SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: A FUNDING HANDBOOK FOR COMMUNITY-LED GROUPS - The Wheel
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SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES:
A FUNDING
HANDBOOK FOR
COMMUNITY-LED
GROUPS
SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES:
A FUNDING
HANDBOOK FOR
COMMUNITY-LED
GROUPS
Written by ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS
Sandra Velthuis, Gratitude is expressed to Michael Ewing of the Irish Forewords 4
Whitebarn Consulting Environmental Network, Susan Gallagher of Clann
Credo and Deirdre Maloney of the Department of the
Design & Print About this handbook 5
Environment, Community and Local Government for
Language
providing background information for this handbook.
Thanks are also due to Anne Bedos of Rothar, Mary The sustainable organisation:
Published by
Fogarty of The Cottage Loughmore, John Feeney of a cornerstone of a sustainable community 6
The Wheel, with the
Coolagown Development Group, and Jim Fortune
support of the Environmental
and Ray Flynn of Rosslare TidyTowns for sharing The road to financial security 13
Protection Agency
their funding stories.
Date
Applying for grants 22
September 2016 DISCLAIMER
This publication contains references and pointers Other ways of generating income 32
to information provided by other organisations.
We cannot guarantee their accuracy. Note that
this document is for guidance only and is not a Case studies: it is possible! 40
replacement for seeking legal advice should that
be necessary. Index 54
Environmental Protection Agency
053 916 0600
www.epa.ie
The Wheel
01 454 8727
www.wheel.ie
FOREWORDS ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
The EPA is delighted to have partnered with The Is it for us?
Wheel in the production of this guidance book
This is a handbook for community-led groups
which we hope will help groups across Ireland to be
throughout Ireland, both urban and rural. By this
successful in securing funding for community-led
we mean groups formed and run by communities
sustainability initiatives.
themselves, instead of statutory bodies or private
Our vision for sustainable communities are ones businesses. It is targeted both at traditional
that are economically thriving; environmentally environmental groups and other groups with a
healthy; and socially resilient. By taking an active broader agenda for sustainable living and community
role in the management and protection of your well-being. It provides practical information for
local amenities, groups like yours are actively ensuring that your group has sufficient funding in
contributing to improving well-being while promoting order to function, both now and into the future. It is
Dara Lynott a clean environment and a prosperous future. This therefore likely to be of particular relevance to those
handbook seeks to provide you with guidance to who govern and manage your group’s affairs.
Deputy Director General,
Environmental Protection successfully source the funding needed to support
the achievement of these goals. How do we make best use of it?
Agency
We strongly advise you to read the handbook
Sustainability is a core principle for the EPA and by from start to finish. After setting the scene, we
partnering with The Wheel and their experience in define the concept of a sustainable community-led
supporting and developing groups in the community organisation. We then discuss strategies for bringing
and voluntary sector, we believe that we have more money into your group. Next, we explore grant
achieved a good balance of knowledge which is options, before describing alternatives to seeking
hopefully reflected in a practical and useful guide. grants. We bring theory to life at the end of the
handbook, where we provide a number of case
—
studies to show that, despite inevitable challenges,
Exploring both old and new ways to diversify your becoming financially sustainable is an achievable
organisation’s funding base, The Wheel is pleased goal. We have included quotes, tips and signposts
to present this easy-to-use funding handbook. As a to further resources throughout and we have also
follow-on from our Financing Your Future guide, this provided an index for your convenience.
guide is aimed at small community organisations,
especially volunteer-led ones. A note on language
When we use the word community, we not only
Proactive community-led groups like yours contribute refer to a community of place, such as a village, we
to sustainability. This handbook provides you with also include a community of interest: that is, people
guidance to enhance the financial sustainability of who may live in different parts of the country but
your organisation. who share a common interest, such as protecting
birdlife. We use the words group and organisation
Deirdre Garvey Begin the journey with an open mind, and remain
interchangeably. We use the word board to mean
willing to take a long, hard look at your organisation.
Chief Executive Officer, the governing body of your organisation, although
Are you too reliant on one source of funding? The
The Wheel in practice you may call this your management
handbook is packed with ideas and resources. Its tips
committee, core group, council, or something else.
and tools can be tailored to fit your needs. We hope
that it will spark creativity and we wish you well on Important: the words sustainable and sustainability
your journey. have different meanings depending on context; we
explore these in more detail in the first section of
the handbook.
4 Sustainable Communities 5
THE
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? Sustainable
Development Goals
In its most general sense, sustainability refers to a
capacity to endure. What springs to mind when you
SUSTAINABLE
In September 2015, world leaders
hear the word sustainability? committed to the Sustainable
Development Goals (The Global Goals).
Global sustainability There are 17 goals to address climate
ORGANISATION:
change, extreme poverty, inequality
Too often, we talk of the environment, the economy
and injustice over 15 years. Everyone
and society as if they are three entirely separate has a part to play in achieving the
things. These distinctions are misleading, because
A CORNERSTONE
goals: governments, businesses and
social, economic and environmental factors are in civil society. For more information
fact completely interdependent. For example, we from an Irish perspective, contact
cannot claim to have a successful economy if, in the
OF A
Irish Aid (www.irishaid.ie).
process of creating financial profit, we damage the
natural environment or do not uphold basic human
rights. We must balance the needs of our planet, its
SUSTAINABLE people, and the economies that allow populations to
function. Not doing so causes deep problems, both
today and – crucially – in the long-term.
COMMUNITY “Sustainable development is
development that meets the
needs of the present without
compromising the ability
of future generations to
meet their own needs.”
