At CAN, we understand that finding the money to continue your work and realise your dreams for future growth can be difficult. The money you need could come from a wide range of sources including:

Donations from:

  • Individuals (including volunteering and legacies)
  • Private businesses (including cash, in-kind and employee volunteering)

Trading with:

  • Individuals
  • Voluntary organisations
  • Public sector bodies
  • Private businesses

Contracts with:

  • Voluntary organisations
  • Public sector bodies
  • Private businesses

Grants from:

  • Trusts and foundations
  • Public sector bodies
  • Private businesses

Gaining funding through a mix of sources is usually the best way to create a financially sustainable future. To check if your organisation is ready to apply for funding, please review the Funding Ready Flowchart.

The two local councils pay for websites that can help you identify possible sources of grant funding:

You can contact Steve Place (if you are in BCP) or Bekki Stalker (in Dorset Council area) with help on looking at your income. We also put on Training and Meet the Funder webinars where you can hear a presentation from a funder about their priorities and application process with Q&As (see here for current training programme).

CAN Members (membership is free) have access to more online resources, toolkits and videos and to our Funding Advisor. Louise Stewart can provide one to one support to CAN members across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including:

  • reviewing existing income streams
  • identifying potential sources of grant funding
  • developing a fundraising strategy
  • writing a better application
  • reviewing funding bids and applications

EMPOWERING the sector