General question about fundraising

Unicorn

Unicorn

Unicorn

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24 Dec 2011
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Im looking for some help and advice regarding the best way to help a local organisation i was once with.

They're called "The motor project" based in Grimsby, They run workshops throughout summer and in evenings for 11-16 year olds to teach them woodwork, metalwork, mechanical skills, welding, machine shop etc. Something which i did myself as a youth i went every Saturday and i learned a lot to do with woodwork/metalwork and touched on engines slightly learning how to strip and rebuild a 50cc engine.

Now this organisation is in trouble funding wise as iv found out and may be shut before christmas, The same case happened afew years ago and luckily they featured on the "Secret millionaire" show when it was around our area. They helped fund them and get them a car ramp. The organisation needs £75,000 a year to even stay afloat but in my eyes its 100% worth it, its teaching kids valuble lessons and may inspire future mechanics/engineers. I myself became an electrician partially because of this place.

I have never done any fundraising before so want to know were is best to begin. Even if i can raise 100 pounds or 1000 pounds, I want to try and help them

Any serious advice is much appreciated. I only want to help them out and see them not go under
 
Plenty of websites to create an online profile which can take the donations - including recording any physical donations.

Create fliers, contact the local council asking if you're able to put them anywhere with heavy human traffic.

Go to local trades people and ask them if there is anyway they can help provide - facilities, training, equipment, etc.

That's 3 things off the top of my head though I've no experience in this field myself.
Use social media too, perhaps even contact local media to ask for help spreading the word?

All the best, sounds like an awesome place creating awesome experiences which sounds like a shame it'd close down. More of a productive thing than anything near me when I was growing up!
 
I work for a charity in the marketing and fundraising team so hopefully can help you a bit with this.

It depends how involved you want to get and how "dirty" you want to get your hands as fundraising is no easy task. Some easy ideas are things like cake sales, book sales, car boots, sponsored walks and sponsored runs. Its easier to tag onto events already running as opposed to setting up your own event but setting up your own event in some cases can raise more money.

If you want help with fundraising speak to your employer and other local businesses as they will quite often help by getting involved or help with organizing things - some will even offer to match fund what is raised which can dramatically increase funds raised.

I guess the first thing you need to do is think about what kind of fundraising you want to do for them!

Check with the charity to see if they have a VirginMoneyGiving or JustGiving account which makes it easier to fundraise online for them!
 
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DR_Pingu said:
Plenty of websites to create an online profile which can take the donations - including recording any physical donations.

Create fliers, contact the local council asking if you're able to put them anywhere with heavy human traffic.

Go to local trades people and ask them if there is anyway they can help provide - facilities, training, equipment, etc.

That's 3 things off the top of my head though I've no experience in this field myself.
Use social media too, perhaps even contact local media to ask for help spreading the word?

All the best, sounds like an awesome place creating awesome experiences which sounds like a shame it'd close down. More of a productive thing than anything near me when I was growing up!
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Its in local media already today about them falling on hard times again, Local companies don't help too much there biggest supporters are ABP and Comic relief also.

russell664 said:
A go fund me page, with what they do, and what they are about could be a good start. :)
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I did wonder about this but how does it work? They are a registered charity which i do have there charity number of. Will the cash just be sent directly to them as it comes onto the gofund? I want all cash to go directly to them if its possible.
 
It's a shame places like these struggle for funding, especially ones which teach such valuable skills!
 
Can you get the kids that it's for to chip in, like at a supermarket packing bags or something like that. I'd suggest a car wash but the eastern europeans seem to have that market covered ;)

Something in the public eye to raise awareness.
 
Jono said:
Can you get the kids that it's for to chip in, like at a supermarket packing bags or something like that. I'd suggest a car wash but the eastern europeans seem to have that market covered ;)

Something in the public eye to raise awareness.
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I forget to cover this bit.

It was £1.50 a session per kid (years back, Unsure of current price but i cannot see it being much more they aint in it to make money or get rich) , But they know this doesn't cover nothing it only helps them raise a tiny bit of money. But nowere near what is actually needed.

They do some of there own fundraising at times but short of a miracle or a big social media funding i cannot possibly see how they can keep going. Which is a massive shame
 
Sounds a bit unfortunate, but £75k is a lot of money.

Do you know what the shortfall is? I'm presuming they're not trying to fundraise £1.5k every week as that would be crazy.
 
Jim99 said:
Sounds a bit unfortunate, but £75k is a lot of money.

Do you know what the shortfall is? I'm presuming they're not trying to fundraise £1.5k every week as that would be crazy.
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They have usually survived on grants/funding from companies/donations etc. Seems its all dried up for them though, I couldn't imagine i could possibly raise 75k! but even if i can help slightly by doing something and gaining awareness that this place is there and needs to survive will help.

The cost is purely on rent + utilities and supplies for running it.

The local police force used to donate all seized and unclaimed mopeds at one point but this just doesn't happen now
 
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