Getting started with fundraising

Fundraising is an important part of running a charity.  Charities need reliable income to achieve their mission. Fundraising builds trust, raises awareness and connects people to a cause.

In England, the Fundraising Regulator sets and maintains standards for fundraisers across the UK.

1. Stay on top of the basics 

Show funders and supporters that your charity is well run, accountable and can be trusted with donations. You can do this by having:

• a governing document or constitution that’s up to date and followed
• trustees who meet the requirements in your constitution and understand their role
• a clear structure and lines of responsibility (especially if you employ staff)
• a bank account in the charity’s name with at least two unrelated signatories
• annual accounts that are freely available and independently examined or audited, depending on your size
• key policies such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, health and safety and environmental
• board-approved financial procedures covering authorising spending, handling cash and banking.

2. Understand fundraising is a team effort

Fundraising is not the job of one person.  It's most effective when everyone plays a part and shares fundraising ideas. Leaders and trustees must champion fundraising and make sure successes are shared and celebrated.

Find out more about the trustee role in fundraising.

3. Know your “why”

Being able to explain clearly and consistently why your charity exists is vital.

Bring trustees, staff, and volunteers together to share why they believe the charity exists and why it deserves support.

Your mission and vision help keep you focused.

Vision: the change in the world you want to see.

Mission: the actions you will take to achieve the vision.

Learn more about shaping your mission and values.

4. Build a case for support

A case for support is the story that brings everything together. It’s the vision, mission, the problem the charity seeks to address, and the difference supporters can make.

Get to know your supporters. Think about who already engages with your charity and what motivates them.

5. Develop a fundraising strategy

A fundraising strategy sets out how you will bring in funds, who you will ask and how you will measure success.

To develop a fundraising strategy:

• break down the costs of your services and running the organisation.
• understand the different income streams available.  Each income stream has its own opportunities and challenges.
• understand the difference between restricted and unrestricted funding.

Learn more about how to write a fundraising strategy.

Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework

Funders want to know how their money has been used and what difference it has made.

For trusts and foundations, this is a formal requirement.  It also matters to community donors, corporate supporters and event participants.

Without a monitoring and evaluation framework you’re unlikely to get repeat funding.

Find out more about how to track and measure impact.