All Community Sponsorship groups need to raise a minimum of £9,000 to support a family. Find some ideas here.
As part of your approval to be a community sponsor, you will need to raise £9,000 to cover any of the project expenses. This resource aims to provide ideas and approaches to help you raise money to support the resettled family you will be welcoming. As you produce your resettlement plan, you will be able to build a budget where you will determine how this money can be spent. You will also work with the family once they arrive and discuss any activities or further support that you can offer.
If you are partnering with another charity or organisation who are acting as your Lead Sponsor, it’s essential that you check with them whether they would like you to fundraise in a specific way. You should also discuss where the funds your group raise will be held.
Here, we provide some tips for planning your fundraising activity:
- Plan your fundraising activity. People are asked for money all the time. Be clear why you are asking people to donate to your cause – make sure donors know what their money will go toward. What’s the benefit and for whom? Can donors be kept up to date on what you are doing? And how? Be clear on who you are; what is the name of your group and where you are operating? You can find out more about how a group in Ripon approach this on our main website.
- Create an online fundraising page. There are websites where your group can set up a fundraising page and collect donations. Try websites such as Just Giving, Local Giving Go Fund Me and Wonderful. Make sure you check the terms and conditions of any website you use to see that you are happy with them. Add the link to all of your social media accounts. Also, ensure you let Reset know when you’re fundraising so we can help spread the word!
- Share your ask with your networks. Make an ask to your friends, your neighbours, your colleagues, other community groups, and family. Make sure they are aware why your group needs this money. You are very likely to find generous people. Don’t forget to ask members of your group.
- Use Social Media. If your group is making use of social media, ask people to share your posts to reach new audiences. Give clear instructions on how to donate. Keep repeating your ask and share updates when you reach a certain threshold (e.g. 1K, 2K, etc). Don’t forget to use and share your ask through Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Let us know if you do this and we’ll be happy to share your messages on our social media profiles.
- Sell badges, cards, t-shirts or other merchandise. You can design and make your own badges, stickers or cards (e.g. Christmas cards) at quite a low cost and sell them to supporters to raise money. Falmouth and Penryn Welcome have an online shop which could inspire you to create merchandise.
- Set a challenge. Some of your group members might be up for a challenge such as running, walking, cycling, or eating vegan only. Make it interesting, fun, and safe. Plan the challenge over a period of days so it reaches as many people as possible (e.g. cycling 10 miles for 10 days). Keep your audience updated with your progress on the challenge.
- Distribute leaflets in your area. Use Google Maps to divide your neighbourhood into sections and ask members of your group to distribute leaflets asking for donations in specific streets. Ask your library and local shops if these leaflets can be displayed. Make it clear how people can donate.
- Organise a fundraising appeal. Organise an event in your area or online to share what you are doing. We’ve seen groups hosting musical evenings, quizzes and bake sales. Do tell us about your events so we can help you advertise.
- Community funding. Look for locally available funding. You may be able to apply for funding through your local supermarket, community projects, or larger charities.
- Public collections. You can get some buckets and ask the public to donate. Check with your local authority first to see if you need a license. Make sure you consider how you will keep your donations secure. The fundraising regulator provide advice on what you should do.
- Reach out. Some of your local businesses, institutions, or places of worship may wish to contribute. Write to them or pay them a visit and explain what you are doing; they may be able to donate some money or skills, time or expertise. Be clear about what you are asking those you approach – it’s easier to say ‘yes’ to a specific ask. Are you asking a local business to promote your activity to their staff and customers, or asking them for a monetary donation? Make it easy for them to decide if they would like to support you. The Waltham Forest Community Sponsorship group worked with their local school who supported in fundraising – read more about this here.
- Take NO as an answer. Don’t be afraid to accept ‘NO’ as an answer. Don’t take it personally. Some people won’t want to or can’t donate money to your cause. Fundraisers receive more ‘NOs’ than ‘YESs’. It is not a reflection on you or your cause.
- Be creative. Don’t rely on just one channel of fundraising. Think outside of the box. Be creative and try new ideas. You’re very likely to find people in your group or local community who have experience in fundraising. Ask for their advice.
It may also be helpful for you to find out about other available funding.