World Commission on Environment and
Development, Our Common Future, 1987
6 Sustainable Communities 7
Public Participation Sustainable communities Sustainable organisations
Networks It is tempting to think of sustainability as being only Individual citizens can and should take action
Each local government area now
an international issue, and therefore one that is too for sustainability; whether that involves voting in
has a Public Participation Network distant to be immediately relevant to us. But the elections, walking to work, or lending a helping
(PPN) to facilitate engagement world is made up of billions of people organised into hand to those who need it. But people on their own
between the local authority and the hundreds of thousands of communities. Each of can only achieve so much. It is when people like
environmental, voluntary and social these communities (including yours, here in Ireland) you come together to take action in the community
inclusion sectors operational in that has a role in ensuring sustainability. A sustainable, that a real difference can be made. Community
area. It is the intention that each liveable, healthy community is not just reactive to groups, charities, voluntary bodies, associations,
PPN has: a Secretariat; a County external events (for example, flooding or economic nonprofits, social enterprises, Non-Governmental
or City Plenary; Municipal District recessions). Instead, it is proactive and empowered to Organisations; they may be known by different
Plenaries; and Linkage Groups
shape its own future for the health and well-being of names, but they all have a potentially powerful role
dealing with specific issues. The PPN
all members of that community, as well as the local to play in terms of promoting sustainable living and
structure also offers an excellent
opportunity to lend your voice to
natural environment. community well-being.
local plans being drawn up and to
get to know and work with other “The sustainability of a
community-led groups.
community depends on creating Environmental
If you have not already done so, and maintaining its economic Limits
you should register your group
and environmental health,
with your local PPN. Contact your
local authority today for further promoting social equity, and Society
information. fostering broad-based citizen
participation in planning and
implementation. Communities that
engage citizens and institutions Economy
to develop sustainability
principles and a collective
vision for the future and that
apply an integrative approach
to environmental, economic, WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITY-LED ORGANISATION DO?
and social goals are generally
likely to be more successful.” First and foremost, we should remember that
Sustainable Communities Online, 2015
sustainable community-led organisations consider
www.sustainable.org environmental, economic and social aspects
together as one. They translate the concept of
global sustainability into practical action at
community level.
In addition, we believe that the most effective
of these organisations share the following eight
common characteristics, ensuring that they are
robust in their approach. How do you feel your
group measures up?
8 Sustainable Communities 9
1 Maintains good governance 4 Innovates Solid Foundations
Establishing any sort of an organisation comes There are many tried and tested ways of doing The Wheel provides a range of
with certain governance obligations. It involves things. Those that work well should, of course, be information and supports to
leadership, putting in place appropriate controls, continued. However, there is almost always room for its members and to the broader
being accountable to those who have a stake in the improvement. Also, the world around us is changing nonprofit sector. One resource
organisation, working effectively, and behaving with constantly, meaning that we have no option but to that is of particular relevance
integrity. Everything you need to know about how keep up with those changes. Groups that are open is its Solid Foundations series
to govern a community-led organisation well can be to change, creative and prepared to find innovative of good practice publications
found in the sister publication to this one, Sustainable solutions to problems in their community, are likely to for community, voluntary and
Communities: a good governance resource book. Do be the most successful. This does not always mean charitable organisations. In
addition to an overview guide,
consider signing up to the Governance Code if you having to come up with brand new ideas; it may
there are six further guides
have not already done so (www.governancecode.ie). simply mean being prepared to research and adopt
focusing on: governance; human
initiatives that have been shown to work elsewhere resources; financial planning; risk
2 Focuses on its strengths (testing and adapting them as necessary). management; collaboration; and
We often find it far easier to identify and focus on outcomes and impact. Order yours
unmet needs and associated problems than on 5 Embraces diversity now – they are free for members of
potential solutions. However, many solutions are People in communities are diverse and community The Wheel (www.wheel.ie/about/
already lying in wait within the community. The groups should strive to reflect that richness. At the publications).
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) very least, they must not discriminate on any of the
approach encourages communities to focus on nine grounds laid out in Irish equality law (gender,
their strengths and to mobilise available resources, marital status, family status, sexual orientation,
thereby becoming active agents in the process of religion, age, disability, race and membership of the
improving those communities. To find out more, Traveller community; for further information contact
take a look at the website of ABCD Europe the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission –
(www.abcdeurope.ning.com). www.ihrec.ie). But diversity is about far more than
legal compliance. Sustainable community groups
3 Collaborates understand that diversity is an asset. Not only does
Just as collections of people can usually achieve it demonstrate a commitment to equality and social
more than individuals, so groups of organisations justice, but very practically, it brings different points
can often create bigger and better results than of view, skills, and contacts into the organisation,
those working alone. You do not need to ‘own’ every which are all highly valuable.
initiative yourself. Pooling resources can deliver
efficiencies, achieve economies of scale and bring 6 Shows visible results
about greater impact. Resources do not just come As a community group, you need to be absolutely
in the shape of money, but also land, equipment, clear what your purpose is and what it is that
knowledge, contacts, time, energy, and so on. you intend to achieve. Socio-economic and
Partnership working can take many forms, from environmental progress can often take a very
informal information-sharing to formal mergers. long time to bring about. However, you should
Partners can be other community groups, but nonetheless strive for early visible results, however
can also be local businesses, statutory bodies, small. This will help to convince others of your worth
educational establishments, the press, and so on. and make it easier to garner further support. You
In order for collaboration to be truly effective, there should also celebrate your successes, because doing
must be trust between partners. so will help to keep people motivated. Have a party!
If success is limited, you should try to understand the
reasons for this and adapt the way you work.
