How can we categorise all the networks we are part of?
It can be difficult to think about all the people you work with, all the partnerships you have, all the volunteers and suppliers. It is useful to map them out to see where you actually have a lot of relationships, and identify what your strengths are in this way. You can use this network mapping chart to support you as you do this exercise. Plot out your stakeholders and partners and this should give you some ideas about who you could work with more, or areas to look at in more detail.
How can we look at these networks to identify funding potential?
When you have a sense of where funding potential might exist within your networks, you need to research the potential partners/funders within this area. You can use this spreadsheet to guide your research and collate information about different potential funders. The information you collect here will help you assess their potential to donate or support you, which can then help you decide where to target your efforts.
What are some tried and tested ideas for working with existing networks?
If you have a long list of potential funders, what can you offer them? Think about activities you could use to engage them and start your fundraising. What has worked for you before? What do you think could work now?
Take a look at this list of tried and tested ideas and see if this gives you any inspiration!
