The Importance of U in Fundraising

We all know that the competition is getting fiercer out there. I was looking at one funding body yesterday and they warned that less than 5% of the applicants are successful. How many man hours are spent in this country writing unsuccessful funding applications? This also means that there is a huge amount of stress put on the poor funding bodies who have to go through hundreds of grant applications to choose the winners.

I know people are starting to get more creative with funding bids and are submitting DVDs and other forms of multi media to stand out from the crowd on first look. This is crucial in today's world. I also think in this age of uber information success in the third sector depends on your ability to convince people that you are real and working with real people. How can you do that?

You and your organisation need to shine through as much as the people who you are helping do. The reality is, no matter what you do or how well you you are doing it, if you can't engage your funder or sponsor, you will not get a second chance in a pile of bids. Your goal is to keep ‘em reading, whether that is on a website or an application. If your funder likes your “voice” and your “music”, then you’re on your way to getting through to the critical next stage in the process.

People are more likely to donate to people. Include something on your website that tells your personal story and the story of your organisation so that your supporters can relate to you when they visit your website for the first time. Even if you don't feel competent in your writing skills, don't worry, people relate to REAL people. Anyway, once you get those creative juices flowing you might just surprise yourself.
People will trust and relate to you more if you share your background and what you
were looking for when you got started, as well as WHY you are so passionate about your charity or social enterprise.

Tell them a little about you. Most people are involved in charity work because they have been personally affected in some way themselves. I am so passionate about this because I have been there myself and I feel passionate about finding ways for the amazing and caring people to free themselves from financial worry and just get on with doing their charitable work. I also want them to have some kind of life outside of that work. So let your supporter find some common ground and relate to you on many different levels. You never know exactly where someone might find a connection with you, so include as much detailed info as you can, as long as it’s on topic.

You’ll be more likely to attract like-minded funders and supporters that way too, which will make your life so much easier when you are delivering what you have agreed to deliver. Remember, YOU are the one thing that sets you apart from everyone
else in the field. And your story is the one thing that no one can duplicate.
Writing your story out will require a bit of thought, but it will be well worth it.

When you are finished, let a few people read it and get some feedback. Do remember to ask people who will be honest rather than say what they think you want to hear!

Have fun with it! Make it interesting, add photos that people will relate to, but keep it professional too.

I would love to see any examples and would be happy to post them on here. Mine about me page is www.whoiskayhebbourn.com. Happy to have feedback from you!

Remember to ask me how Yahoo! is willing to give your charity or SE a free guaranteed funding stream.