Raise the funds

Fundraising is one of the most crucial parts of any project.

We can help you be creative and get organised.

Download the toolkit

Female clergy member being hit in the face with wet sponge at a fun day Keith Blundy

Step one: put together a fundraising team

You need a group of 2-3 people to lead your call for funds. Their role is to:

If they don’t have fundraising experience, make sure these people have skills in either:

  • Administration
  • Education
  • Marketing
  • Charity

Helpful hints

Buyers beware! You can hire a professional fundraiser to help you. But this does not guarantee success with your application.

Step two: get all your ducks in a row

Before you rush off asking people for money, make sure you have:

Then, plan the right time to start your appeal.

Develop your story
Back it up with evidence
Write your fundraising strategy

“Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.”

Henri Nouwen, The Spirituality of Fundraising

Step three: try a mix of ideas

Fundraising should be the top priority for your church. But only for a set time. Depending on your project, your appeal should be finished in about two years:

  • 6 months to plan and prepare
  • 3 months to appeal to your congregation and local community
  • 12-15 months to search outside your local area

But before you start, think about how much “person-power” you have and how much you can actually do.

Set up a friends group
Local fundraising event
Online donations
Use creative publicity material
Talk to people
Crowdfunding
Community shares
Social investment

Case studies

Next steps