Fundraising for my school: yes, but when?

If this question is relevant for you and your school - never fear, this is what I do: I can help. Read on, and be in touch if you'd like a helping hand...

Is this you?

• 'I wish we had more funds to renovate our hall. The paint is peeling, the floor is sticky, and the chairs look 50 years old.'
• 'Why can't we be like that school round the corner, with names on our buildings and VIPs visiting every week?'
• 'Wouldn't it be great if we could ask our old pupils for donations; such a shame we don't know where most of them live.'

It can be intimidating: a mountain to climb, no time or money to dedicate, no staff members with the right kind of experience. But every school with a successful track record in fundraising started somewhere. Even the wealthiest organisations with big endowments had to begin at the beginning.

So where do you start?

The trick is to get the first domino right: start by asking the key questions.

• What are your assets? How are you different?
• How do you benefit your local community?
• What's your 'case for support'? In other words, why would a trust or a philanthropist fund your school, rather than the one down the road?
• If you were able to bring in funding, how would you spend it? How would this benefit the kids in your school?
• What's the demographic of your current parents?
• Where are your alumni, and how are you connected with them?
• Do you and your senior leadership team know how to 'make the ask' to a potential supporter?

I can help you to get started on answering these questions and pushing over that first crucial domino to get you started on your fundraising journey. It does get easier, and I'll support you through it.