Understanding the Audited Accounts of a UK Foundation
Cluster 1
In this four-part online learning cluster, we will equip you to understand, navigate and use the audited accounts of Foundations to improve your fundraising success.
We will take you from a rudimentary understanding of these documents to the point where you can interpret the most complex accounts and use them to make predictions for the future. You will be able to answer questions from your manager, CEO, trustees or other stakeholders who prefer a numerical and factual approach to research.
We will use eight real-life funders as case studies and ‘take you through the gears’ of their accounts, gently going through each layer of complexity. We will concentrate on four elements of these accounts:
The Trustees Report
The Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet
The Notes to the Accounts
The Grant Lists
Pod 1.1: Introductory
Learning Outcomes:
The meaning of the key terms
The purpose of the key sections and how to read them.
‘I just wanted to say a quick thank you for your help through these workshops on audited accounts. I have found it really eye-opening, and already know it will make a difference to the way we at Rennie Grove assess new prospects, as well as gleaning lots of new information about those who already support us.’
Sophie Lee, Trust Fundraiser, Rennie Grove Hospice
Pod 1.2: Basic
Learning Outcomes:
How to spot changes in decision makers and explain the implications for fundraising
The range of different income sources and how they impact upon philanthropy
The key investments and how these will impact on grant making
Pod 1.3: Intermediary
Learning Outcomes:
How to get more detailed information on the grants they have given.
How to assess their commitment to philanthropy and judge whether you can engage this funder
How to interpret their investment strategy and how that will impact upon their grantmaking
Whether they are a passive or active giver and whether they have a ‘carousel’ of beneficiaries.
Pod 1.4: Advanced
Learning Outcomes:
How to predict whether new decision makers will transform a funder.
How to anticipate changes to their income which can open up new opportunities for you – or close them down.
How to engage this funder now and in the future.
How to predict whether you can get into this funder, stay there or get more.
This cluster will involve research and reading in between the sessions.
As well as experienced grantseekers approaching UK Foundations, this learning cluster will be essential for specialist prospect researchers.
Live online workshop times and dates can be found on our booking platform
17th-26th September 2024
11th-20th March 2025
16th-25th September 2025
Click to head to our booking platform
Cost: This live online cluster of four workshops costs £199
