Do small charities get a raw deal from trusts and foundations?

This month saw the return of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)’s National Convention to an in-person event for the first time since the start of the coronavirus crisis in March 2020.

It was a great occasion at The Barbican, and I had the pleasure of chairing a discussion on whether or not small charities get a raw deal from trusts and foundations.

I was lucky to have with me Jess Slate, CEO of SERVE, and Wayne Marriott from Bedfordshire Opportunities for Learning Disabilities (BOLD) – both leading small charities in the fields of services for the elderly, and training and job opportunities for the learning disabled, respectively.

They were able to tell our audience all about the challenges small charities face in raising grants from trusts and foundations, with actual examples which clearly resonated with delegates.

The other – and equally important – side of the coin was provided by David Laing, Chairman of both the Sir Kirby Laing Foundation and the David Laing Foundation, and Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Highlights of the panel discussion included varied and searching questions from the audience, which sparked lively debate and enabled all those participating to understand the views of different organisations and the challenges they faced.

A key point which emerged was that many small charities felt unable to follow up grant refusals, or believed that feedback would be refused. Both the foundation representatives were able to assure delegates that this was not the case for their organisations, and that follow up was actively encouraged.

A good omen for the future!

By Jimmy James|July 10th, 2022|news|0 Comments

About the Author: Jimmy James

Jimmy James BSocSc has been a Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising since 1995, and holds the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Diploma in Fundraising (MInstF Dip). In 2004, he became one of the first people in the UK to achieve the Certified Fundraising Executive qualification from CFRE International. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI). Minerva abides by and endorses the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Practice, and works in partnership with its clients to achieve each charity’s fundraising aims.

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We have always been grateful that we chose Jimmy James as our Fundraiser, his firm but encouraging handling of our Trustees combined with his thorough knowledge of relevant grant making trusts has served us well…in fact he has now been engaged by us again to carry out a Capital Appeal to enable us to own our own centre for autistic children.

Mervyn Terrett, Tracks Autism – Stevenage

You took us on a journey for which……..we had no experience. We owe you a great debt of thanks for your professionalism, skill, patience and, as the results to date show, for your success on behalf of the campaign.

John Emms, Chairman, Skinners’ Almshouse Charity

We asked Minerva Fundraising to undertake a complex funding bid to the Rural Payments Agency for a major capital grant from the EAFRD. This involved Minerva not only leading the funding bid, but also working with other agencies we’d involved in the project. Jimmy brought all the parties involved together and produced the submission, with the result that the funding bid was totally successful. Our capital project has now been completed and provided important new facilities for White Mills Marina. We’d certainly recommend Minerva to any organisation needing to raise major sums.

Debbie Skinner, Director, White Mills Marina

You have done an excellent job and we are very optimistic for the future. Thank you very much for what you have achieved… we could not have managed without you.

Jim Harker OBE, Chairman, Geddington Sports Pavilion

Thank you for all you have done over the last year to support our fundraising for Trinity3. I have appreciated your good communications, open direct approach, your advice and experience. I am sure I will be in touch again at some point.

Andrew Eastham, Chief Executive, Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust (FACT)

Jimmy James of Minerva Fundraising has a long association with SERVE and its work for older people and adults with disabilities in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Our requirements were very varied – ranging from specific projects and equipment needs to increasing our year-on-year fundraising. In all these areas our partnership with Minerva has been most successful. Minerva continues to meet our needs and has successfully raised funds for projects as diverse as capital building improvements, projects for our elderly and disabled beneficiaries; and key equipment items we need to deliver our services. We will continue to work with Minerva Fundraising with future projects..

Jess Slater, Chief Executive, SERVE – Northamptonshire

Jimmy James of Minerva Fundraising has a long association with SERVE and its work for older people and adults with disabilities in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Our requirements were very varied – ranging from specific projects and equipment needs to increasing our year-on-year fundraising. In all these areas our partnership with Minerva has been most successful. Minerva continued to meet our needs and has successfully raised funds for projects as diverse as capital building improvements, projects for our elderly and disabled beneficiaries; and key equipment items we need to deliver our services. We will continue to work with Minerva Fundraising with future projects.