Fundraising: Schools over the moon at this superstar fundraiser

Helen Whitcombe is an expert fundraiser for schools

Helen Whitcombe is an expert fundraiser for schools.  In fact, she has an amazing 90 per cent success rate.

Her secret? Knowing exactly where to source funding providers and compose compelling, detailed applications with clients.

Helen started Funding Connection after her 15 year struggle as a solo parent bringing up a child with autism, ADHD and Asperger Syndrome. “Research to source information, support and funding became a priority in my life.

“Along the way I met other mums who were not aware of some of the information I had found. Over the following two years I shared my learned information and provided support to more than 250 families.

“Funding Connection came about because of my passion for helping people.

“It also encompasses 30 years of working in the health, disability and education sectors plus volunteering with community organisations including: CCS Disability Action, ADHD Association, Autism NZ, Blind Foundation of NZ, Auckland Deaf Sign Singers and Lions.”

Helen was determined to make a difference in schools to ensure they were accessing all the funding providers they were entitled to apply to; not just the ones they apply to year after year.

“I understand emphatically that schools require funding over and above that provided by Government and school donations.

Funding is specific to your location. I research to source the funders that you are eligible to apply to then create your base list of potential funders. Completing funding applications is a team effort. While you provide the information, together we create an application that packs a punch!”

Here are some of Helen’s great ideas to improve your success:

Ensure your application will be well received

Prospective funding providers are represented by a committee which considers numerous applications for the same pool of funds. The committee may know little or nothing about your organisation. It is vitally important when you submit your application that it is complete and adequately supported. Funding Connection will assist and guide you through the process, helping avoid common pitfalls that may mean your application is not even considered.

Tips for your application

  • Provide supporting information with your application
  • Address your cover letter to the relevant funder
  • Be specific in what you are asking for
  • Submit your application well before the closing date
  • Ensure all the relevant boxes on the application form are ticked
  • Do not bind your application
  • Read the application criteria and instructions and adhere to them
  • Provide quotes that are dated and on the supplier’s letterhead

“Avoid common pitfalls that may mean your application is not even considered. Contact us today to get your funding sorted!”

Funding Connection can:

  • Source funders that you are eligible to apply to
  • Discuss your wish list with you
  • Obtain quotes and liaise with suppliers
  • Assist with collating supporting information
  • Draft the cover letter and resolution
  • Assist you to complete the application form

With a 9/10 success rate, here are some of our recent successes:

  • $41,000 towards IT equipment
  • $10,000 IT equipment
  • $9,100 towards wages
  • $25,000 towards wages
  • $1,900 towards two trikes for children with mobility challenges
  • $4,000 towards Garden to Table project
  • $7,000 towards bikes and helmets for the Bikes in Schools project
  • $10,00 towards a new school van
  • $13,000 towards heat pumps for our school hall
  • $5,000 towards IT equipment
  • $25,000 towards swimming pool upgrade
  • $20,000 towards wages

What clients are saying:

“Having struggled for five years to fund our very successful Meeting Challenges Programme, we engaged the services of Funding Connection to help us out.

Helen developed a plan, gathered the necessary supporting documentation, helped us through the application process, and then with remarkable dedication and perseverance, set to work.

The result? A total of $20 000 worth of grants received!

Thank you Helen. We were about to give up on our pursuit of funding.”
— Paul Patterson, Principal Fergusson Intermediate School – 29 June 2016

“Naenae Primary school has had the pleasure of working with Helen Whitcombe from Funding Connection for the past 18 months. During this time Helen has provided us with excellent support in the area of grant applications and fundraising. Helen’s work has been a major factor in gaining grants for a range of resources for our students.

Helen takes the stress and pressure off the school when making applications, by managing the processes from start to finish. She gathers all the necessary information relevant and completes the application. Helen is a tireless worker and has demonstrated great sensitivity to our needs. She is empathic and committed to ensuring a positive outcome. This allows the school to get on with our number one priority, the students and their learning.

Thank you Helen and Funding Connection for your great efforts and success in gaining our school grants.”
— Murray Bootten, Principal, Naenae Primary School – 4 July 2016

www.fundingconnection.co.nz
helen@fundingconnection.co.nz
04 237 6161
027 239 6161