When considering different sources for all of the elements you need, save time by identifying sources of funding that are appropriate and therefore are more likely to be successful. It is also wise to gain funding from a number of different sources – this will help to create stability, as it avoids reliance on one funder or one type of funding

When considering different funders, consider:

• their criteria, interests and guidelines
• past experience – knowledge you have gained through previous attempts to secure funding
• your timescale and theirs – dates of application and response, time to develop an event
• established relationships – friendly sources of support, previous supporters
• your market strengths – good name, strong membership, innovation, and so on
• your limitations – geography, legal, ethical
• your resources – fundraising itself requires resources. The first part of your plan may be to bring in more resources, for example a small team of volunteers, so that you can fundraise more effectively

Funding may come from a variety of different sources, so make sure you explore opportunities with each of the following:

• local authorities
• charitable trusts
• corporates
• personal/participative giving
• European funding
• local voluntary service council funding

A list of funding bodies is available within this section, although bear in mind that this is not comprehensive, and there may be other ones local to your group.