Hello everyone
I've spent a few weeks trawling through various T&F databases and identified around 100 T&Fs to whom we could apply (some straight away, others later).
I've seen a lot where it says "The Trustees prefer to undertake their own research...." or words to that effect.
My first question - is it reasonable to approach such Trusts with a brief introductory letter, just giving them a couple of paragraphs about us and our current appeal and directing them to our website and offering to be available for further information if they wish. i.e. not specifically asking for money at this stage. Are letters like this generally accepted, or are they just put in the bin (you'll probably say it varies from trust to trust, but I just wondered if anyone had had any success at this).
My second question is a little more specific. I've noticed a lot of "community" funds exclude animal charities. This is a shame as we offer a rehome service not a sanctuary, so we are often taking cats from people who can no longer keep them - DV, deceased, allergies, elderly going into homes etc. On the other side of the coin we have placed cats with people and made a considerable positive difference to their lives - loneliness, bereaved people etc, even disable children who have benefitted. Plus of course removing "nuisance cats"
Does the wording "we normally refuse animal charities..." mean that they would be likely to consider us, given our community work, or is it just a nice way of saying "we won't give, full stop!" Would it be worth us putting something together that shows how we help "in the community" and asking such trusts to consider us in that respect. We wouldn't be looking for money for vet bills etc, more to expand our services.
Sorry this is long. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sara
