In thinking about fundraising for your group it is important to consider:
•    What you need funds for (to achieve your CAG’s strategic plan – link)
•    What is the best source of funding for each activity/function
•    How much money you need
•    Whether you can manage the funds securely and professionally

There are many ways you can raise funds for your community climate action group:
•    Grants – Government, Corporate, Philanthropic
•    Affinity – members, friends, supporters,
•    Individuals – donations, wills, bequests and life insurance
•    Community events – ticket sales, merchandise, raffles etc
•    Partnerships and sponsorship – business, other community groups/schools, councils, service clubs
•    Business enterprise – bulk buys, merchandise etc

Victorian legislation requires registration of some fundraising events. The Consumer Affairs Victoria website contains detailed information on fundraising, including:
•    Changes to the registration legislation
•    The Public Register
•    Exemptions from registration
•    Guidelines on administrative expenses
•    Fundraiser responsibilities

Don’t forget to think about what you need the money for and to match with the best funding sources. It is best to not build your organisation around government grants as these are generally only available for specific purposes, and do not provide you with flexibility in how you use these funds. Don’t forget to include a project management component for the administration of grants if the guidelines allow this.

The Our Community Fundraising Centre provides information about seeking funding
For 10 top fundraising tips

There are a number of grant newsletters available that you can subscribe to, for example the Easy Grants newsletter comes out every month and provides you with an overview of all grants available in Australia. It also includes advice and tips for seeking funds. Through Our Community, an annual email subscription to this newsletter costs $85 for a not for profit community group.

You might also think about subscribing to the Australian Philanthropy newsletter to find out about non-government grants.

There are a number of organisations that can assist you in reviewing and providing advice on your grant applications – try Granted which is a not for profit organisation providing free and confidential advice on grant applications to community sector organisations.