Early Years Development for Voluntary Organisations
(and useful questions for established organisations!)
1. THINK THE UNTHINKABLE – ARE YOU NECESSARY?
What is the purpose of your (proposed) organisation?
Does an existing organisation offer the same or similar services?
Could you work under the aegis of an established organisation?
Could you persuade an existing organisation to offer the service (especially
if you can help to attract resources?)
2. STRUCTURE
Do you need to be a Registered Charity? Would some of the Charity regulations get in your way? Could you operate more effectively as a commercial operation?
Political activity is tricky for charities (Advocacy?)
Fundraising is not a charitable activity
3. TRUSTEES & PATRONS
Trustees are vital to charitable bodies – a legal requirement, but also, potentially, a key source of wisdom, contacts, and resources.
Patrons are not necessary! Only accept people as Patron who will work for the organisation in an exemplary way – attracting funds, speaking on your behalf, making contacts for you
4. WHAT IS YOUR USP?
You must be absolutely clear about what it is that makes you different – the need that you will address, that no-one else tackles (effectively!), the method you are using, your fundraising constituency…
5. RESEARCH
Take the time to look carefully at the area of work you wish to enter – look at who is doing what and how they are funding it.
What are the weaknesses in others’ approaches? Learn from other people’s mistakes.
6. PLAN
Don’t start cutting corners! Decide what you need to fulfil your purpose, then go out and get it!
Having said that, be realistic : a new community organisation does not need a huge central office! But don’t compromise on “sharp end” requirements.
Part of the overall plan will be a business plan, including a detailed budget. This will show how much money you need, and where you expect to get it from.
The business plan is an important document for potential funders. Keep that in mind as you write it, and have copies available on request.
7. KEEP THE FAITH
Don’t lose sight of your goals. Avoid the temptation to modify your project to meet requirements of potential funders (cuckoos!)
8. NETWORK
Talk to other people – join ICFM , get involved in your local CVS , go to training days
Share your experiences, listen to others