It’s highly likely that you’re eco-conscious when it comes to your choices as an individual, and probably as a band too. But are you applying these principles to your fundraising? Well, perhaps it’s something you should be thinking about. Ahead of this month’s BBE webinar on ‘Green Giving’, our Fundraising Manager, Beth Currie, looks at a range of reasons why your potential funders and donors might want you to ‘go green’.
- Environmental Responsibility: Funders, like many other organisations, are recognising the importance of environmental responsibility. By supporting environmentally sustainable practices, they are able to demonstrate their commitment to reducing their impact on the planet and preserving its natural resources. Funders increasingly want to work with organisations that share their values and are committed to making a positive environmental impact.
- Social Responsibility: Environmental sustainability is not just about protecting the planet, it is also about social responsibility. Indigo's Green Act survey (2022) found that more than three quarters of cultural audiences think cultural organisations have a responsibility to make change and address the climate emergency. They are concerned about the climate crisis and are prepared to take part in initiatives to combat it, and younger audiences are even more likely to feel this way. By adopting sustainable practices, organisations can create a positive impact on the community and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, making them more attractive to funders, donors, and audiences who share the same philosophy of wanting a better future for everyone, not just for their beneficiaries.
- Cost Savings: Going green can also result in cost savings for organisations. By adopting energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and using environmentally friendly products and practices; organisations can ultimately reduce their operating costs. Funders increasingly recognise that groups who are financially stable and sustainable are better able to achieve their mission and make a positive impact.
- Reputation: In today's world, especially within the charity sector, brand reputation is paramount. Funders want to work with organisations that have a positive reputation and are viewed as responsible and trustworthy. By going green, charities and non-profits can improve their brand reputation and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
- Innovation: Adopting sustainable practices often requires innovation and creative problem-solving. By going green, organisations can demonstrate their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and implement new ideas - characteristics that can in turn attract funders who value new ways of limiting their environmental impact.
- Long-term Impact: Ask any funder and they will more than likely agree they would prefer to support organisations that are committed to making a long-term impact. Adopting sustainable practices, even in fundraising, is a way to create lasting change and ensure a better future for everyone. By going green, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to long-term impact and attract funders who share this vision.
By adopting sustainable practices, charitable groups can demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility, create cost savings, improve brand reputation, and demonstrate an ability to innovate and create lasting change. If you are a fundraiser, it is important to recognise the importance of sustainability and make it a priority in your fundraising activities. Not only should it help to attract funders, it will also make a positive impact on the planet and the community you serve.
Join the webinar
During our webinar on Tuesday 18 July at 7:00pm, we'll explore what it means to fundraise in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. We'll cover topics such as encouraging online donations, implementing sustainable practices for fundraising events and exploring alternative fundraising methods.
We'll also delve into Arts Council England's 'Environmental Responsibility' Investment Principle, which emphasises the importance of minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
By making fundraising more environmentally friendly and going ‘greener’; brass bands can not only reduce their impact on the environment but also inspire their supporters to make more environmentally responsible choices.
Join us for the webinar and start applying environmental thinking to your own fundraising efforts. Register for Green Giving now!
Green Giving webinar
Author:
Beth Currie is the Fundraising Manager for Brass Bands England.