starting a business and apply for funding

TaraBb

I have an Idea for a community based project and want to obtain funding to get it going. I have created a module for it and I've done some research and contacted my local council regarding funding, (advised I would need to register as a charity or non profit organisation). but its all a little confusing. can anyone please give me some advise as i'm not quite sure which direction to go.
in short my project/business idea is to provide a service delivering workshops to:
 a) assist resettlement for ex offenders to reduce the risk of re-offending
b) support young people  at risk of offending
c) workshops in schools and community centre 
workshops on offer are 

Self Esteem......Managing Emotions – resilience......Choices....Gang Awareness....Healthy Relationships....Healthy minds Healthy me (well being)

absolutely any advice whatsoever would be greatly appreciated
 

, 

p00hsticks

I would have thought the first step would be to ensure that there isn't already anyone providing the same service, and if there is, seeing if you could join up with them.

There's a list of organisations that help ex-offenders here

http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/ForPrisonersFamilies/Whocanhelp

Savvy_Sue

You'll also want to see if you can sell your services to the local probation services. Trust me, attendance at your workshops will be increased if it's on a 'recommendation' from probation.

Also some of those topics might be valued by organisations offering support to homeless people and those struggling with substance abuse.

MalMonroe

What qualifications do you have? Are you a therapist, psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor? I am aware that anyone can set up as a therapist but I feel that you won't get funding for any of the subjects you mention unless you have qualifications. Not only in therapy but also in how to set up and manage a business. It's also unusual for one person to do it alone, usually two or more therapists form a group and apply together. 

You say the council has advised you to register as a charity or non-profit organisation - how do you plan to make a profit if that's the case because it doesn't sound as if they will provide funding?

Do you have a business plan and have you discussed this with a bank manager? 

Most of the topics you mention are already covered by the NHS or certified organisations and trained professionals who run regular free workshops. Some organisations welcome volunteers to help but there again you won't make any profit. 

I'm not being funny but dealing with potential and ex-offenders and potential gang members if you are not a trained professional can be dangerous and is probably best left to those who are qualified and trained to do that kind of work. 

Another point, your remit is quite large - self help, physical health, mental health, prison reform - do you have qualifications and experience in all of those things? You will be spreading your services very thinly. 

There must be a business that is easier to set up and run - this one sounds like a complete nightmare.

tacpot12

You don't need to be a charity to start with, and you will find it simpler if you are not.  You should have a look at whether being a company limited by guarantee (without share capital) would be a good structure to start with. 
Find a good local accountant to guide you on finances. 
Write down the fundamental objectives and principles as to how the organisation will operate; you need to be able to explain what your aims are and how you plan to achieve them in a way that is brief but engaging.
Network with similar organisations to find out ideas of what works and doesn't work for marketing, finding and managing volunteers, cost-effective IT systems and services, data security and protection, health and safety, etc. 
Try to create a plan that will get you to your first workshop. Don't worry if you don't know everything you need to do yet. Make a rough plan and add to it when you find something that has been missed. 
I would also suggest that you keep your eye out for a partner, someone you would trust and who shares your vision, and perhaps someone who brings something to the organisation that you do not or cannot bring.

Good luck! I hope you can make your idea fly.