10 Sustainable Communities 11THE ROAD
7 Demonstrates resilience
Inevitably, there will be crises and your group needs
to be sufficiently tough in order to cope with these
TO FINANCIAL
hard times. To a certain extent, resilience is about
practical preparedness (for example, holding some
financial reserves and having appropriate insurance
SECURITY
cover), but that is not all. Resilience is also about
not being overly dependent on others, about being
self-reliant and about being adaptable in a context
of uncertainty. And in this context, remember that a
little bit of humour can go a long way!
8 Secures sufficient resources
Even the tiniest community group needs resources
in order to function. These can be non-financial
resources, such as the time provided by volunteers,
or financial resources to pay for things like room
hire, printing, equipment and refreshments. Bringing
money into the organisation once or twice may
not be that difficult. Doing it year after year can be
more challenging. What is even more challenging is
avoiding the pitfall of ‘chasing the money’ – applying
for funding that distracts the organisation from
its core purpose. In addition to all the forms of
sustainability already discussed, community groups
themselves need financial sustainability. The rest of
the handbook focuses on this issue.
12 Sustainable Communities 13All hands on deck “IF ONLY WE HAD MORE FUNDING” “Sustainable financing is a process Not having all your eggs
of looking beyond the here and now in one basket
Whose job is it to make the group Statutory services are funded by the taxpayer.
financially sustainable? This is too Businesses make money by trading. Community- and adopting a long-term dynamic Diversifying your income stream
big and too important a task to be led groups, on the other hand, may have a really strategy for resourcing your spreads risk, which is obviously
left to one person. It is in everyone’s important social and/or environmental purpose, but organisation. It is about no longer a good thing. But too much
interest that there is enough they have no automatic way of funding their work. burying your head in the sand about diversification can be risky too,
funding for the organisation to do as you may not be able to manage
money, not blaming others for your
its work. It therefore follows that Community groups often survive on a hand-to-mouth the complexity that goes hand in
everyone in the organisation will lack of funding, and not being
basis. An irregular cash flow and a lack of certainty hand with that. You should only
probably have some sort of a role
about income can be very stressful. Paradoxically, it
caught completely off-guard by diversify if, by doing so, you gain
to play. The ultimate responsibility external forces. significantly more that you would
can be especially challenging for groups that have
for ensuring that the organisation by not doing it. You have to find the
is financially secure is that of the
secured funding for one or more paid members
more sustainable model involves
A right income mix for your particular
board, however. The board can of staff. This is because they have ongoing legal set of circumstances. Just because
obligations as employers that all-volunteer groups
ongoing researching, planning,
delegate the work associated with something worked well for one
securing funding (for example, it can do not have, not least having to pay salaries and implementing, monitoring and
organisation at one point in time
ask a member of staff to submit a associated costs every month. evaluating the best possible does not mean it will be similarly
grant application or it can ask fellow income streams for your particular successful for you now, and vice
volunteers to organise a fundraiser), Some groups may have a relatively good level of organisation. It almost certainly versa. Always be alert to funding
but it can never delegate the funding, but may also be overly dependent on one includes diversifying your income opportunities and to funding threats
responsibility. income source, which is very risky, because there is and accept that your income mix will
portfolio (‘not having all your
no guarantee that this income source will always be probably never remain constant.
there. In any case, groups often want to do more than
eggs in one basket’), but this
they presently do, in order to meet the community does not mean you should spread
needs that they can see. They often feel that they yourself too thinly. Certainly, it Seize opportunities
cannot progress their ideas because they do not have is an approach designed to limit
Planning is vital, but this does not
enough funding. risk, but not avoid it altogether.
mean you must stick slavishly to a
It is about balancing prudence plan. Amazing opportunities present
Much energy can be spent worrying about
with creativity and thinking big. themselves from time to time.
insufficient funding and a lack of financial security.
This can sometimes lead to organisational paralysis.
It recognises that in order to get When they do, be ready to seize
money, you must spend money (and them with open arms (if your board
Far better to use this time productively to actively decides doing so is the right thing
grow and diversify the group’s income. time and energy).
for your group). Sometimes, you
need to react quickly, but at other
ny choices for growing your
A
times you can foresee opportunities
income should therefore be made some time ahead. For example,
with a very clear eye on the did you know that 2017 has been
potential, and actual, return on designated as the United Nations
investment. Hopefully, you will International Year of Sustainable
Tourism for Development? Is this
reap the rewards, but do accept
sometimes that your community
that sometimes, plan A will fail. group could optimise on? Also, Sligo
If this happens, act quickly and has been named European Capital of
try plan B.” Volunteering for 2017. Could you get
involved in this somehow?
The Wheel, Financing Your Future: a guide to building
a sustainable income for community and voluntary
organisations, 2015
Research, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating cycle
14 Sustainable Communities 15Building a compelling case TEN STEPS TO BECOMING Step 3 The value you will create
for support FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE Analyse your current Here you can emphasise what will
resource profile be changed as a result of your project
Regardless of what funding method Step 1 being funded and you being able to
you decide to pursue, you will need Before looking for new money, it
Make a commitment carry out the funded work. Change
to be armed with a persuasive is important to take stock of your
Accept that you will not become happens at different levels. At its most
case for support. Just because you present situation. You need to be sure how much it
basic level it is about the outputs (for
understand and believe passionately financially sustainable overnight and costs you to operate and what resources (financial example, the number of people you
in your cause, does not mean that that it will not be an easy ride. You and non-financial) you are currently in receipt of. You will help), but you should try to think
others outside of your group will will have to be prepared to commit both time and need to know if any of these are likely to end and if deeper than that. What outcomes
automatically do the same. It is up money to this process. All board members should so, when. You also need to have clarity on how you will there be (for instance, how will
to you to craft a compelling written make a joint decision about starting the journey are spending these resources at the moment. A word the lives of those people be changed
argument that includes the following: and should agree a timeline for action. This should of caution: being overly optimistic at this stage will after receiving a service from you)?
