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People and communities

Sustaining your ward project

Funding from ward grant applications is given for a single year, often to fund the start up costs for an organisation or project. Ward grants are not intended to fund ongoing projects or the staffing costs associated with these.

We understand that for many organisations finding continued funding can be time consuming and difficult.

Check the financial model for your project

You could develop your financial model to provide ongoing income, for example:

  • request voluntary donations from participants
  • sell products made by the group to bring in additional funds
  • invite payments for your project that can be afforded by the client; "pay as you feel"

Consider fundraising activities

There are a number of options available to raise funds, in addition to initial funding from ward grants.

Approach a local business for sponsorship

Sponsorship from a local business may be particularly appropriate if you are looking for equipment which could be branded with a sponsors name and logo, for example clothing or sports equipment.

This would also serve as good publicity for any businesses associated with your project.

Host a community fundraising event

Community events can be a good way to raise the profile of your project, as well as to raise funds.

Community events can take a variety of forms, such as:

  • fairs and fêtes
  • quizzes or competitions
  • jumble sales
  • sponsored events

Consider crowd funding

Crowd funding is an increasingly popular way to raise money for an organisation or cause. A variety of crowd funding platforms are available.

York Spacehive offers a locally based platform to promote and to raise funding for your project.

Alternative sources of grant funding

You may be able to find alternative grant funding for your project. There are a number of organisations which help with advice and grants for York projects.

York CVS

York Council for Voluntary Service (York CVS) provide help and advice on funding to local voluntary, charitable and social enterprise organisations.

See information about funding opportunities from York CVS, where you can also sign up to their funding newsletter which contains details of local and national grant funders.

The Feoffees of St Michael's of Spurriergate

The Feoffees of St Michael's of Spurriergate are an independent grant-making trust committed to helping the citizens of York.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation York Committee

Part of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, The York Committee makes grants to organisations to help improve the quality of life in York, particularly those who are affected by poverty.

Training and developing volunteers

One of the best ways to make a project sustainable is to train and develop volunteers during the funded year of your project, so that they are able to deliver the project in subsequent years.

You will need to develop a role description for volunteers and work out how many you need to staff the project.

York CVS are able to provide support in the recruitment of volunteers.

Many organisations in York use the volunteering database, Do-it.org to successfully recruit volunteers.

Organisations also successfully recruit volunteers from the student population in York. See further information about volunteering opportunities with York St John University.

Also see

Communities Team

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 551832