FUNDING
Client Guide
How we secure funding requires a strategic approach that combines understanding available funding sources, demonstrating the impact of our work, and building relationships with funders.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how we get funding:
- Identifying Appropriate Funding Sources
- Local and National Government Programmes: Look into mental health, social care, and diversity and inclusion initiatives supported by both local authorities and national governments in Wales and England.
- Community Funds: Many councils and regional governments offer community-focused grants aimed at improving wellbeing, tackling inequalities, and supporting mental health projects, especially those targeting ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups.
- Mental Health Foundations: we seek funding from foundations that focus on mental health, such as the Mental Health Foundation or the Wellcome Trust. Many of these organisations are interested in innovative mental health interventions and education programs.
- Community and Equality Funds: Foundations like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation fund projects that work on equal opportunities, community support, and human rights.
- Big Lottery Fund: This is a major funder of community projects in the UK, offering grants to projects focused on mental health, community wellbeing, and social equality.
- Businesses and Corporations: Many companies have CSR programmes where they support charitable or social projects. Target companies that align with your mission, especially those with a focus on health, diversity, and inclusion.
- Tech Companies and Startups: Some technology companies are investing in mental health innovations and may be willing to sponsor educational programmes or offer pro-bono services.
- Businesses and Corporations: Many companies have CSR programmes where they support charitable or social projects. Target companies that align with your mission, especially those with a focus on health, diversity, and inclusion.
- Tech Companies and Startups: Some technology companies are investing in mental health innovations and may be willing to sponsor educational programmes or offer pro-bono services.
- Host charity events such as awareness walks, workshops, or community days that highlight your cause and raise funds. Consider involving local businesses or celebrities to sponsor these events.
- Offer tiered sponsorship packages where donors or sponsors can receive recognition in exchange for their financial support (e.g., naming an initiative after them or providing media exposure).
- We collaborate with local NHS trusts or clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) that might be interested in supporting mental health initiatives, particularly those focusing on ethnic minorities and culturally competent care.
- Mental health charities like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Samaritans may also be willing to offer funding or in-kind support.
- Developing a Clear, Impact-Focused Proposa
- We are specific about what CultureMindsUK aims to achieve (e.g., improving access to mental health services for African men, reducing stigma, and empowering leaders to advocate for mental health).
- We link our work to measurable outcomes, such as how many people you will reach, the programs you will deliver, and the long-term impact of these initiatives.
- Provide data and research to support why mental health programmes for ethnic minority men are critical. Use statistics to demonstrate disparities in access to mental health services and the cultural barriers your organisation aims to address.
- Use testimonials, case studies, or letters of support from community members and leaders to illustrate the real-world impact of your work.
- Develop a detailed and transparent budget outlining how funds will be used, including programme costs (e.g., staffing, materials, outreach), operational expenses, and evaluation costs.
- Show how different levels of funding can support specific parts of your mission.
- Funders want to know that their investment will have lasting benefits. Show how you plan to sustain your projects beyond initial funding (e.g., through future partnerships, additional grants, or revenue-generating activities like training programs).
- Build Relationships with Funders
- Understand each funder’s priorities and tailor your proposal to align with their mission. Make sure your values and goals closely match what the funder is interested in supporting.
- Whenever possible, we try to meet or speak directly with potential funders. Establishing a personal connection can help make your application stand out.
- Attend networking events, conferences, or workshops where funders may be present.
- Partner with other local or national organisations with similar missions. Collaborative projects can often attract larger or joint funding opportunities.
- Demonstrating a strong partnership can increase your credibility and show that your work has widespread support.
- Use an Impact Measurement Framework
- Funders want to know that their money will have a tangible impact. Use a framework to measure and report on the success of your programmes, such as:
- Outcomes and Evaluation Metrics: Demonstrate how you will measure mental health improvements, participation rates, or community engagement.
- Regular Reporting: Offer to provide regular updates to funders on how their money is being used and the progress of your initiatives. You can use statistics, success stories, and feedback from participants.
- Leverage Existing Relationships
- If you’ve previously worked with funders, maintain good relationships by sharing updates on your ongoing projects and keeping them informed of new initiatives. Funders are more likely to invest in organisations they trust and have supported before.