be revisited at every subsequent meeting (make not serve you well. There are tools that can help you What will the broader impact of that
The reason you exist
it a standing agenda item) and people who have in this process, such as: be on the local community? Can you
You cannot assume that other people
agreed to perform tasks associated with the funding estimate what social value will be
will understand this without further — Matrix Map (a visual tool that plots all of the created as a result?
strategy should be held to account. If you
explanation. You must describe the organisation’s activities into a single compelling
do not have the skills in-house, you will need to
problem that your group was set image – https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2014/04/01/ How much it will cost
source them from elsewhere. For example, you
up to address. It is important here the-matrix-map-a-powerful-tool-for-mission- Even the most excellent ideas can
to focus on the need, not on the may need to pay a consultant or seek a voluntary
focused-nonprofits) fail if they have not come under
organisation itself. Demonstrate that mentor (try contacting your local volunteer centre – sufficiently close financial scrutiny.
the need is real by using whatever www.volunteer.ie/about/volunteer-centres). — Nonprofit Finance Fund’s Self-Assessment (a
Potential supporters need to know
evidence you have at your disposal. worksheet that helps you to capture a snapshot
that you have done your sums
Robust external research is far more Step 2 of your organisation’s financial strengths and
properly. Clearly describe and justify
useful than vague statements or Articulate your purpose weaknesses – www.nonprofitfinancefund.org/ the size of the project that you are
personal anecdotes. sites/default/files/docs/2010/Self-Assessment_ seeking funding for.
Your conviction that what you do is
Landscape.pdf)
Your vision for the future important is not enough. You need
— Sustainable Sun Tool (an attractive tool that helps The call to action
This is where you can paint a picture to be able to clearly state what your
purpose is, so that you can persuade others to share you to plot your relative financial health in different Organisations sometimes make a
of how things could be if the problem really persuasive case for support
was solved (or addressed as well your passion. You may be fortunate enough to already categories – www.ncvo.org.uk/images/documents/
practical_support/funding/sustainable-funding/ and then forget to include a call to
as it could be, as some needs will have a well-written mission statement, but many action. You need to spell out exactly
never disappear completely). Again, groups do not. Even if they have one, it is often overly Sustainable%20Sun%20Tool.pdf).
how people can support you. Are you
focus on the cause here, not on the long and full of jargon. Can you simply and clearly asking for money? If so, how much
organisation itself. state what change your group is trying to bring money and what are you asking
Your solution
about? Do you have a sensible strategy for achieving them to do next? Are you asking
that goal? Can you describe the value of your work, people to volunteer their time? If so,
This is where you can focus on the
for example, in terms of social or natural capital? what is involved and who do they
way in which your organisation will contact? Convey a sense of urgency.
tackle the issue. What you are trying
Do you have evidence of positive outcomes that you
to do here is position your group in have already generated? Grantspace provides some
between ‘problem’ on the one end very good resources on how to develop or improve
of the spectrum and ‘no problem’ mission statements (www.grantspace.org/tools).
at the other end of the spectrum.
Your project idea needs to be good,
but it is just as crucial to show that
your group has the capacity to bring
it to fruition, possibly more so. It is
therefore important to focus on your
group’s strengths and highlight its
previous successes.
16 Sustainable Communities 17The basics Step 4 Step 6 Relationships,
People also need to know a little Make savings where possible Generate options relationships,
basic information about your group. There is a reasonable expectation Can you retain the income streams relationships
This might include things such as: that community groups should that you currently have and if so,
how and when it was established; its Groups often spend much time looking
not be lavish and should use their is there any chance they could be for new supporters when, in fact,
legal status (a company limited by
limited resources wisely. Saying that, shoestring expanded on? Even if the answer to these questions what they should be doing is building
guarantee? registered as a charity?);
what activities you undertake; what budgets are not likely to result in significant impacts. is yes, it is more than likely you will wish or need to on the relationships that they already
your website address is, etc. Most community groups are already very ‘lean’ explore other options too. Generate as long a list as have. It is much easier to deepen an
and there is little that can be done to reduce their you can, seeking the input from as many people as existing relationship than it is to start
When writing your case for support,
expenditure, so the implications of any proposed possible: the board, other volunteers, staff, members, a new one from scratch.
focus on the person who will
further cutbacks should be considered very carefully. users of your service, etc. You can use brainstorming Every person involved with
be reading it (you can tailor the
message for different audiences).
However, it is always worth seeking out the following: sessions, questionnaire surveys, suggestion boxes your group has a network of
Use clear, simple, active language Charitable discounts (for example, software – or simply talk to people informally. You may be family, friends, colleagues and
and avoid technical terms and www.enclude.ie/technology-donations) surprised where the best ideas come from and how acquaintances, all of whom have
abbreviations. Make the document one that seems outlandish on first hearing, can turn connections with businesses,
Pro bono support (for example, legal assistance
attractive. Edit and re-edit it out to be excellent. agencies and other organisations.
– www.lawlibrary.ie/Legal-Services/Voluntary- Any of the people in their networks
thoroughly.
Assistance-Scheme.aspx) could be your next partner or
Step 7
Remember that there are two ways
Group savings schemes (for example, various goods Assess options supporter. Therefore, ideally, each
to convince people to support you, should act as an ambassador for
and services – www.wheel.ie/ResourcePoint)
both of which are important. The Your aim at this stage is to come up your group, explaining what you do,
first is the ‘emotional’ appeal to Resource sharing (for example, office with a shortlist of potentially viable why it is important and what you
the heart (think human stories, accommodation and related services – options (we recommend fewer need in order to do even more.
powerful images, testimonials www.carmichaelcentre.ie). than ten). Do not rule anything out too quickly. Only
from people who have used your It is very important to set up and
discard ideas once they have been properly assessed. then grow a database of contacts
service, etc). The second is the Step 5 We advise that you use a scoring system – it does not that you keep updated and that you
‘rational’ appeal to the brain (think Calculate how much you need matter if it is hand-drawn table or a spreadsheet, as
logical information, key statistics, use to send regular updates about
outcomes data, etc). And finally,
Your earlier analysis will have long as it allows you to do the following: your organisation. If you don’t have
always be positive. People want to pointed to any shortfalls you need — Consider the criteria that are important to you (for such a list, start it today but don’t
be associated with a winner, not a to cover and to any plans you have instance: the income potential of each idea, how easy forget to observe the necessary
sinking ship. for development over the coming years. Do not ever it would be to implement and your capacity to deliver) data protection rules that apply to
say: “we need as much money as possible”. Even the contacting people.
— If necessary, weight those criteria (are they all
most generous, unquestioning donors would like to When it comes down to it, raising
equally important or are some more important to you
know what the money they are thinking of parting funds is all about building
than others?)
with will be spent on. You need to know exactly how relationships and maintaining these
much money you are looking to raise at any one time — Score every idea under all criteria (if using a relationships over time. People give
and be absolutely clear how this will be used. weighting system, you need to multiply the score by to people. So ask them for their help.
the weight)
— Add up the results
— Place the highest rated ideas on your shortlist.
18 Sustainable Communities 19Above all, thank them, sincerely Step 8 “A case statement is simply a
and in an appropriate manner. You Do your research written document that states
would not be able to do your work
You now need to do some more the most important facts about
without their support, whether it is
a few hours of their time, a grant or in-depth research on all of the items an organization. It can range in
a corporate donation. on your shortlist. You will need to length from a wallet-size card to
consider all the implications of pursuing your ideas, twenty pages or more. Preparing
People also want to know what you
including legal matters and other risks. You will need
did with the money you gave them. such a statement provides
to find out exactly what is involved and who might be
Tell them and show what impact the opportunity to amass data
you have made, using stories, photos
able to assist you. This will enable you to draw up a
priority list. Do not skimp on this stage of the process that will best illustrate the
or videos. Keep in touch. Provide
– all this background research will help you to make competence of your staff and the
opportunities for them to stay
involved and to help you grow. Let the right decisions. effectiveness of your work.”
them be part of your success story! Michael Seltzer, Securing Your Organization’s Future:
Step 9 A Complete Guide To Fundraising Strategies, 2002
Develop and implement
an action plan
“Donors give to your organization
You can then draw up a realistic
because they believe you are
action plan with agreed targets,
timelines and responsibilities. Now is the time to trial
making a difference in a cause
the first one or two ideas. Do not try to do everything they care about. They value your
at once, as this can become overwhelming. It is really work and want to support you in
important that you keep the process manageable. changing the world. Their gifts
are investments in the work they
Step 10 expect you to accomplish. So it
Monitor progress and adapt follows that results are the best
Monitor progress carefully. Be way to show your recognition and
honest: look at net income, not appreciation for your donors.”
gross income. This also means
Terry Axelrod, The Joy of Fundraising: How to Stop
being realistic about the time you invested into Suffering and Start Enjoying Asking for Money for
making things happen (this is what is called an Your Favorite Cause, 2006
‘opportunity cost’). Did things go according to
plan? If so, that is fantastic: keep ploughing ahead.
However, the most useful insights can sometimes
be gained by figuring out what did not work, and
why. New initiatives that fail the first time round
could possibly become successful with some minor
adjustments. Now may also be the time to try the
next item(s) on your priority list.
20 Sustainable Communities 21APPLYING
THE NATURE OF GRANT-AID Where do we find
out which grants are
A grant is a subsidy: a funder provides money in available?
the expectation that the recipient will do something
FOR beneficial with it. There are many kinds of grants
given out by many types of entities, ranging from tiny
voluntary sector grants on one end of the scale to
― Subscribe to the Wheel’s
Fundingpoint service, which
is a continually updated online
GRANTS enormous grants by international foundations on the
other end, with much in between (for example, see
below a spotlight on LEADER grants). Some are for
database of 840+ grant schemes
(www.wheel.ie/funding)
― Sign up to receive Activelink’s
individuals and others are for groups. Some are for Community Exchange into your
once-off capital expenditure (for example, a building), email inbox each week
others are for programming (for example, running a (www.activelink.ie/content/
pilot project), whereas yet others are for longer-term newsletter-info)
support (for example, core staffing costs). Most grant ― If you are based in rural Ireland,
schemes are only open for applications at certain check out the website of the
times. Although most schemes have a one-stage National Rural Network for
application process, some have a two-stage process, information on grant schemes
starting with a short pre-application before inviting a such as LIFE and LEADER
smaller number of full applications. (www.nationalruralnetwork.ie)
― Ask to receive the newsletters
Whilst grants are an attractive option that your and e-zines produced by relevant
community group should definitely consider as a part umbrella bodies and membership
of its income mix, it should be remembered that they bodies, such as the Irish
are always time-limited. Also, there is often fierce Environmental Network
competition for grants, which may mean putting (www.ien.ie), as these often
in significant effort, yet still being unsuccessful. contain information about
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the grant upcoming grant schemes
scheme will be repeated; even if it is and you were ― Network! Speak with other similar
lucky previously, you may not be the next time round. organisations, relevant statutory
bodies and anyone else you can
However, by doing your research properly you think of who might be able to
should be able to pinpoint those grants that are provide leads. Engaging with your
appropriate for your particular community group local PPN (see page 8) can also
and make strong grant applications that will be help you to identify grants.
successful at least some of the time. Getting your
first grant will probably be the hardest. Many grant-
makers like to invest in projects whose worth has
already been shown.
