Improving your bottom line

When it comes to fundraising strategies for historic places, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we are up against larger institutions, like hospitals and universities with sophisticated fundraising shops. It can be equally daunting to compete for earned revenue, when we are up against local business and tourism dollars.

But, we have so many strengths in the heritage sector. Historic places are beloved community assets, cornerstones of local memory and identity. We have compelling stories to tell potential donors, funders and corporate partners. We engage with our communities in so many ways and there are opportunities for us to contribute to the local economy.

We need to arm ourselves with the basics and understand the different types of revenue streams, including donation income, grants, sponsorship and earned revenue (social enterprise). Raising donation income, for example, requires a different mindset then approaching a local business to become a corporate partner. In this section of Regeneration Works, we have assembled a suite of learning opportunities (including tip sheets on each of the different types of revenue streams) and resources for you punch above your weight!