Fundraising? How to Take the First Step!

Do you want to raise money for a good idea or important project as a foundation or association, but don’t know where to start? Fundraising sometimes seems like a big task, but with good preparation, you can get quite far. A strong foundation starts with clearly working out four simple steps:

1. The Problem

A good project starts with a clear and urgent societal problem. Show why this is important.

• What is the societal problem?
• What are the consequences of this problem?
• For whom is this a problem?
• Why is it urgent to act now?

2. Our Solution

Briefly describe how you want to tackle this problem and what you are seeking support for.

• What is the general solution to this problem?
• What is our specific solution or project?
• What is the funding needed for?
• What do we want to achieve with this project?

3. The Implementation

Funds want to see that your plan is feasible. Show how you will do it and what you contribute yourselves.

• What do we contribute ourselves (time, money, effort)?
• When is the money needed?
• Which income sources will we use (funds, sponsors, donors)?
• Do we need people, materials, or other resources?

4. Our Organization

Show who you are and why you are the right organization to carry out this project.

• Who are we?
• What do we stand for?
• Why are we the right organization to tackle this?

Help at Every Step of the Process

Do you want to be well-prepared for fundraising? Or are you ready for the next step? There are various resources to make fundraising easier:

• Concrete tips for writing a strong funding application.
• Take a fundraising training. You can find our current offerings here.
• Contact one of our advisors for a free consultation. They are happy to think along and review your work! They have knowledge and experience in writing applications and finding suitable funds.
• At every VCA location, a funds directory is available to find funds that match your plan. Make an appointment with the advisor to view the directory or look through it together.
• A handy template for a project plan, which you can use as a follow-up to the steps mentioned above, can be found here.
• Various websites can help in finding funds:
  • findnfund.com
  • fondseninnederland.nl/fondsen
• Or take a look at our list of funds to see if there is one that suits you.