Continuing in Mary's footsteps, Butterwick Hospice is following an ambitious income generation strategy!

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It is widely accepted that modern fundraising is problematic because it is especially vulnerable to:

·???????? Economic events, (which impact people’s ability to give)

·???????? Government decisions (around support for core services)

On top of this, we’re faced with:

·???????? Individual giving across the UK has stagnated in recent years.

·???????? There are fewer charitable trusts supporting multiple causes.

·???????? Competition for funds is increasing as new causes enter the market. ???????

In a non-profit sector where everyone is being asked to do more with less, we’re left with no choice.?It’s definitely time to introduce new and exciting initiatives whenever possible.

And yet doing new stuff is not easy. An ambitious income generation strategy requires investment in untested areas where there is no guarantee of success.

Butterwick Hospice, a charity which provides end of life care to children, teenagers and adults in Stockton on Tees and Bishop Auckland is celebrating 40 years of care in 2024.

Our celebrations next year will be the perfect opportunity to raise our profile even further with all sectors, to form new relationships and create strong partnerships.

Butterwick Hospice is further developing a tried and trusted fundraising strategy by introducing, inspiring new ideas to bring growth, change and be fit for an as-yet-unknown future.

A bit of background about Hospice fundraising:

Many hospices (often for very good reasons), remain risk averse when it comes to income generation.

This is changing for the better, and I’ve seen some wonderful examples of good practice nationally, but even those who are branching out and embracing new types of fundraising will recognise the following:

·???????? A tendency to stick to transactional forms of fundraising.

·???????? Reactive rather than proactive fundraising.??????

·???????? Fear of philanthropy.

Butterwick Hospice recognises that traditional forms of income are unlikely to be sustainable over the long term and in line with growing demand, won’t be enough.

We are building long term relationships with major companies in the area who wish to invite their families, friends and business associates to 'fun' local events, where they can bring along their clients and associates, thereby increasing our introductions to interested, prospective, donors.

Here is a snapshot of the plans which make up Butterwick Hospice ambitious income generation strategy:

Butterwick Hospice has a diversified retail portfolio (including an online store), eight retail shops, introducing a new superstore and another, larger than normal, store in the next couple of months. With further plans to increase the number of shops by introducing two shops each year, building an increasing income year on year.

Butterwick Hospice is planning to create, mutually beneficial, social enterprises to deliver a financial contribution to the total hospice turnover. Spending considerable time in building our networks and identifying potential future donors, by integrating feedback from donors and advocates.

We are very busy, exploring opportunities, gathering information in preparation of a positive, forward thinking future ahead which will support long term funding for the charity.

You have an open invitation to join us on our journey!

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