Nova Fundraising's Monthly Newsletter

Embracing the Unknown

Hey there, brave souls!

So, who else is ready to trade in this crazy weather for some sunshine and rainbows? Seriously, it feels like Mother Nature's been playing a not-so-fun game of weather roulette lately. But fear not! While the skies have been gloomy, we have been busy bees, buzzing around with a month packed full of teaching, training sessions, and wonderful client work.?

In March, we had the pleasure of welcoming Freddie Harle from Run For Charity to be our guest speaker?at our monthly Open Surgery?session. We soaked up his?wisdom like sponges and we hope that those who were able to join us left feeling motivated to take on the world (or at least the next charity run)! We also welcomed our first ever cohort to our Small Charity Comms course "Unleash The Potential Of Your Charity'?with the amazing Tracy Staskevich. We absolutely loved it and really appreciated those who joined - keep your eyes peeled for the date of our next session or reach out and let us know if you are interested.

Now, let's talk about facing our fears. It's something we've all been grappling with lately, whether it's tackling new challenges or venturing into the unknown. But hey, isn't that what makes life exciting? We face fears daily, both in our personal and professional lives - and in both big and small ways.?Emma, for example, who's scared of snow & mountains - decided to face that discomfort?head-on recently for the sake of her son and head to Switzerland for a ski trip. We are sure he is proud of her and thankful for the opportunity.?So give yourself a pat on the back today for all those small ways we face our fears and show?courgage.?

Speaking of venturing into the unknown, we've been diving deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it's shaking up the charitable sector. Have you been keeping up with our Chatty Chatbot on LinkedIn? If not, you're missing out! But don't worry, we've got you covered. We're thrilled to welcome Kofi Oppong to shed some light on this topic. We crossed paths with him at a recent CIOF event, where we were both panelists. Trust us, you won't want to miss what he has to say!

So buckle up, folks! It's going to be a wild ride, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures ahead.

Until then, keep shining bright!??

Small Charity Fundraising In The Face Of Fear

In the world of small charities, the journey of fundraising often feels like navigating uncharted waters. Every initiative, every appeal, and every campaign requires a leap of faith into the unknown. We also?all know that small charities are facing?numerous challenges - from limited resources, lack of visibility, rising costs and competition with larger organisations -which?can all be daunting obstacles to overcome. The 'cost of giving crisis' is real! Facing this, the journey can seem daunting, filled with fear and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies an opportunity for?courage, adaptation, and innovation.

The first step in navigating these turbulent waters is acknowledging the fear. It's natural to feel apprehensive when the future seems uncertain. But fear should not paralyze us; it should propel us forward. Embracing this fear and using it as a catalyst for change is key to survival.

Adaptation is the next crucial element. In times of crisis, we must be willing to embrace new technologies and ideas and adapt to the changing landscape around us. Whether it's leveraging social media for fundraising campaigns or introducing AI to your strategy, the possibilities are endless.

But perhaps the most important lesson to learn is the power of community. In times of struggle, it's okay to ask for help. Whether it's reaching out to fellow fundraisers for advice or seeking support from donors, we are not alone in this journey. Together, we can weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before.

So, to all the small charity fundraisers out there, remember this:?courage?in the face of fear,?adaptation?in the midst of uncertainty, and the strength of?community. We are here to support you every step of the way. If you need guidance, inspiration, or simply a listening ear, don't hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Stay strong, stay resilient, and keep moving forward.

[email protected]

April Open Fundraising Surgery

Join us this Friday, April?12th from 11am -12pm where we’ll be joined by guest speaker,?Kofi Oppong?from?Urban MBA.

Curious about harnessing AI for your charity's grant fundraising? Intrigued but not sure how to implement it effectively?

In this session, Kofi will share how small charities like yours can leverage AI to optimise applications. We will explain in plain language how to implement AI that captures your mission and messaging to appeal to funders. You'll get tips on choosing the right AI platform, training it effectively, and using it to tell your story in grant applications. Whether you're AI-curious or experienced, you'll leave this friendly session with strategies to boost fundraising through this cutting-edge technology. Time for Q&A will be provided. Reserve your spot now for this practical event that will equip your charity with AI knowledge to drive results.?

