What are some good ways to fundraise?

What are good ways to fundraise (through sponsorship) for a UK charity whose activities are in Africa?

• Am looking to fundraise/gain sponsorship for the http://www.africaninnovationprize.org who run entrepreneur workshops etc in a few African countries, but what is the best way to raise funding from companies for help with this non-profit charity?

• Answer:

  Hi, First thing I would do would be to take a step back and ask, "why would a UK based company (or company that wants to be perceived in a positive manner in the UK) want to sponsor a charity involved with entrepreneurs/innovation in Africa?" With this in mind and to focus on your question, “what is the best way to raise funding from companies,” I think you need to search for companies that have a dual focus on both the UK and Africa. These companies will be more likely to provide assistance as they can see that their business/marketing objectives line up very closely with yours.   Look at which UK companies are doing the most investing in Africa? Which UK-based companies have a need for greater innovation and entreprenuerial activity in Africa? See the "Business Council for Africa West & Southern"  http://www.bcafrica.co.uk/ This is a group of over 400 companies and entrepreneurs having interests in West and/or Southern Africa - Here's their UK member list which could be a good starting point for making contacts - http://www.bcafrica.co.uk/members/members-uk   Here's a good report from Barclays (potential sponsor?) about how, "Vast majority of UK businesses see growing opportunity in Africa but potential not being realised; new report" http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/Press-releases/Vast-majority-of-UK-businesses-see-growing-opportunity-in-Africa-but-potential-not-being-realised-new-report-8b1.aspx It mentions a survey of over 250 companies who could be potential sponsors.   See this article: http://ukinuganda.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressR&id=744900882 - I am sure many of the companies mentioned have pan-Africa investments - they too could be potential sponsors.   My own recent focus has been on the increased business & economic activity of China in Africa and I think there may be an opportunity there with Chinese companies in UK wanting to be percieved in a positive light by leveraging their activities in Africa. Contact the "China UK Business Association" based in London (http://cccb.org.uk) - they have Bank of China as a patron.   I would be happy to discuss this further and help out. I have some ideas about the current partners that may also be useful. I hope this has been helpful..