22 Sustainable Communities 23Spotlight on LEADER EUROPEAN UNION GRANTS Note that the EU rarely provides core funding, but For the purposes of LEADER 2014-
funds projects instead. Ask yourself if any of your 2020, the country has been divided
LEADER is an EU funding stream into 28 subregional areas, each of
“… EU programmes could be a current or planned projects might be of interest to
that has existed since 1991. which has a Local Action Group
the EU, for instance:
Although LEADER funding has source of increased funding (LAG) that has been tasked with
decreased over time, it still offers for the community and — Do they involve the development of/research on drawing up a Local Development
significant funding opportunities some new idea that may be beneficial to other Strategy (LDS), focusing on these
voluntary sector in Ireland
for community-led groups in rural organisations in the EU or to policy makers? areas:
locations. Finding transnational in the period to 2020.”
— Are they sufficiently innovative that they could ― Facilitating diversification,
partners is not essential for LEADER. Hugh Quigley, Accessing EU Funds 2015-2020:
Research Project for The Wheel, 2015, be transferred to other organisations across creation of new small enterprises
In Ireland, the new Department
of Regional Development, Rural www.wheel.ie/news/download-new-report- the EU? and job creation
eu-funding-programmes
Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht — Are there new developments taking place ― Promoting local development in
will coordinate the programme elsewhere in the EU that you wish to link into rural areas
(information currently found The European Commission offers a huge array through participation in a joint project? ― Enhancing accessibility to, and
here: http://test.ahg.gov.ie/rural/ of grants (www.ec.europa.eu/contracts_grants/ use and quality of information
rural-development/leader/), with grants_en.htm). Some funds are centrally managed Various support organisations may be able to help and communications technology
some programme functions being from Brussels, whereas others are managed within you to identify appropriate grant streams and seek in, rural areas.
administered by Pobal (www.pobal.
the country itself by what are known as National out potential European partners (which is nearly
ie/FundingProgrammes/LEADER/ Sub-themes include: rural tourism;
Contact Points. For instance, Horizon 2020 is always requirement for EU grants). For example,
Pages/LEADER.aspx). enterprise development; rural
managed from Brussels, but LEADER is managed you may decide to contact Access Europe towns; access to broadband;
Under the previous 2007-2013 in-country. Applying for European Union (EU) (www.accesseurope-ireland.org), The Wheel basic services targeted at hard to
LEADER round, the average amount funding and subsequently managing these often (via www.wheel.ie) or any EU networks you are reach communities; rural youth;
of funding that was granted per
bewilderingly complex funds is not for the faint- a member of. Most National Contact Points run protection and sustainable use of
successful project was just under
hearted, but if the net projected benefits outweigh information sessions a few times per year. water resources; protection and
€30,000. The range was large improvement of local biodiversity;
the costs of applying, and you are willing and able to
though, with the smallest award Expect to spend a considerable amount of time and development of renewable
grapple with the inevitable bureaucracy, it can be a
being €30 and the largest €500,000! on the application process, both in terms of energy. There are three cross-
The most commonly-sized award very fruitful income stream.
gathering administrative information and on the cutting themes: innovation; climate
was €150,000. Groups used this online process itself. Once a proposal is submitted, change; and environment.
funding to support a wide variety of
sit tight. Nothing further can be done until the During 2016, ‘project promoters’,
initiatives, from feasibility studies
European Commission (or the relevant national which include community groups,
and training courses to construction
projects and events, and all the costs
authority) makes its decisions. This can take up will be able to begin applying
associated with delivering these. to six months. A project may be approved subject for funding from their LAG (not
to certain conditions or changes to the initial from the Department of Regional
proposals. This can involve negotiations that can Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and
add a further delay to the final decision. the Gaeltacht). The total fund until
2020 is €220 million+, with LAGs
receiving between c. €5 million and
c. €13 million each, depending on
population density and deprivation
levels. Keep your ear to the ground
to find out if your LAG is offering any
funding opportunities for you.
24 Sustainable Communities 25In most cases, groups will have to Examples STATUTORY GRANTS Tips for writing a
secure 25% of matched funding for successful funding
— Erasmus+ – For organisations involved in The state is the most significant provider of
their LEADER grant, which can be application
any type of educational activity grants to nonprofit organisations in Ireland. This
sourced, for instance, through other
grants (see pages 27–31), traditional (www.leargas.ie/programmes/erasmusplus) includes government departments (for instance, Training Decide if you have the
fundraising (see pages 33–35), — Europe for Citizens – Funding activities such the Department of Children and Youth Affairs), capacity to prepare a winning
corporate support (see page 36) or as town twinning and civil society community public service bodies (such as the Health Service application. If you are concerned that
trading activities (see pages 36–39). Executive), local authorities (city and county this is not the case, do some reading
projects that have a European theme
It may also be possible to access loan councils) and other statutory agencies (for example, and/or seek formal training in order
(www.europeforcitizens.ie)
finance in order to get the project off to prepare yourself. See http://wheel.
