Yes, you read the headline right. This is a blog explaining why you SHOULDN’T come to the next NAFS on 8-13 November 2020. And actually why you shouldn’t even consider our first programme in 2021 on 25th-30th April.
I’m not talking about the Coronavirus risks. We think we have all that in hand. And if Corona circumstances mean the residential programme can’t go ahead there’s a great Plan B online option in development. But maybe you shouldn’t sign up for that either.
Below we have five key questions we know from experience should absolutely stop you registering for the three places left in November or the eighteen left in April.
- Do you have enough secure money or other resources to deliver the work you believe is important over the next 3 to 5 years? This is not a trick question. Some organisations have secure funds through a long-term governmental programme, thanks to the investment of a committed individual, or because they earn money through selling their services or even their art. We need to save places on the programme for people who need them – please don’t come if you’re ‘safe.’
- Do you think that there is only one specific source of money that’s of interest to you, and if you focused on that all other challenges would disappear? Some organisations believe, or have been told, that there is a ‘silver bullet’ – online giving, corporate support, HNWI – that will solve their fundraising challenges. If you believe that there is a single simple way to solve your financial challenges you should attend one of the excellent one or two-day courses on that topic. Don’t commit to 6 days at The National Arts Fundraising School. We’ll ask you to examine all your options.
- Are you ALREADY familiar with the latest developments in behavioural economics, online engagement, social investment, and corporate co-creation? If you’re really up to speed with all the latest thinking in fundraising and income generation then you probably don’t need to come. Please be generous with your knowledge. But if you know what there is to know don’t waste your time with us… get on with it!
- Do you have easy, low-cost access to some of Europe’s leading fundraising experts already? The School is led by a number of Europe’s leading fundraising experts, who are able to draw on expertise from both the charity and cultural sector. If you don’t need 6 days of up-close and personal contact with this kind of talent, give us a miss. [Or if you want to attend a course run by very nice people with a limited track record – sign up there.]
- Do you have better things you could spend £2K on? £2,000 is a lot of money. It could buy you a new laptop, some great design work, an annual report print run, or a year’s supply of espresso. All of these would be good. You do need to make a choice about priorities. And if transforming the way you raise money in order to do more and become more sustainable is not your priority, commit to whatever is. We only have space for individuals super-committed to focus and success. The School is demanding and well as rewarding.
So, if any of the above apply- move on. BUT if you’ve read all of this and you’re still not sure that you already have all the answers, call us to have a conversation – we’re happy to talk through your options.
As we said above the next School is 8-13 November 2020, with three precious places left and with plans to switch online if we need to. If you did want to book now to guarantee your place and if you can’t make that one it’s maybe worth making a provisional no-commitment booking for our first programme in 2021 on 25th-30th April.
Image credit: RichVintage
