WHY DO WE NEED FUNDRAISERS?

“Fundraising is not about money, it’s about work that needs doing.  If you start by asking for money you won’t get it, and you won’t deserve it.”
The late Harold Sumption, Honorary Fellow, ICFM

The figures used assume that your organisation needs the stated level of Voluntary Income on an annual basis : the principles of capital campaigns are not quite the same.

Types of Charity

NEED FOR VOLUNTARY INCOME LESS THAN £10K

Overall turnover may be higher due to statutory income
Includes small community groups

Those involved in the Charity (Volunteers/Officers/Committee) should be able to raise the funds they need.  Suitable advice for small charities available via CVS, FINE, VODA and others.

NEED FOR VOLUNTARY INCOME BETWEEN £10 – 50K

There may be a need for some professional advice/support.  Fundraising is becoming burdensome, and staff may feel stressed about funding matters

Many orgs pay a member of staff to do this, but don’t call them Fundraisers

NEED FOR VOLUNTARY INCOME EXCEEDS £50K

The volume of work involved in raising large sums will require staff time.  Someone who has this as PART of their job may find that Fundraising is either neglected or is taking over their lives!

Keeping track of the range of funding options may require Part-Time Fundraiser, as well as the need for planning, training, and attention to detail required by a large, ongoing campaign

The need to raise such sums on a regular basis requires Cohesive PR/Marketing/Revenue Strategy/Donor Care

NEED FOR VOLUNTARY INCOME EXCEEDS £100K

Now I think you need a dedicated fundraiser, just to keep on top of the business.  If you have achieved this level of activity without a fundraiser, then you have been very fortunate, and should take the opportunity to establish a fundraising operation which will meet the needs of the organisation for years to come.

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