At some point in time you’ll want to raise funds. Raising funds, like most activities, is easier if you have a plan.

Plan like a Pro

• Why are you fundraising? What is your purpose? It is always easier to fundraise for a particular project e.g. national championships
• Do you need to fundraise? Instead of purchasing something could you hire it or perhaps borrow from another club?
• Does your committee have enough time to organise this project or do you need a subcommittee?
• Complete a budget. There’s no point in fundraising if the exercise is going to cost you money. Make sure if you’re selling sausages, you’re pricing them correctly to cover your costs and allow for some “man over boards” and unsold product. Also think more broadly and make sure you’re not missing misc. items like hand sanitiser or oil.
• Set realistic time bound goals e.g. national championships might be six months away and your registration fees could be due in three. You might also need to book accommodation and flights in advance. Can you raise enough money for the initial costs? Can you raise enough for the total project? It’s worth noting applying for grants is a LONG process. Chances are if you require the money in a month you’re already too late.
• Who will you approach? This can have a big impact. Students may be more sympathetic to your cause but have little disposable income.
• How will you fundraise? Self or external?
• You can use something as simple as this Funding Calander to help plan.

Funding Options - Self-Funding

• Membership fees; these are not compulsory but your club does have the power to set these. Set to low you may be missing a funding opportunity, set to high you may turn off members.
• Tickets for events or activities e.g. a cultural night or showcase
• Various others e.g. sausage sizzles*, stadium clean ups, bake sales, scratchy trees, working bees etc.

*Sausage sizzles and food stalls do not require a permit from the council where they are for the purposes of fundraising for a non for profit organisation. You do however have a responsibility to make sure the food you provide is safe and suitable. Check the most recent guidelines with the Dunedin City Council. 

Have a look at this Fundraising directory page to get the discussions started here 

Donations

These could be from individuals or businesses in the form of cash or “in kind”. “In kind” is a term used for free services e.g. free or discounted physio or donated goods like old or discontinued merchandise from a store. Try and make it easy for people to donate e.g. add a donate button to your website or supply donation boxes at events.

Sponsorship

You will need to clearly outline the potential benefits from an association with your club to a prospective sponsor. Long story short if they don’t see a benefit they won’t sponsor you. Push for benefits such as brand exposure and increased sales.

Create a sponsorship strategy – don’t run around like a headless chicken

• identifying activities suitable for sponsorship
• writing a clear summary of, and budget for, the proposed activity
• identifying potential benefits for the sponsors
• establishing the value to the sponsor
• identifying potential sponsors and selecting who you will approach
• writing the sponsorship proposal
• approaching the sponsor, and
• follow-up with the sponsor (this is key, especially if you want ongoing sponsorship)

Push the benefits

• Brand exposure; stick their logo on everything (clothes, promo material and social media)
• Public recognition; specific shout outs on social media or during live events
• Allow the sponsor to use photos of events for their own promotions
• Distribute the sponsors advertising material to your members
• Offer a free motivational speech from a top notch athlete in your club
• Offer a free trial session for their employees or discounted membership

Using the University Campus for Events 

There may be an option to hire a space within the University Campus for fundraising or events. 

Requests of Campus Ground use go to Property Services, via an online form here.

You may be required to submit a Health & Safety plan along with your request. If you require assistance with this contact the University of Otago Health and Safety Office for guideance hsa@otago.ac.nz 

You can request a room booking at the university via the Timetables room bookings here