Introduction to fundraising

In partnership with SCVO’s Funding Scotland service and trainer Pam Judson, we are delighted to bring this new and updated fundraising course designed with charities, community groups and social enterprises in mind.

The fundraising climate is increasingly competitive, while demand for voluntary sector services continues to grow. 

If you're new to fundraising or unsure where to begin, this course offers an introduction to key fundraising approaches and helps you identify what might work best for your organisation. 

Delivered over two interactive online sessions, this course provides practical guidance, real-world examples, and space to reflect on how to apply learning in your own context. All participants will receive a resource pack at the end, including slides, tools, templates, and useful links. 

This practical, introductory course explores the different ways organisations can raise funds from writing proposals to engaging individual supporters, businesses, and communities. It also covers the legal and ethical framework for fundraising in Scotland, offers approaches to thanking supporters and building lasting relationships, and highlights the important role of communication in successful fundraising. 

Session 1 focuses on: 

• What you need in place before you start fundraising 
• Understanding the Scottish fundraising landscape - who has the money, where it goes, and what it costs to fundraise 
• The legal and ethical responsibilities of fundraising in Scotland 
• Building a case for support - how to tell your organisation’s story clearly and compellingly 
• Exploring funding sources, including: 
  • Trusts, foundations, and funders with forms: research and application tips 
  • Individual giving: motivations and effective approaches 

At the end of the first session, you’ll complete a short homework task. Using what you've learned and a practical template, you’ll begin drafting your own case for support - a key document that outlines who you are, what you do, and why people should support you. 

Session 2 explores: 

• Group discussion and feedback on your draft case for support 
• How to approach companies for support and build partnerships 
• Making community and event fundraising work for your organisation 
• The Seven Steps of Fundraising: a practical model to guide your efforts 
• Making the most of free and low-cost fundraising tools and resources 

By the end of the course, you will gain: 

• Understanding - an introduction to a range of fundraising approaches and how they might apply to your organisation 
• Knowledge - practical tools and strategies for grant funding, supporter engagement, and community fundraising 
• Confidence - increased confidence to begin, manage, and communicate your fundraising activities 
• Action plan - a draft case for support and an idea for next steps to suit your organisation’s needs 

There are no formal entry requirements, but participants should have a role or interest in fundraising within a voluntary or community organisation. 

This is a participatory online course that includes breakout discussions and practical exercises. Please ensure you can attend both sessions and are comfortable using your camera and microphone.