Pobal). The National Lottery raises significant
the ground in the short- to medium- — Interreg V – A substantial funding stream: small amounts of money for charity (www.lottery.ie/en/
ie/content/your-non-profit-training-
term (see page 37). For example, groups may be able to enter or apply to larger Good-Causes-and-Winners/Good-Causes), but
needs for ideas.
these 2007-2013 LEADER-supported consortia, but only in specific geographic areas
initiatives all used social finance there is not one single fund that groups can apply Legal and financial paperwork
(see www.seupb.eu/Home.aspx for further to: it depends on the nature of their request (see: Organise the relevant paperwork well
provided by Clann Credo:
information on the Ireland-Northern Ireland- www.nicdtf.ie/RESOURCES/upload/National_ in advance. You may not be eligible if
― Ballaghderreen Community Scotland programme – for border counties only Lottery_Grants.pdf).
you are not legally constituted or if
Park, Co. Roscommon – LEADER – and www.southernassembly.ie/en/programme you do not have charitable status (for
funding: €19,499 for further information on the Wales-Ireland In addition to monetary grant schemes, the state further information, see the sister
progamme – South and East Region only) publication to this one, Sustainable
― Dungarvan Scouts, Co. Waterford – also offers human resource opportunities in terms
LEADER funding: €181,264 Communities: A good governance
— LIFE – An important programme for of its various training and employment schemes.
resource book). The funder will
― Kildare Arts In Context Musical
environmental groups (www.housing.gov. These change constantly, but at the time of probably want to see a copy of your
Instrument Bank Scheme, Co.
ie/environment/life-programme/eu-life- writing consist of: Community Employment (CE); latest accounts.
Kildare – LEADER funding: Community Services Programme; First Steps;
€19,960. programme) Study the small print Carefully
JobBridge; Rural Social Scheme and Tús (have a
read the details before you do
Also see the case studies in this look at www.welfare.ie to see if you are able to avail
anything else. Are you eligible to
handbook (pages 41-46) for more of any of these).
apply? Does your application have
real-life examples of how LEADER
a realistic chance of success? Could
funding has brought about Note that both monetary and non-monetary
you meet the funder’s requirements
meaningful change. statutory schemes can have a lot of bureaucracy
should you be awarded the grant?
Remember: For LEADER, as with
associated with them. This stage is absolutely vital – many
any funding, you need to convince applications fail simply because the
the reader of the proposal (the group or its idea was never eligible in
evaluator), of the merit of your the first place.
project and how it fits with the
Contact the funder If you are
overall objectives of the programme.
unsure about anything contact the
Evaluators need to be convinced that
funder (unless you have specifically
your proposed project adheres to the
been asked not to). You can also ask
funding guidelines and themes and
groups who have more experience
truly adds value to the community.
in applying for grants than you for
So pay attention to how you write
their advice.
your case for support and application
(see pages 16–18 and 27–30).
More information on LEADER
best practice will be available on
www.nationalruralnetwork.ie, a
hub of information and support for
the Rural Development Programme
in Ireland.
26 Sustainable Communities 27Tailor your response Be guided Examples GRANTS FROM TRUSTS Budgeting Include an accurately
by your case for support (see pages
— Dormant Accounts Fund – A scheme AND FOUNDATIONS costed budget, including the cost
16–18), but make sure to tailor your that any salaried staff will have
disbursing unclaimed funds from accounts in There are numerous trusts and foundations that
response to match the criteria laid to spend on delivering the project.
out by funders. If you would have to credit institutions in Ireland (www.pobal.ie/ make grants. These range from local family trusts Rough guesses are not good
compromise your mission or values in FundingProgrammes/DormantAccountsFund/ to major global foundations. They are traditionally enough. Check whether there is a
order to fit into the funder’s criteria, Pages/default.aspx) philanthropic in nature, although recent years have requirement for match funding and
do not proceed with the application. seen a growth in corporate foundations. Most, but if volunteer hours or other in-kind
— Heritage Council – Supporting community-
not all, of the trusts and foundations that operate contributions can be included as a
Readability Strive to make it easy based projects that conserve Ireland’s heritage
matched income source.
for the people who will be reading the (www.heritagecouncil.ie/grants/grants) in Ireland can be found on the Philanthropy Ireland
proposal, because they may know very website (www.philanthropy.ie/our-members), but Stick to the rules Do not ask
little about the issue, will have limited — Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership you may have to undertake other searches for for more than the maximum
time and will probably have many Fund – Important scheme that assists small- additional organisations, including those with an available grant as this will likely
other applications to consider. scale environmental projects at local level, international remit. The Wheels’ Fundingpoint automatically disqualify your
administered via local authorities: further service is of particular relevance here application.
Write in stages It is highly unlikely
information is available from your local (www.wheel.ie/funding).
that you will finalise a grant application Monitoring and evaluation
in one sitting. Draft the key points Environment Awareness/Education Officer Decide if you will be able to monitor
that you need to make in each section (www.housing.gov.ie/environment/awareness/ Some trusts and foundations are highly conservative and evaluate the project internally
of your application before plunging local-agenda-21-environmental-partnership- in their grant-giving, whereas others allow themselves yourselves, or if you will require
headfirst into writing the detail. fund/local-agenda-21) to take greater risks and be more innovative. Some external support from a third party.
Title If possible, give your proposal — Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Better are as bureaucratic as the EU or the state, whereas Think about the methods you will
a snappy name that encapsulates Energy Communities – For community-based others are far less onerous in their demands on use (project records, questionnaires,
grantees, especially if the grants awarded are small. focus groups, etc) and what the cost
what you are aiming to achieve. energy efficiency projects (www.seai.ie/Grants/ implications of these will be.
