Thank you for your interest in applying to The Funding Network Hertfordshire's live crowdfunding event, taking place online from 6.00 - 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd March.
We are inviting Hertfordshire-based charities to pitch to an online audience, with the aim of raising around £3,000 - £5,000. Successful applicants will also benefit from support in preparing their funding pitch and the guidance of a fundraising professional ahead of the event.
Please read the below guidance before continuing with your application.
What kind of organisations will be considered?
TFN supports not-for-profit organisations and projects that aim to achieve social change. To see examples of previously funded non-profits, please visit our website.
In addition:
· TFN does not support organisations which involve the promotion of any specific religion or political party.
· Applicants do not have to be a registered charity but must be a registered not-for-profit with clearly stated charitable aims.
· Applicants should have an annual income of £500,000 or under
· For our this event, TFN will only accept applications from organisations which work in Hertfordshire or have their national / international office based in that region.
Organisations that have already pitched at TFN Herts may re-apply. If you would like to discuss your options before completing your application please contact jennie@thefundingnetwork.org.uk.
What is the role of the Sponsor?
TFN was created as a network of people interested in giving to social change organisations, and the requirements for "sponsoring" an application reflect this. The Sponsor must know your work well, but not be paid by your organisation. If selected, your Sponsor must be prepared to publicly pledge at least £250 to your organisation and speak in support of it on the night. These requirements are designed to give other members of the audience confidence in your work and encourage donations.
Sponsors may not be in the paid employ of an organisation that they sponsor; other kinds of personal affiliation, such as trustee, mentor, or volunteer relationships, are entirely acceptable.
Application Process
Please complete the following application form by 10am on 19th January.
There is the option to save the form and access it via your email address and a password so that multiple people can work on the application. When completing your application please do not provide links to other reading or documents.
Selection Process
The selection process has two parts - all applications are initially read and scored against criteria to create a shortlist. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to a ten-minute phone call with our panel - these calls will take place between 4.30 - 6.30pm Tuesday 26th January. This is designed in part to judge the ability of your proposed presenter and it is therefore essential that they be available for this call. All applicants are informed of the outcome a few days after this meeting.
Three organisations will be selected to present at this event, with the aim of getting a good variety of issues. TFN always receives more applications than slots available but will we endeavour to give feedback to all applicants.
Preparing for the event
Selected presenters are required to attend a workshop with the TFN team prior to the event to help prepare their pitch. This will take place from 2.30 - 4.30pm on Tuesday 9th February. We will also ask that you attend a rehearsal ahead of the event.