Funding for Choir - Pan Celtic Festival

ffeindadifyr

Hello,

Has anybody got any ideas of a quick way to raise money for a choir that's going to Ireland in April to represent Wales in the Pan Celtic festival? We've already held a few concerts and we are off on a sponsered walk soon! (If anybody wants to sponsor me )

Do you think any companies would be willing to sponsor us?

Unfortunately - It's only in Welsh, German and French at the moment! (Working on the English as we speak!)

Savvy_Sue

The only way to find out whether local companies might wish to sponsor you is to ask them! BUT what's in it for them? The goodwill of all your members might be worth more to a small local company than raising their profile in Ireland, for example.

There's a sticky at the top of this board with 'a bit about raffles' - I have to say that raffles are by the far the most lucrative stall at any school fairs I helped out at. Although I suppose that might not be the case if you're in a part of Wales that was very strongly 'chapel': if too many people don't approve of gambling you will sell fewer tickets!

Also, if you say how much you want to raise and in what time frame some other ideas might be suggested. I presume you've already asked your 'local' music shop for a contribution, in exchange for lots of good publicity in your local media? You have talked to your local media, haven't you? Super story! (not that I've looked at the website, my French might cope but my brain won't!)

ffeindadifyr

Thanks Sue,

We'll be heading off on April the 18th. We are currently talking to a few companies in the area dealing in music and celtic items a.s.o. hopefully we might get something from them. We will get an item in the local newspaper before heading off.

I was rather hoping that some small/medium sized company reading here would like to contibute for advertizing in a proggramme that we take out there or having their name on our shirts.

At the moment the cost per person is £150 (~35 ppl going) ideally we would like to lower this cost.

Savvy_Sue

ffeindadifyr wrote:

I was rather hoping that some small/medium sized company reading here would like to contibute for advertizing in a proggramme that we take out there or having their name on our shirts.

We live in hope, if we die in despair, as my mother used to say! It's back to "what's in it for them?", and I think you're more likely to find something locally, which is where the publicity's going to be spread around. I mean, I work for a small local charity, and while we do get occasional donations from outside the city, the vast vast majority of our non-grant finance comes from the area where we make a difference.

Make sure every single choir member - not just the ones going on the trip - have at least asked their own employer whether the company would sponsor them, and at least one other person to ask their employer or for a sponsorship suggestion! I hope that makes sense, it's late, but what I'm saying is that on this level, I think personal contact will work best ...

Good luck!

ffeindadifyr

Thanks Sue,

You're advice is appreciated - I've read many of your posts in other threads and have to say that you provide a lot of hope and good sound advice on this forum. I don't know where you get the time from though! :T

Savvy_Sue

ffeindadifyr wrote:

I don't know where you get the time from though! :T

It's called not having a life ... well, not much of one IRL. :rotfl: Or preferring MSE to housework, whichever you prefer!

ffeindadifyr

I hate asking local companies for money!

In this area we're all as well known as the Scots (sorry Scots) for being tight with our money!

I've given a few companies a go... more or less ones with Irish/Celtic interests as well as them being local.

Just had a thought! - should have thought of this before... I could always ask the pub that we go to for erm... refreshments... after practice!

Savvy_Sue

ffeindadifyr wrote:

I hate asking local companies for money!

But you have to get over it! I hate it too, but if I have to, I can be absolutely shameless!

ffeindadifyr wrote:

I've given a few companies a go... more or less ones with Irish/Celtic interests as well as them being local.

Just had a thought! - should have thought of this before... I could always ask the pub that we go to for erm... refreshments... after practice!

Good thoughts. Could you get their name on t-shirts or something like that? Did you see the thread on Fundraising Challenge? Maybe some ideas there.

jobbingmusician

Hate to ask it, but why can't the choir members - or at least most of them - pay for themselves?

I've been on lots of orchestral tours where all the members are self funding! There are some savings to be made, and loads of fun to be had, travelling as a group.......:)

PS If you are representing Wales, would the Welsh Arts Council help? Is there such a thing, or is it all UK wide?

ffeindadifyr

jobbingmusician wrote:

Hate to ask it, but why can't the choir members - or at least most of them - pay for themselves?

They are... I'm just trying to lower the cost as we have had 3 or 4 pull out last minute and the cost each could be pretty bad.