Grants and gift aid

Lulubells

Hi everyone,

I wonder if anyone can help. I am the treasurer for my local preschool - (which is a registered charity), as most of you will know this is a voluntary position which does not need any previous "preschool" knowledge only knowledge of the field you are in, ie - accounts. The preschool cashflow is looking bleak and I really want to help them have all the equipment etc they need for it to continue being the great place it is.

We do countless fundraising ideas thoughout the year, and this helps to keep the preschool's head above water - and we will continue to do this, but what I think it needs is a cash injection for short term stability and to be able to replace equipment etc (and maintain motivation of staff without having to have the constant worry of money on their minds - when all is said and done they shouldn't have to even consider this !).

The staff are highly dedicated - even on not great wages, spending hours out of school time fundraising etc. I want to help so I am trying to find out about grants we could apply for, and also someone mentioned gift aid to me? - could anyone guide me as I have no knowledge in these areas and I am finding it hard without someone giving me some direction.

Thank you for reading this, and I look forward to hearing any ideas you have.

Many Thanks

Lulubells

Lois_Lane

Hi Lulubells

You can find out more about Gift Aid here - it's a great way to get some money back from the Inland Revenue, and means you can claim back the tax that donors have paid on their donation.

There are many grant making trusts that you can approach, as well as applying to the Lottery. There's lots of information available about all of these from the Directory of Social Change - click here for their website, or you may be able to find the information in your local library.

Good luck

LL

jobbingmusician

Another place that will help you with fundraising ideas (and maybe techniques, and they may have free use of fundraising software such as Funderfinder) is your local Council for Voluntary Services. They are umbrella organisations to support local charities - just Google xxx CVS (where xxx is your local town) or ring the Town Hall and ask them for contact details. Or try NACVS!

walsgravematt

Hi,

our city council have an "external funding helpdesk", so would be worth approaching them for something similar whether city / county council

Also, worth considering any businesses, large or small that are either close by, or who you may have links with (ie parents own / work for them) to see if they would be willing to support in some way

HTH

WM

dancingfairy

What about the Big lottery fund / awards for all? http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/apply-uk You presumably would go for awards for all as it covers up to £10,00.

Found this about Tesco's programme : http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/grants/local_funding_sources.htm look at section 2.

Ask your council for info re grants - they may have some.
PCT- ask your local Primary Care Trust - they sometimes have grants.
Early Years Childcare worker - they might be able to help
HSBC? ASDA?

Sponsorship by a local organisation - great publicity for them.
Could approach the paper and get an article asking for a sponser.

Hope this gives you some ideas.