A well governed organisation of creative problem solvers still needs the life blood of cash flowing through it.

HEADS TOGETHER views fundraising and seeking sponsorship as not just soliciting for money, but also gaining recognition, community support and non-monetary (in-kind) donations.

In fundraising, someone has to ask an individual or organisation for money - this is the basic situation no matter how the fundraising may be approached.

We take a challenging and creative view to seek longer term arrangements for mutual and overall benefits. This requires a need to strategically plan to diversify funding and in-kind donation sources. We believe that public bodies, corporate organisations, businesses and enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations have a range of opportunities to explore.

Let HEADS TOGETHER help you answer the questions: Who might sponsor your next function or activity? Or, what cause or activity might you sponsor?

Many not-for-profit/community organisations are seeking to develop partnerships and alliances with public and private organisations (social entrepreneurship). The reverse is also true, many public and private organisations are keen to develop alliances with the not-for-profit/community sector (corporate citizenship/ corporate social responsibility).

The consideration of impacts on society is a growing area of significance. There is proof that it can have a positive impact on society with improvements in business performance, reputation and corporate image. The term 'triple bottom line' has become strongly associated with assessing the performance of businesses from all sectors. It is the underlying motivation for such action that needs to be fully explored by all parties involved.

The single most common reason for not seeking philanthropic funds or donations is that

people generally feel embarrassed about asking for money. Yet, philanthropic funds exist

precisely for those organisations that ask for assistance/money for a clear, legitimate use. It is difficult to receive something that is wanted/desirable/needed if you don’t ask!

It is “asking” that raises the funds not simply promotion and publicity of an organisation.

What is most required is an understanding of how to approach philanthropic fundraising in an planned and skillful way, for everyone close to the situation to have an understanding of how this may occur and the understanding of the individual role they may take.

The fundraising process is not an automated process—the key to successfully increasing giving is “information” - donors tend not to give according to their ability to give but according to their understanding. Public relations is a crucial element of fundraising and it is a Vision Statement that is the foundation for a successful fundraising campaign—this is what will initially excite people—your vision for the future. Typically, these days there is too much emphasis on an organisation and its ‘boundaries’ in vision statements, together with well worn clichés.

A current strategic plan is crucial to any process of fundraising. Strategic planning is a systematic process through which an organisation agrees on, and builds commitment among key stakeholders to priorities which are essential to its responsiveness to the operating environment

President, not-for-profit organisation

[Bruce's] advice ...has been most important and [his] professional knowledge on governance issues and fundraising has been very helpful. [His] contribution did much to educate Board members about their important responsibilities and ensured that more thought is given to Director's duties. [Bruce's] comments concerning Board membership and expertise on the Board will be in our thoughts when recruiting future Directors.

Marketing and Sponsorship Officer, education institution

I have appreciated so much [Bruce's] enthusiastic, interested and professional approach to our sponsorship activities.

Fundraising Consultant, private consultancy

...a unique approach, and I very much like the consultative, working together, approach [Bruce] offers organisations.