Focus on outcomes. For example, Better_Energy_Communities)
‘Happy & Healthy Howth’ sounds Examples Complete all sections If a form is
better than ‘we need funding for a — Community Foundation for Ireland – provided use it and fill in all sections
staff member, computer and fitness Administers a range of grant schemes (www. (if not, use your case for support
equipment’, even if the budget that we referred to on pages 16–18).
foundation.ie/apply-for-a-grant/types-of-grant)
shows that these are costs you will Stick to the word count if there
need to cover. — NTR Foundation – This foundation provides is one. Do not feel you have to fill
Provide a well-constructed
multi-annual support for innovative every last bit of space. Succinctness
persuasive argument Your environmental projects, but unfortunately, it is good, but do provide sufficient
does not accept unsolicited applications detail for the assessor to be able to
application should not read like a
understand your proposal.
hard luck story. (www.ntr-foundation.org//projects-we-support)
Write clear, concise statements
Demonstrate your competency — Social Entrepreneurs Ireland – Provides two
Do not repeat yourself. Avoid jargon.
Having a good idea is not enough. awards programmes comprising funding, Only include acronyms after writing
You also need to show that you are a training and supports for outstanding social them out in full on first usage.
competent organisation that has the entrepreneurs (www.socialentrepreneurs.ie)
capacity to deliver (by highlighting Seek help Enlist people to comment
relevant skills, organisational — The Ireland Funds – A large global fund from on the draft and ask them to look for
policies, codes of practice you adhere which many Irish community groups working weaknesses, which you can then
to, results of evaluations, etc). across all types of fields have benefitted address.
(www.theirelandfunds.org/seeking-grant)
28 Sustainable Communities 29Proofreading Spelling and grammar OTHER GRANTS Examples
errors will call into doubt the quality
There are other support schemes that do not fit — Aviva Stadium Community Fund – Supporting
of your proposal and your team, so be
neatly into the above categories. Some companies community groups operating in the immediate
meticulous. Ask a competent person
to proofread the form. Neatness and run grant schemes, but have not set up a separate vicinity of the stadium (www.avivastadium.ie/
consistency matter. foundation for this purpose. There are also stadium-info/community-grants-scheme)
Supporting information Provide grant schemes within the nonprofit sector itself, — Coca-Cola Thank You Fund – Supporting
supporting material if it has been usually modest in scale and run by infrastructure nonprofits with ideas to get more people more
requested and if it adds value to organisations such as The Wheel. And some active (www.coca-cola.ie/packages/thank-you-
your application, but not if you grant-giving organisations operate across sectoral fund)
have explicitly been asked not to. boundaries: for example, credit unions, which
— Lush Charity Pot – Providing funding for small
You can always offer to send more often allocate part of their annual surplus to local
grassroots groups working in the fields of the
information on request. You can also community initiatives, can be regarded both as
issue an invitation to visit you. environment, animal protection and human
financial institutions and as community-owned,
rights (https://uk.lush.com/article/charity-pot-
Meet the deadline Funders are volunteer-involving cooperatives. If you are located
funding-guidelines)
extremely strict about this. near a large facility such as an airport, incinerator or
stadium, a top tip is to investigate any community — Tesco Community Fund – Donating up to
Keep a copy of your application and
records of any correspondence or engagement funds that may be in place. €1,000 every eight weeks between three local
telephone communications you have good causes (www.food-and-community.
In addition to grants, or in place of them, some tesco.ie/home/supporting-local-communities/
regarding the application.
organisations offer in-kind support: consider community-fund-stories)
Submit Cross your fingers and wait. things such as employee volunteer time
You should also consider what grant (www.volunteer.ie/who-we-help/companies/
scheme you might apply to next. employee-volunteering) or Google Ad Grants
Feedback If not successful, consider (www.google.ie/grants/details.html).
seeking feedback from the funder.
Stress that you are not making a Finally, there are many award schemes, some of
complaint about being unsuccessful, which offer prize money for winners, but even if
but really want to know how to they do not, they can be very useful in terms of
improve the application for future helping groups to raise their profile. The Supervalu-
attempts. sponsored TidyTowns initiative (www.tidytowns.
ie), for example, offers cash prizes to winning towns
each year. In addition to the main competition,
Special Awards are held that highlight particular
local environmental activities.
30 Sustainable Communities 31OTHER WAYS
TRADITIONAL FUNDRAISING Make the ask!
When we refer to ‘traditional fundraising’, in essence Asking for money (or some sort of
we are talking about people (usually individuals) other assistance) might make you
OF GENERATING choosing to donate money to a cause.
There are many benefits to this popular way of
feel uncomfortable. But you have no
choice about this, because generally,
people will not donate unless
INCOME
raising money for community groups. People like they are asked. And remember,
to give to projects that they already know about people actually like to give as
and for initiatives whose value they can see with it makes them feel good about
themselves! You are not begging:
their own eyes. Many simple, tried-and-tested
you are providing them with an
fundraising techniques are available. It is possible
opportunity to make a difference.
to raise considerable sums of money, especially if
your cause is popular with people and those you
target are in a position to give. Any money raised
is an unrestricted funding stream for your group
(although ethically, you should spend it on what you
told people you would).
However, none of this comes easily. It is really
important that you concentrate your efforts on those
that offer a maximum return on the resources that
you have invested to raise the funds. This holds
especially true for events, which can be lots of hard
work and which often fail to make money after all
the costs have been accounted for. The Wheel has
a useful article on successful fundraising events:
www.wheel.ie/funding/fundraising-guide/how-
plan-fundraising-event-or-activity-0.
If you raise funds from the public, you should
definitely consider signing up to the Statement of
Guiding Principles for Fundraising (www.ictr.ie/
content/fundraising-codes-practice). ICTR has also
produced a useful factsheet about good practice in
handling cash and non-cash donations (www.ictr.ie/
files/Cash%20handling%20post_web.pdf).
32 Sustainable Communities 33You can also read
