14. Other ways to raise funding
14. Other ways to raise funding
As well as applying for grants, there are other ways to raise funding including
Crowdfunding and Community Shares - Raising funds online from peers and the wider community.
Social Investment - Through recognised social investors.
Sponsorship - Funding from specific businesses in return for promotion and publicity associated with your organisation.
Community Fundraising and Events - Locally organised opportunities.
Pro bono work or donations from local companies
Some companies have a requirements to fulfil for their Community Benefit Payback and so may be able to help you.
More info on other ways to raise funding
Crowdfunding models
- Donation based – small donations with no reward system. Traditional donations gathered through an online system. E.g. Indiegogo, JustGiving, GoFundMe
- Rewards based – the social enterprise gives rewards to its backers. Platforms include: Kickstarter, Crowdfunder UK
- Equity based – sell shares in your company to raise capital. It is Complex and regulated. See: crowdcube. Community Shares Scotland and DTAS provide information and support for community organisations wishing to investigate this option. Specific legal structures are required to enable community organisations to issue shares to raise funds. E.g. a Community Benefit Society
- Lending Based - peer to peer and peer to business lending. E.g. LendingCrowd
Social Investment loans
Lending organised through recognised social investors which may be more open to patient capital or longer pay back terms than traditional banks. Your organisation will need to be investment ready and able to show that you can pay back the loan and meet the terms and conditions. E.g. Social Investment Scotland, and Triodos Bank
Sponsorship
Funding from specific businesses in return for promotion and publicity associated with your organisation. Identify local or relevant businesses to form working relationships with and approach them with a clearly laid out proposition for sponsorship. How much money are you requesting annually and what will you offer their company in return?
Community Fundraising and Events
Locally organised activities with an entrance fee, raffle, silent auction, race night or other opportunities to encourage people to attend and pay for activities, in order to raise funds.
Back to main page
