure you really do meet their eligibility criteria. ?? Create a document with all of the building blocks you need for grant applications. Things like your charity number, your charity's aims, some testimonials, your key financial figures, wording on who you are and what you do, etc, etc. This saves time later as you can copy key information and wording from this document straight into an application, instead of searching around for the same pieces of info each time. ?? Set up a pipeline of funds you have identified and plan to apply to (think simple spreadsheet or table!) so you can see what applications you have put in, what you plan to work on next, record your successes, and see how much time you need to proactively set aside for the funds you have prioritised. ?? Identify key places you can look for funding opportunities for your organisation and try to set aside some regular time each month to review the current opportunities against your pipeline. There are also numerous mailing lists you can sign up to which send you regular funding updates. This way, even if you don't find time for a proactive look, new opportunities will be coming onto your radar (and hopefully into your pipeline!). For more top tips, a chat about your trust and foundation fundraising, or info on how I might help, you can book a virtual coffee with me here: https://lnkd.in/ejN3VPTy ??

This looks super helpful for small vcse orgs!!

We had a lovely day together for our women's recharge programme last week with People for Purpose CIC. Lots of yoga, good food, and connection. Plus the sun was shining too! ??

Funding Friday! ?? This week we have the Delamere Dairy Foundation, which reopened for the Autumn round on the 1st June. * Grants of ￡1-5k available * Not for profits groups can apply, including social enterprises * Funding can support advancement of agriculture and environmental protection, advancement in life of young people, relief of financial hardship, advancement of education and relief of sickness * Fairly simple first stage process online * No deadline advertised as yet, but likely to be highly competitive and oversubscribed, so I would move quickly! You can apply here: https://lnkd.in/eHUc27vH Best of luck! ?? ??

Want to feel more confident talking about what you do? Join our Successfully Selling Yourself and Your Organisation workshop! This FREE workshop is open to anyone working in or running a VCSE organisation in Norfolk! What to expect: ? Explore the key aspects of your organisation and what makes you unique ?? Simplify your pitch and tailor it to a range of audiences ?? Practice speaking to others with confidence ??? Tuesday 25th June 2024, 10am-1pm ?? Carberry's Cafe, Wensum Street, Norwich Spaces are limited so secure your spot now! ?? https://lnkd.in/ezWdqmsv This event has been kindly funded and supported by Empowering Communities, organised by FUSE Norwich and will be hosted by Lauren Baxter from Create Joy.

Join Liz Smith from the Guru Code for a breakfast workshop on overcoming VCSE leadership barriers. The workshop will include: ?? Time – How do you create space to develop strategies and look at the future when you are coping with all the operational activities you need to keep up with. ?? Trustees – Getting the right trustees for the right stage of your organisation. How do you manage this? ?? Finance – a lack of or unstable funding can be a huge challenge. How do you remain resilient? ?? Vision – How do you bring people on board with the vision? How do you elevate your pitch to do this? Thursday, 4 July, 9.30am to 11am? Norfolk Community Foundation - 1st Floor, Carmelite House Carmelite House Norwich NR3 1SL Book your place by clicking the button below.

Huge thanks to Sarah Vibert for kindly agreeing to come and join our People for Purpose CIC women's leadership group online, and share her thoughts and experiences around leadership opportunities for women in the third sector. We have a handful of spaces left for this free event, so are opening it up beyond the existing programme membership. If you are leading a charity or social enterprise, and would like to join us and Sarah on Zoom on the 17th June, 10am - 11am, please get in touch ??

Here is a fantastic opportunity for small-medium sized charities in Norfolk, thanks to Felton Fundraising and Creativity Unbound! You can apply for a bursary towards fundraising training and mentoring for a member of your staff, if you are a Norfolk charity with a turnover between ￡100k and ￡500k. Particularly well suited to organisations that have a relatively new fundraiser who has been in post for less than two years.

Had a great morning yesterday, meeting and spending time with other social enterprises. Many thanks to Willow Farrell and the FUSE Norwich CIC for making it happen. Looking forward to the next one! ????