Introduction to fundraising for a state school

Introduction to fundraising for a state school course - what can you expect?

Are you in a leadership position at a state school and exploring how to fundraise for your school?

Developed by Insight-ful, a leading UK fundraising consultancy and insight agency, this course offers you a practical introduction to fundraising covering basic principles and best practice. You will also learn some of the legal requirements and ethical considerations to fundraising.

As a result you will:

• be better able to develop a fundraising plan or strategy for your school; 
• be able to identify the key audiences and people who might be willing and able to donate to you; and 
• build strong and long lasting relationships with your donors.

Who is this course for?

The course is not about PTA fundraising or how to run a bake sale. It is about taking your fundraising to the next level and understanding how to approach people to ask for significant sums of money and how to develop compelling asks that inspire people to give.

This online course has been developed to cover the basics in three hours and is delivered by fundraisers with years of experience in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector.

The course has been specially developed for the leadership teams of state schools, head teachers, deputy heads and governors. Whether you are looking to take ownership of fundraising within your school yourself or delegate that task to someone else in the school, this course will be essential for helping you understand fundraising better and develop your knowledge on the subject. 

What are the benefits to you and your school?

By attending this course you will gain increased confidence through your improved knowledge and understanding of fundraising. This will help you develop your fundraising strategy, plans and start to develop the right fundraising asks for the right people. 

• You will have a better understanding of the fundamentals of why and how donors and supporters give, and gain insight into how you can measure the success of your activities.
• You will understand the different types of fundraising activity that exist, the different types of funder and learn how to present your case appropriately.
• You will learn about the legal requirements and standards which apply to fundraising and the role and importance of the independent Fundraising Regulator and Code of Practice. 

What will this course cover?

• Develop a compelling case for support
• Understanding the different income streams
• How to identify possible donors
• Stewardship and relationship building with potential donors
• Gift Aid
• Fundraising in a digital age
• How to make the 'ask'
• Ensure that your fundraising is legal and ethical
• Create great supporter communications
• Understand where to get more information and your next fundraising steps

The trainer

Jonathan Cook, Director of Insight-ful

With over 20 years of experience as a fundraiser for organisations including Save the Children, Action for Children, Turn2us, as well as stint in political fundraising, Jonathan is an expert in charity fundraising and of understanding donor behaviour. 

Since 2012, Jonathan has run charity fundraising consultancy Insight-ful, helping over 100 charities, not-for-profits, educational establishments, local authorities and healthcare providers to improve their fundraising. 

Jonathan is an experienced speaker, trainer, a published author of fundraising books and is a regular speaker on the UK not-for-profit  circuit. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmichaelcook

Course Length

3 hours 15 minutes (3 hours of teaching time with a 15 minute break)