Report on Cricket Leinster’s Funding Masterclass

As you probably know, Cricket Leinster held a Fundraising Masterclass last Wednesday 22nd February in the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan.

This masterclass was facilitated by AmyPower from 2into3, a specialist on fundraising strategy development.

The event was very well attended, with over 25 representatives from 16 Cricket Leinster clubs present.

The masterclass was opened by Paul O’Sullivan, CEO of Clann Credo, a not-for-profit charity which considers the impact of projects on communities. Clann Credo provides communityloan finance at affordable interest and repayment rates to community groups and sports clubs.Recently, they announced a €10 million community sports fund to help community groups access sports grants and funding by providing them with community loan finance.Clann Credo do not require personal guarantees for loans, while also not penalising early repayment. You can read more about ClannCredo dennis@2into3.com) or myself (philip.smith@cricketleinster.ie).

Amy then provided participants with an in-depth look at the private investment landscape, looking at the role of philanthropy and sponsorship in the sport sector. The theory behind best practice was initially explained before clubs were shown what they can do for themselves. This included applying for Section 235 status.

Under Section 235, approved sporting bodies can apply for tax relief on donations for approved capital projects. The masterclass also covered ways of building relationship-based fundraising. Participants worked on ways of building a fundraising strategy, setting goals and knowing your member base.

Almost every club highlighted youth development, subs collection and the acquisition of new equipment as priorities going forward. Issues around these points included lack of a suitable database, possible donor fatigue and limited finances resulting in short term year-to-year ambitions.

Clubs were urged to look consider the following when approaching these issues, use events as a means of networking for new volunteers and potential donors, developing an adequate fundraising mix, using a dedicated database to contact past members and to be ambitious in developing long-term targets for the club.

Feedback of the event has been very positive and will no doubt help Cricket Leinster clubs prioritise their fundraising strategies in the coming weeks and months.

Furthermore, Leinster Cricket is partnering with 2into3 to assist Clubs secure funding under future sports capital rounds.

For more information please contact Dennis O’Connor (dennis@2into3.com) or myself (philip.smith@cricketleinster.ie).

Presentation materials can be viewed here