Presenting at Events

One of the most unusual and interesting aspects of The Funding Network is that all the charities that present at TFN events are nominated by our members. TFN members are encouraged to sponsor social change projects that they wish to promote. We work in this way to benefit from members’ knowledge of young charitable organisations in need of funding, to deepen members’ involvement in the important charitable work going on around them, and also because we do not have an administrative structure equipped to process unsolicited applications.

TFN is a grassroots movement and we want our sponsored projects to come from a wide and diverse group of people. Many, but by no means all, of our members have a cause or particular charity that they feel strongly about. Becoming a TFN member allows this charity to have an opportunity to be funded by the whole group. Members may sponsor up to 2 projects for any one Funding Event.

Charities seeking to present at TFN

If you are from a charity seeking funding and you do not know a member of TFN who might wish to propose your organisation, we recommend that a Trustee or unpaid volunteer who knows your organisation well attend a TFN event with a view to becoming a member. We welcome new members. Please note, however, that TFN always receives more applications than slots available and there is no guarantee that an individual organisation will be chosen to present by TFN’s Selection Panel.

What is involved in being a sponsor?

1. Sponsors must be current members of The Funding Network, must have attended a Funding Event and have donated (minimum £100) to at least one other project.  For one year membership ending 31 March 2012, individual membership is £85, couples/family membership is £120 and and corporate membership is £250.  Pledges at London events start at £100.
2. Finding a project that will suit The Funding Network  for which you are willing to pledge a minimum of £250 if it is selected. This £250 is intended as a ‘bona fide’ – an indication that you are confident the project is sound and would spend the money wisely. If you don’t know the organisation well, you should assure yourself of this by reading their Annual Report or latest accounts.
3. Giving the project advice (how much is up to you) on writing a two-page application; contact us for the 2 page application guidelines.
4. Sponsors are excluded from being on the Selection Panel considering their project.

What about conflicts of interest?

Sponsors may not be in the paid employ (including consultancy) of a project they sponsor. Other kinds of personal connection with projects, such as Trustee/mentor/volunteer relationships, are fine. Members are asked to clarify their relationship to the project when the two page application is submitted.

To read more about becoming a TFN member, click here.

Email: Tillie@thefundingnetwork.org.uk

Telephone: 0845 313 8449