Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?

Subject: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: Deni
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:42 AM

Hi All,

Does anyone know any resource books for fundraisers, (UK) which help folk orgs stay within the law and make a healthy profit.

Cheers deni

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: Kernow John
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 04:29 AM

Deni
Is the fundraising for local needs ie village hall, or a recognised charity?
I ask because we've just run a very profitable folk day in aid of the local Lifeboat (mainly due to the generous nature of folk performers).

KJ

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 04:41 AM

If you find anything that gets you a HEALTHY profit, please let us know. Otherwise ...

The right info. sources really depend on where you are. In Wales, the Welsh Council of Voluntary Action (WCVA) publish a number of handbooks which would be a big help to you. Also, the Arts Council - which also has various sub-contracted bodies (like Voluntary Arts Association) providing one-to-one help.

In England, I would try ACRE, if you're rural (even if you're not you could still get their handbooks). Otherwise, regional arts associations and possibly even regional economic development bodies (some take the 'cultural industries' seriously).

Again if you're rural, Rural Communities Network in N.Ireland. In Scotland, I haven't a clue ...

Hope that helps.

sian

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: Deni
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 04:51 AM

Thanks for the response Jon and sian. I'll try those handbooks.

jon. The fundraising is for a folk festival! Not charitable status.

I'll keep looking. I had in mind a handbook with dos and donts. For example. i believe you are not allowed to collect, without a license. does any know whether a birthday draw would constitue gaming.

I took part in one and it went like this... Sian, I believe it is a good way to make a healthy profit....but...

Instead of a raffle ticket, participants pay a pound and enter their name and phone number in a diary. They can pick their birthday or other special date. Half the money goes towards the prize, the other half to your fundraising efforts. You can see how many entries, therefore how much money has been collected. Just before the event, you draw the winning number. Would this sort of draw be legal? It's things like that I'm concerned about.

The answers may all be in the handbooks!

Also I'd like to organise a concert, and already have poeple willing to perform free or for a percentage of the door. But I believe tehre are lots of rules governing selling alcohol and having food hygeine certificates etc...

Cheers

deni

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 06:05 AM

Yes, Deni, you need to contact both your local Arts Council/Association and Voluntary Association. The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) might be able to supply a list.

Also, many Local Authorities / County Councils also have handbooks and check lists which will provide the info you need.

Sian

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 08:41 AM

Local Arts councils, since last year, have a specific brief on Folk music and realted arts. Approach them with the view of doing something new and appealing to more people, particularly any smaller or minority groups within your community, and you will stand more of a chance.

As to the do's and don'ts. Remember you are not a charity. You are therefore a non-profit making organisation or business. You are goverened by the same rules as they are. If it is the former you need a constitution and a bank account in the name of the organisation. If it's the later you need to register your business and submit full accounts, reports etc. and pay tax on the profits.

Collecting for a non-charity would be out - unless your local council is happy with begging! i wouldn't worry too much about raffles etc. If anyone in authority says it is not legal tell them you will not do it again. I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for illegal gaming for running a raffle - at least not in this context.

Do you have a friendly solicitor and accountant? They will advise you best. Otherwise please feel free to get in touch.

Dave the Gnome
Organiser, Swinton Folk Club and Festival (Non-profit making)

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 06:32 PM

Be careful about who and what is covered by your public liability insurance. You could end up relying on a policy that covers acts by the committe but not by the volunteer stewards who are actually dealing with the punters.

Your best bet is to take another festival organiser to a quiet pub for a long session.

Subject: RE: Help: Folk Fundraising resource(s), UK? Info?
From: Deni
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 02:15 AM

Hi Dave the gnome. Points taken and understood. Local arts council it is, then.

Hi Peter from Essex.

Good idea.

There must be guidelines for grants too. when you think of it, new set-ups are probably struggling all the time with having grant applications denied when other festivals have got it off to a fine art and are drawing money in left right & centre.

Maybe I'll start a thread on grant applications!

Cheers

deni