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Kofi?Oppong:?Kofi Oppong is the visionary Founder of Urban MBA, a pioneering enterprise training program tailored to empower young adults who lack traditional educational backgrounds. Urban MBA uses language and communication tools designed to specifically target & reach Gen Y & Z.

Drawing from his own experiences of homelessness, Kofi embarked on a remarkable journey, forging a career in both sports and social enterprise. His determination to overcome adversity led him to establish Urban MBA, driven by a mission to provide pathways to success for fellow youth facing similar challenges. Through his innovative approach and unwavering commitment, Kofi Oppong continues to transform lives and create opportunities for a brighter future.

Register for Surgery

In The News...

Charity Commission Releases Insights from 2022 Annual Returns

The Charity Commission has released new insights gleaned from charities' annual returns for 2022, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector and highlights some of the challenges facing small charities (released 04 April 2024).?Although fundraising income soared for larger charities, smaller ones experienced only a 3.24% income rise coupled with an 11.6% expenditure increase. Government grants declined, particularly affecting smaller charities, while services via government contracts increased by 25% to ￡9.3 billion. Despite stable proxy reserves at ￡75 billion, challenges persist, including financial resilience and recruitment difficulties. Volunteer numbers rose overall but varied by charity type. These insights shed light on the sector's current state, aiding in understanding its challenges and opportunities.

For more details, access the full article?here?and view the linked annual return?here.

Helen Stephenson, CEO of the Charity Commission, said:?"Publishing data from the annual return allows us to understand how the charity sector continues to evolve and change,?and to better understand longer term trends."

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Nova Fundraising & Associates Ltd?is delighted to offer 30-minute complimentary consultation?to charities seeking to discuss, brainstorm, or simply express their concerns. We stand by your side and, although we don't possess a magical fundraising wand, we are committed to supporting you in any way we can. If you need us - we are here --?[email protected]

During our last?online session, we had the pleasure of hosting?Freddie?who shared his invaluable insights into creating effective charity challenge events. As someone with extensive experience in the charity sector, Freddie's expertise shed light on the evolving landscape of fundraising events and how charities can leverage them for success.

As always, here are our Top 5 Tips:?

1. Engage Corporates for Increased Support:

• Corporates play a crucial role in boosting fundraising levels. Engaging them with a variety of event options, from large marathons to local 10Ks, can attract diverse audiences and support levels.
• Making events fun and unique, such as bungee jumps or inflatable 5Ks, can capture corporate interest and drive support.

2.?Offer Diverse Event Options:

• Providing a range of events in terms of distance, cost, location, and fundraising levels increases accessibility and appeal.
• Highlighting 5 to 12 headline races can optimise success, coupled with targeted communication to generate traction.

3.?Start Small and Grow Over Time:

• It's okay to begin with smaller events and gradually expand participation. This allows for testing and refinement based on feedback and performance.

4. Transparent Communication about Costs:

• Transparency regarding event costs and fundraising targets is crucial for managing supporter expectations and building credibility.
• Educating supporters about the financial implications of event participation ensures alignment with charity goals and fosters trust.

5. Embrace Virtual Fundraising Challenges:?

• Virtual fundraising challenges offer flexibility and accessibility. Setting specific dates and promoting the event effectively can enhance participation and fundraising success.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Freddie for sharing his time with us - and for all those who were able to join us.?

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We'd love to hear from you if you were there. What were your takeaways? Have you implemented anything that you learned at the session???

We Need Your Feedback (please!)

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of Nova's Open Surgeries. Whether you've been a loyal attendee or just joined us once, your insights matter. Share your thoughts through our?brief survey, as we strive to tailor our events to your preferences and make 2024 an unparalleled experience for everyone. We are on a?journey of continuous improvement and your voice and feedback?fuels?the engine that propels us forward into a year of bigger and better possibilities.? ?? Stay tuned for what lies ahead, and let us know how we can make your Nova?experience even more remarkable!