Please can you help us raise funds at no cost and very little effort to yourselves?

We know how hard you work, and how much effort you put into supporting asylum seekers and other migrants from across the world. And generally LASSN make a point of not asking our volunteers for any more than they already offer.  However, as we look ahead into the period 2019 to 2021, we see some funding gaps opening up, and we’re trying to plan for these.

So, with these in mind, we wanted to ask you to consider the following very simple and not-labour intensive possibilities:-

  • Do you know of any small, local, or specialised grant awarding bodies or Trust Funds who maybe don’t have an internet presence? If you do, then please let us have their contact details. We’re always on the look out for possible sources of income – but we rely heavily on the internet for our research. One of our supporters introduced us to a specialist grant giver called Sharegift after they got talking to someone at a party. Sharegift’s generous sponsorship of LASSN has been a real help over the last 3 years, and has ensured we’ve kept sufficient admin to process volunteer expenses and basic background checks.
  • Do you know of any businesses or organisations that you think may be sympathetic to our cause? It would be great if you could help us to establish a link with them. We love supporting local businesses and we have established some great connections with excellent caterers. They provide us with excellent food at a reasonable – sometimes discounted price – and we make sure we tell people all about them. Oronaise, and Kerala are just two. LUSH cosmetics regularly donate some of their surplus stock to Guests in Grace Hosting.  
  • Do you shop in supermarkets or drink in local pubs? Local branches sometimes donate to charities on the basis of a request from customers. Eg. Co-op members and customers can nominate local charities. Similarly Asda Foundation, Waitrose , even Greggs offer support to local groups, based on recommendations. The Chemic Tavern held a Star-Wars themed quiz night in aid of LASSN, and raised several hundred pounds for us. We were extremely grateful, and sent them a certificate of appreciation.   
  • Do you work for a large business which offers to match funds raised by employees for good causes? HSBC run a scheme where they offer support to employees who also volunteer or fundraise for charities. If this appeals to you, then please go to https://lassn.org.uk/fundraise/ to find out more about how we might support you in your efforts.
  • Do you occasionally do fundraisers at work? Leeds Beckett University ran a cake stall that raised £300, and was split across two Leeds charities. We were delighted when they emailed us to tell us. If we’d known in advance we would have promoted the sale on social media and sent them some of our lovely posters and badges ;o) If you are thinking of holding such an event – please let us know, so we can support you. 
  • Are you willing to do silly things and advertise them on the internet? During the World Cup, Jon our Director raised more than £600 by learning (and singing) the Panamanian and Belgian National anthems, using our VirginGiving crowdfunding platform. 

If you can help out in any of these ways, or have any other ideas, please e-mail [email protected] and let us help you in your efforts.

Many thanks in advance for any support or help you can offer, and for everything you do already

Janice Gwilliam (Chair) and the LASSN Trustees.