Council provides fundraising know-how

Archived press release

Date Published: 12/09/08

An exciting training programme for voluntary and community groups in Aylesbury Vale starts this month.

The fundraising training is being organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council and will cover key topics including how to write a grant application and the best way to approach charitable trusts and foundations.

The need to develop fundraising skills has never been more important. With pressure on traditional sources of income, it is essential that voluntary and community groups are able to tap into as many resources as possible to secure the future of their services.

A number of training courses will take place over the next few months, starting on 24 September with a session on writing a project grant application. The courses will be held at the Buckingham Centre in Buckingham and Booker Park School in Stoke Mandeville.

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “Without successful fundraising, local voluntary and community organisations would not be able to deliver the vital services they provide residents in the Vale. Our fundraising training programme has been set up in response to the needs identified by the local voluntary sector and is open to all. The programme is subsidised by the council to enable as many different organisations to attend.

“Much of the fundraising carried out in the Vale is by volunteers who freely give their time to help raise money for specific projects or causes to meet the needs of the community. It is therefore vital that these individuals are given the opportunities to develop their skills which in turn will help improve the stability and future of voluntary and community sector services in the Vale.”

To book a place on the training programme, call the grants and voluntary sector team on 01296 585256 or email fundraisingcourses@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk