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At my wits end
Submitted by louiseimpey on 14 October, 2005 - 13:38.
I have been fundraising for a church for over three years now. I feel as though I have gone down every route to try and secure funds but still we find ourselves in a position where we cannot even pay the salaries on time. Most of the big businesses around us turn us down because they are unable to help religious groups or simply insist that all of their funding is committed. I have organised events, received one off funds from trusts and companies but at the end of the day we need recurring gifts. How does one do this when one is constantly told "no". I am seriously considering going on a fundraising seminar as well to maybe find some inspiration. Any comments are greatly appreciated.
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RE: At my wits end
Molly,
I am writing this as a church officer (voluntary) rather than as a charity worker. It seems to me from your request that you might be trying to do too much by yourself. Any church can only thrive by the activities of members of its congregation. Being "fundraiser for the church" makes it too easy for members to sit back and let you run yourself ragged. With support from your priest/minister perhaps your approach should be "how can I help you to raise funds" rather than "how do I raise funds for you".
Best wishes in your work
Roger
RE: At my wits end
Thanks Howard for your advice. It does make me feel a bit better. I will take some of your suggestions on board!
RE: At my wits end
Molly
For what it's worth, there are plenty of fundraisers in your position. And plenty more who know what that feels like.
Some suggestions for pulling yourself out of that hole:
* get along to a local/regional meeting of one of the Institute of Fundraising groups. There are special interest groups as well for particular areas of fundraising. Some regional groups have local offshoots. In Colchester here we have one that meets quarterly. It truly helps to meet and talk with other fundraisers.
* select a course that could help with a particular gap in your skills or experience
* stay on this forum and post the occasional request for info or advice if you get stuck
* talk to your trustees or governing body. Ask them to introduce you to any possible sources of funding or other benefit.
* get hold of the books on church fundraising. UK Fundraising lists quite a few e.g.
[url]http://www.fundraising.co.uk/books.php?id=28[/url]
Search the site for "church" and then look in the books part of the results.
* see if there's any chance of getting a mentor to help you. This might arise from the Institute of Fundraising events mentioned above.
* try to shadow a fundraiser at a more successful church. Most fundraisers seem to be happy to share a bit of time, even if just on the phone, to a fellow fundraiser who is genuinely in need of some free advice (as this discussion forum demonstrates).
Hope that sparks an idea or two to take you forward.