Meet the Funders - June 08

Event: Meet the funders
Date: Friday 27/06/08
Venue: Community House, South Street.
Title: Julie Hunt's report back
Photos from the event: Follow this link to photo diary
Speaker support slides: avaiable to view at the end of each section

The day was hosted by Julie Hunt, the Funding Information and Advice Officer, who has been in post since November 2007. This event, which was 'free' to representatives of voluntary and community groups in the borough of Bromley, attracted over 30 delegates.

Each speaker gave very comprehensive formal presentations followed by a questions and answer session. At intervals throughout the day, there were also one-to-one appointments for those who had particular funding related questions.

There were four speakers throughout the day. Select a speaker to find out more about their funding priorities for this year.

BIG LOTTERY FUND

Rosalie's presentation concentrated on Awards for All and Reaching Communities grants

Bromley's success rate for Awards for All grants was higher than the national average and increased in the last year from 52% to 56%. A group in the borough has recently been awarded a Reaching Communities grant - even though the national success rate is currently a mere 15%.

Groups are strongly encouraged to be thorough when completing the forms and ensure that all the required paperwork has been included. A high number of unsuccessful applications were due to the fact that 'silly' mistakes had been made resulting in the application form being returned with an explanatory letter.

It was suggested by Rosalie that it is a good time to make an application to Awards for All, as all accurately completed applications were currently being funded.

The application process for a Reaching Communities grant, she agreed was a more demanding process with three key areas needing to be addressed: clearly outlining the need, showing that the project planning is SMART (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed) and finally clearly demonstrating what the impact would be (outcome).

For more information on these processes follow this link

Follow this link to CLB's online library and view Rosalie's speaker support slides

THE JACK PETCHEY FOUNDATION

Jane gave a brief profile of the founder of the foundation, Jack Petchey and showed an inspirational video. Jack, who is a self-made man, annually invests millions towards youth-led initiatives (11-25 year olds), and is keen to encourage more youth groups to apply for funding.

The application process is 'straight forward' and includes a visit by Jane to see the 'project in action'. She said "I appreciate that sometimes the application forms do not accurately reflect the value of the project and so by visiting .. it ensures groups have an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of their project."

Follow this link to CLB's online library and view Jane's speaker support slides

FUNDRAISING STANDARDS BOARD

Kory explained why the FundRaising Standards Board (FRSB) was established to encourage the sector to self-regulate regarding fundraising activities. All voluntary and community groups who fundraise should consider joining the FRSB to demonstrate good practice,

Kory said. "Over the past two years, over 900 members have signed-up and annual fees are charged on a sliding scale depending upon the annual income." (Once a member, groups can demonstrate their membership, and compliance to the codes, by using a logo (tick) on all their literature - see below).

frsb logo

Follow this link to CLB's online library and view Kory's speaker support slides

LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION

Zoë provided a comprehensive overview of the current funding programmes, but explained that the foundation would not be taking new enquiries in the Kent and South East London area until September 2008 when the new Grants Manager will be in post. She explained that as a grant giving organisation, they offer one-to-one guidance to applicants which can often include a visit.

Application forms can no longer be downloaded from their website, but instead the foundation has developed an on-line checklist for intended applicants, which is user-friendly, and endorses whether the project meets their criteria. Meeting the initial eligibility criteria, however, is not a guarantee of funding, the local area Grant Manager will advise organisations on whether to progress to application on an individual basis. For more information go to their website: www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk

Follow this link to CLB's online library and view Zoë's speaker support slides

Photos

For those who were at the event (or just want to see what the funders look like), please follow this link to our photo diary on Flickr

Support

If you have any questions, or would like one-to-one support from Julie Hunt regarding funding or fundraising, please contact her on 0208 315 1915 or julieh@communitylinksbromley.org.uk

 

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