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How much work is involved in fundraising? The amount of work required for fundraising varies enormously between different funding sources and the amount you need to raise. Funding sources such as raffles or asking for donations can be quick and easy, whereas running an appeal for a new roof may take over a year to achieve and require considerable motivation. Requirements for funding applications can vary; some are complex requiring accompanying materials, such as a business plan, whereas others, such as Awards for All from the Lottery or grants from your local county voluntary council (CVC) are designed to be accessible to smaller and newly established groups. How much money can we access? The money that can be generated from fundraising varies from a few hundred pounds to millions. The amount you are likely to attract is generally in proportion to your present income. So if you are raising money for the first time, do not expect to achieve huge sums. Funders like to see a track record of success and have the confidence that a group can manage larger grants. A good starting point is the ‘Finding and getting money section’ of WCVA’s website at http://www.wcva.org.uk/adviceguidance/finding-and-getting-money, where you can download factsheets on all aspects of the subject from developing a strategy to making applications and running events. County Voluntary Councils (CVCs) Each of Wales’ local authority areas has its own CVC, which provides an online funding portal where charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations can search for themselves. The CVCs also produce a range of factsheets giving advice on various aspects of fundraising, produce regular newsletters, and run occasional funding surgeries and training.