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This week, the level of local authority cuts has started to become clearer but we are still waiting to understand the specific implications on funding for rural towns and communities. Consequently, this month we focus on the question of funding with a brief update on what some local authorities are doing, an insight into how some groups have successfully secured funding and some useful hints and tips to help others emulate their success.
If, like us, you'll be celebrating Christmas and the New Year, we’d also like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of the festive season and hope to be able to help many of you ensure a successful 2011.
Our office will be closed from 25th December until 4th January - have a great break!
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Cuts, cuts and more cuts
Whatever transpires over the next few months, funding pressures mean making the case for tourism as a driver of economic and social benefit is more important than ever. Successful communities are working with their local authorities to research the tangible benefits visitors bring to an area and building the case for funding accordingly.
Some authorities are supporting destination marketing organisations directly. For example, the new South Downs National Park receives funding from the councils within its catchment area. But local towns and communities must proactively engage with and press the Park authority to ensure that funding underpins tangible, local benefits.
Jean Roberts-Jones, Board member of South East Rural Communities Council (SERCC) commented:
“Somerset County Council decided to cut all funding to the Civil Society for 2011/12. Some, like Surrey, are holding back until the New Year to make decisions, but cuts will come to many groups over the next six months. Rural areas will be hit hardest because they are often more expensive to run.
How will groups cope? There certainly won’t be an increase in other areas of funding such as trusts or other national funds so voluntary groups will need to partner local businesses or look to start up trading arms and become social enterprises.
Rural Community Councils can provide practical support in this process, to help develop ideas and collaborate with others in these challenging times.”
For more details, visit the South East Rural Community Councils website.
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Finding & winning grant funding
There are various fundraising opportunities communities can pursue but grants from public and charitable sources remain popular in spite of financial pressures. For ideas on the other key types and how some Hidden Britain communities have been successful, look at our destination spotlight below.
Applying for any kind of grant funding entails researching available sources of potential funding and then putting together a ‘case for support’ for your community which clearly outlines your project and the benefits it will bring. The key to success is aligning your project benefits to the objectives of the grant-making body as they must fulfill specific funding aims. The easier you make it for them, the more likely your bid is to succeed.
Public sector funding may still be available in 2011 and lottery funding will still be around. One potential difference we may see is an increase in part-funding or match-funding opportunities. This requires communities to part-fund projects themselves which makes the other forms of fundraising even more important.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the time and expertise needed to secure and then administer public funding. A good solution is to find people in your groups with excellent organisation and administrative skills to ensure you meet all the funders’ needs.
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Destination Spotlight - community fundraising success
We've helped many communities throughout the fundraising process and have pulled together some of those experiences for this month's destination spotlight. If you want to see how the teams in Steyning, St. Margarets, Westerham and Chilham all approached the issue of fundraising differently, then read on...
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Hints & Tips - fundraising
We thought we'd give you a sneak preview of our forthcoming community fundraising toolkit... here are some of the most powerful tips based on our real-world experience:
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When applying for grants, read the funding guidance carefully. Follow it to the letter and provide everything asked for.
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Be very clear about exactly what you are doing, why you are doing it and most importantly, who will benefit.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for funds! Austerity is the watchword right now but you never know who might have money available if the cause is right and your plan delivers something they value.
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Engage local businesses early in the process, having them on board will make raising contributions much easier.
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Show evidence of how you have spent any funds to the key stakeholders and to any other interested parties – we don’t just mean receipts! Evidence the benefits the investment has helped deliver.
There are plenty more great hints, tips and advice on developing all aspects of a tourism project or idea at the Hidden Britain website. Click here to find out more |
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