Fundraising

Criterion: Resources

The implementation of a project requires financial resources. The process of organizing financial resources is also called 'fundraising'. The executing institution itself can be indirectly involved with the financing, in providing the necessary infrastructure and other resources (see 'Infrastructure'), or directly, in providing capital from a project fund. The capital is often not sufficient to finance a project. There is the possibility of contacting financial institutions and foundations or companies from the private sector and asking for financial assistance.

Examples of such organizations in Switzerland are:

Health Promotion Switzerland
Federal Office for Public Health
Cantonal departments of health
Foundations (see directory of foundations)

These funding institutions usually prefer to have mixed financing for projects.
This is why you must keep several potential backers in mind right from the beginning of the development phase of a project. Depending on the institution or privately owned organization, the conditions for financial backing are different and some flexibility is required in order to adapt to their requirements.

Support for a project does not necessarily mean a financial contribution. Goodwill declarations from institutions, politicians or other well known experts can also be helpful in order to raise funds successfully.

Why you would disregard these aspects

You are confident that the project will raise enough interest since it fits into an existing programme and therefore you consider that no time needs to be spent on contacting key players of funding institutions or organizations.
You already have confirmation from a reliable source that there is enough interest for such a project and you feel it is not necessary to check the validity of such a statement.
You underestimate the value of theoretical declarations of support.

What you have to gain

Depending on sufficient internal and external funds you will be able to realise the project in the way you have planned it.

What you can actually do

Determine who might be a potential financial backer and who might be interested in your project. Get in contact with people who have sufficient knowledge in this area and consult foundation directories, annual reports and guidelines of institutions and private companies.

Ask for the criteria and priorities by which funds are allocated by the different organizations.

If you are well prepared and convincing when presenting your project to representatives of funding institutions and private organizations you can raise interest and may be even obtain a commitment. Distributing a short, clear and appealing written description of your project is very helpful and can later be used again as a memorandum. Also check under what circumstances and up to what amount potential support would be possible. Do not miss the occasion of explaining convincingly why your project deserves to be supported and why it fits into the institution's or company's profile. You should also give details on who else you are going to ask for support and who has already agreed on a financial contribution.

If you are unable to raise financial support you should try to raise goodwill declarations.

Questions for critical reflection

Have all potential funding organizations or financial backers been contacted?
Is a short hand-out of your project available for potential backers?
Are there important institutions and key players who support the project with goodwill declarations?