If you are fundraising for a specific activity, define in detail the resources needed to carry out your activity or project. These might include:

• human resources – staff, volunteers, trustees, outside help such as trainers
• facilities – office space, meeting rooms, accessible WC, waiting room
• equipment – desks, chairs, telephones, photocopier, vehicles
• materials – stationery, cleaning equipment,
• other – insurance, volunteer expenses

Work out when you need the resources – do you need them in the short, medium or longer term? Using this information, you should be able to cost the resources. Make sure you are realistic and that you include everything.

Beware of the common mistakes that many groups make, such as:

• leaving out important running or capital costs
• underestimating costs
• cutting costs to appear more efficient
• thinking they can only meet all their needs through money
• thinking they have to own everything they use