Grant Seeking

Am I just being picky, or is it worth asking the Charity Commission to include a note of the subject when they issue automated responses to email enquiries via their website?

Do you want to know how to easily write the ideal case study?  So would I. 

Unfortunately, in my experience there are too many variables for it to be ‘quick and easy’.

I’m not going to name names here but in the last fortnight, in the process of helping charity clients to write case studies I’ve come across many articles, e-books and blogs that all suggest a magic formula to what should be included in a good case study.  To be fair, lots of what I found makes sense in that they should be succinct wherever possible, outcomes-focused and in today’s multi-media world should contain images and even video links to show your work or outcomes in action. 

I found some particularly sound advice over at ngo media - if you appreciate an experienced view overlaid with common sense, this is a good place to start.

But here’s why I disagree with those who purport to having THE formula for a great case study – and it’s really obvious if you think about it...

Not all audiences want to see, hear or know the same things about us or our work.

I see from LinkedIn that Charlotte Grimshaw of FR&C, Australia has drawn attention to the lists of resources on the FR&C website - Australian, Asian and other international resources.

I came across this resource recently, via a posting on LinkedIn. I think that in the absence of FResource, this is a useful overview of online grants directories.

I see that the Charity Commission has tweaked its website recently. The Charity overview section includes more detailed information on income, expenditure, assets and grants awarded. This is useful.

Fundraising from America - free webinar

For those feeling daunted by 2012, a word of encouragement. It’s not all bad news. Yes, things will be tough, but we’re all getting used to that. Nevertheless, you will still need something to carry you through the year and help you raise the funds your organisation depends on.

Impact measurement is often seen as something that is imposed on charities and voluntary organisations by their funders or state commissioners.

About two months ago I was giving a presentation to fundraisers in Bristol when someone pointed out to me that the Charity Commission had just tweaked its website to allow us to search for Grantmakers

If you are having trouble researching grant-making trusts and other charities registered in Scotland, you might want to take a look at OSCR Reporter October 2011.