A new way to fundraise locally
BY BUZZ
Greenham Common Trust is to launch a new web portal called findmeagrant which will go live on September 1st this year. It’s predicted to transform the way individuals, charities and community groups can access grants and donations for projects and services.
Greenham Common Trust’s current system has lasted 14 years and distributed millions of pounds for local charities and organisations.
The idea for findmeagrant was to create a simple, easy-to-use online system, using the latest technology, to enable an applicant to create one application form to access multiple grant makers and the general public for donations. It will also significantly improves internal administration and reduces costs.
Greenham Common Trust Chief Executive Stuart Tagg said: “Our investment in findmeagrant will be more than returned in providing a modern, efficient system for organisations and individuals to access grant funding and public donations. It will also provide a one-stop-shop for grant making bodies because it rationalises all the information for their requirements in one access point. This is the future of local fundraising.”
The web portal has been developed by local IT firm Conifer Consulting Ltd in partnership with Greenham Common Trust’s commercial subsidiary Greenham Business Park Ltd.
Conifer Consulting Ltd Chief Executive Nadeem Soomro added: “I am confident that this portal will be used in other areas throughout the UK.”
The Trust will also match public donations up to £5,000 per project application if the project meets our eligibility criteria. Gift Aid will also be applied to donations where possible. Donations are made online through a free secured third party credit card service and there is no administration fee.
Julian May from the Greenham Common Trust also said this system will improve the intelligence about grant applicants, public donors and grant makers, allowing you to see the bigger picture. He adds it “has the potential to make people think a bit more carefully about their grants and work together.”
Grant givers already signed up are the Greenham Common Trust, West Berkshire Council, West Berkshire Partnership, and Greater Greenham Partnership and other grant givers could include housing associations, local charitable trusts and town councils.
There will be a public presentation at 11am on August 31st at the Corn Exchange. Places are limited so if you wish to attend please contact Julian May on 01635 817407 or email [email protected]. For more information on findmeagrant please visit www.findmeagrant.org or the Trust’s website www.greenham-common-trust.co.uk.
