Other sources of funding

• Charity Excellence – grant funding directory
• Community Works – grant funding directory
• My Funding Central – (free for small organisations)
• Community Matters Newsletters – you can sign up for these
• Many local authorities subscribe to the IDOX database:
  Cambridgeshire
  Hertfordshire
• You could also contact your local Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) or Voluntary Action

• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Awards for All – National Lottery £300-£20000 for projects lasting up to 2 years
• Reaching Communities – National Lottery £20,001 – £20,000,000 to strengthen communities and improve lives, up to 5 years of funding
• Government Funding
• Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funding is often accessed through your local council. The program primarily targets school-aged children (reception to year 11) who receive benefits-related free school meals. Some forums have used this to fund family events and also worked with their local authority to ensure these events are inclusive

Some of the funds listed below will be closed for applications now but reopen annually. You will need to check if you are eligible to apply, some will not fund Community Interest Companies (CICs)

The Truemark Trust – applications in writing only

Comic relief – Groundwork

Co-op local community fund

Esmee Fiarbairn

Garfield Weston Foundation

Greggs Foundation community funding

Postcode trust

Tescos

• Equal Chance vs. Prize Gaming:
• Equal Chance Gaming (e.g., Bingo): Every player must have an equal chance of winning. The total value of all stakes and entry fees per person cannot exceed £8 per day. The total value of prizes at one event cannot exceed £600 (or £900 for a final event in a series).
• Prize Gaming (e.g., a “guess the number of sweets in a jar” competition): The prize value is determined in advance and is not dependent on the number of players or money collected. There are no limits on stakes, prizes, or fees, as long as the prizes are not based on the amount of money raised.
• Purpose: The activity must be for a good cause, and players must be informed of this cause beforehand. No one should profit from the event.
• Location: The gaming must take place at a non-commercial venue (e.g., a school hall or community space) and cannot be held at a licensed gambling premises like a casino.
• Online/Virtual: You cannot run online bingo for fundraising without a licence. All play must be physical and in person.

• Purpose: The lottery must be a part of a non-commercial event, like a school fete, charity dinner, or community fair. The lottery cannot be the primary reason for the event.
• Ticket Sales: All tickets must be sold and the draw must take place during the event. You cannot sell tickets online or in advance of the event.
• Prizes & Expenses: There are limits on the money you can spend on prizes and expenses. The total value of purchased prizes must not exceed £500, and expenses (like printing tickets or equipment hire) must not exceed £100 It is best practice to secure donated prizes to maximize the funds raised.
• Profit: All proceeds must go to a “good cause” and cannot be for private gain.
• Ticket Price: All tickets must be sold at the same price.
• Age Limit: Tickets can only be sold to people aged 16 or over.18
• No Licence Required: You do not need a licence or to register with your local authority to run this type of lottery.

Online fundraising sites can include:

• Facebook – Donation button or fundraisers
• Easyfundraising
• JustGiving Online fundraising donations and ideas
• Donr Digital fundraising solutions for charities

Some forums have been nominated for awards and invited to major events, where they’ve had the chance to network with local businesses. As a result, they’ve gained support — like free venue space from a garden centre owner and discounts on food and drink. Some businesses will sponsor fundraising events but be careful of your budget and consider how much you are likely to raise from doing big events.

Think about the contacts you have in your forums steering group and whether you could approach any of these to help sponsor the forum or a forum event.

Some local authorities will let forums have rooms for free or give support from their teams such as media and marketing

Some voluntary sector organisations will have low cost rooms or give you free office space – or lower costs.

A number of forums are run and supported by volunteers with no paid staff  – volunteers can help boost your capacity and it’s an opportunity to build up their skills and experience. Read more about managing volunteers.