2020 | 20 Charities Will Benefit...

20 Charities; ￡20 menu NO EXTRA charges...

We all know that the New Continental Hotel is the ideal venue for you if you're considering a Charity Dinner or Fundraising event, and 2020 is even more special! 

Last year we launched a campaign called Charity Partners. 10 charities received a special rate to host a Charity Dinner or Ball at the hotel. For 2020 it's back, but even BIGGER!

Next year TWENTY charities will receive a VERY special deal!

Once Upon A Time...

I was a fundraiser, consultant and income generation coach for many years, so I know all too well about the scars campaigns and targets can leave! The work of a fundraiser is lonely and hard - but oh so rewarding. To unlock investment and generate income for something you are passionate about is the biggest thrill going.

Since 2008, the social and economic climate has made the work for a fundraiser so much harder and the New Continental Hotel wants to help.

Plymouth's Passionate People...

The South West is blessed with passionate innovators who go above and beyond with their passion and purpose. You may notice that here I have replaced the word 'fundraiser' for 'innovator'. That's because I truly believe that the very best fundraising architects are those that build innovative campaigns. Those who think outside of the box and are always in pursuit of opportunities, collaborations and partnerships. NOT simply out to make transactions.

Although we can see from the World Giving Index that it has recorded a return to growth across all causes since the 2008 'bite' that we all felt, I know that this time of year, many fundraisers and charities will be looking ahead at their events and fundraising strategies for 2020 and 2021. What's more, for many this still isn’t without its uncertainty - regardless of their purpose or the strength of their case for supports or what global trends state.

Due to the changing landscape, we have seen a new movement from the way charities have emerged from the rubble, the rubble left behind from the economic devastation of years gone by! Many are now building innovative relationships and partnerships to unlock investment that will enable them to continually, and sustainably develop and deliver their objectives; without being reliant on Trusts & Foundations or statutory grants. 

It's not ALL doom & gloom!

Although things are changing; charities still have many steps ahead to feel secure and robust. So, what can we absorb from our past struggles and triumphs? What can we look forward to in the future? BECAUSE, even though we talk of suffering, closed budgets and a reduction in CSR – there are many positives moving forward and a great many things to be excited by and looking forward to.

The 2020 Vision...

Throughout 2020, the New Continental Hotel will give away 20 bookings to 20 different charities where they can hold an event with us (subject to availability) with NO hidden costs, just and a three course, sensational menu for just ￡20 per person! PLUS, each charity will receive 3 months Family Gym membership at Club Continental to either raffle, auction or give to a family that needs it most.

Fundraising can be tough, but the need for charities to exist in our community has never been greater. If we look at cross-sector collaboration and how we can all work together for great change, this grey and volatile social and economic climate can be beaten...by simply working together.

Events Fundraising...

Looking back at giving patterns, and how things have been evolving, we can see the alternative ways that donors and supporters remained effective and how trends have changed and continue to change. 

The IoF have always noted that organising events are a great means of fundraising, a means that can unlock both financial and non-financial investment. A great way to involve an array of different people and the community as a whole. Raising awareness for a cause in a fun and interactive way, reaching new audiences and a wider potential for a new supporter base.

What we know...

As a fundraiser you know your donor lists. You know your prospects waiting to be cultivated; and your donors who need to be thanked. You also know that the DNA of your sustainability and the door that opens committed, continued giving and pledges is show-casing not only your purpose, but your successes too.

A newsletter is great, but there really is nothing like a first-hand glimpse at the difference your donors have made - and the difference others can make too. Cultivating through the seven steps of solicitation can be costly, in both time and money, but we know it’s essential. So, letting exciting donors talk to prospects at a social event is by far the very best way of cultivation.

The Future...

We will always see change in the fundraising landscape. A change in how families and philanthropists donate; what corporates expect in return for sponsorship and what tangible business benefits really look like.

Trusts and Foundations will always remain a big element in our strategies and giving plans, but we can’t be reliant on them – we have to innovate for the sake of our charities tomorrows, for the sake of the transformation YOU know you need to cause.

We will always see new trends emerging and growing - just look at the success of youtube fundraising, crowd funding, social media campaigns, digital developments and more. Yet Events Fundraising is an 'innovators' larder staple! AND the New Continental Hotel can help...

It’s my genuine hope that this ‘2020 Charity Offer’ will empower and enable local charities but, at the same time put the lens over championing innovation and cross-sector collaboration in Plymouth. Providing a platform for charities to shine with support from their city and all of the teams at the New Continental Hotel. If you would like more information on this amazing offer email: [email protected] and in the subject header add: 2020 Vision.

To all you 'innovators' out there, you know who you are, I solute you ... but more importantly, I thank you.