A number of resources to look out for.

• Funderfinder

  UPDATE Funderfinder has announced that it is to close from July 2011. 

  Funderfinder is a software package designed to point groups towards potential funders. The software asks a number of questions such as:

  • how much funding you are looking for
  • what the funding will be used for
  • who will benefit
  • etc.

  In response to these questions Funderfinder produces a list of funders that may fund that particular project. Funderfinder needs to be used in conjunction with funding guides, such as The Directory of Grant-making Trusts and A Guide to the Major Trusts to produce a targetted list of funders. Funderfinder also produces software designed to help groups make applications. See both:

  • Apply Yourself , and
  • Budget Yourself

Unfortunately the version of Funderfinder held by VAL is currently out of date. We recommend that you explore either GrantNET or Funding Central as alternatives.

• GrantNET

  Lewisham Borough Council has made access to GrantNET available via its website.

• Funding Central (NCVO)

  NCVO have launched Funding Central, a website aimed at being a key source of information on funding opportunities. Launched in June 2009 - with funding from the Cabinet Office - the site initially proved to be slightly disappointing (see the news article about first impressions). However, work on this website has continued and NCVO have taken steps to to improve and develop the site. In addition to information on funders, Funding Central also offers advice on making applications.

• Funding Books

  Some of these book are available from Lewisham Libraries. Try searching the online catalogue for more details of which books are held at which branch. All of the following books are available from the Directory of Social Change.

  A Guide to the Major Trusts Vol 1
  As of February 2009, The 2007/08 version of Volume 1 was available as a reference book at Lewisham Reference Library, and the branch libraries at Blackheath, Catford, Crofton Park, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Manor House, New Cross, Sydenham, Torridon Road, and Wavelengths.

  A Guide to the Major Trusts Vol 2
  As of February 2009, The 2007/08 version of Volume 2 was available as a reference book at Lewisham Reference Library, and the branch libraries at Blackheath, Catford, Crofton Park, Forest Hill, Grove Park, Manor House, New Cross, Sydenham, Torridon Road, and Wavelengths.

  A Guide to Local Trusts in Greater London

  Unfortunately Lewisham Libraries do not stock the current edition of this book (February 2009).

  The Directory of Grantmaking Trusts
  The Directory of Grantmaking Trusts was not available in any of the libraries in Lewisham at the time of checking (February 2009).

• Directory of Social Change

  The Directory of Social Change publish a range of books on fundraising, including the 'Guide to Major Trusts' series. They also produce a number of funding websites including:

  • Company Giving
  • Government Funding
  • Trust Funding
  • Grants for Individuals

  DSC offer visitors access to their range of books and websites free of charge at the library in their offices near Euston Station.

• Other External Websites

  ELF - E-gateway to London Funders
  Fit4Funding - produced by the Charities Information Bureau
  
  Institute of Fundraising
  Institute of Fundraising - Codes of Practices and Guides to Best Practice

• SOFII

  SOFII is the 'Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration' website. It contains a mass of shared resources, written by fundraisers for fundraisers. Registration is free and although many of the resources will be more suitable for larger organisations there are resources for smaller groups as well.