How to run brilliant fundraising events and grow a social enterprise with Rob Cairns, Fund A Fest
"Rattle a tin in someone's face and you might get a pound, but if someone's having fun you might end up getting a lot more money for a good cause," says Rob Cairns, founder of Fund A Fest CIC. His business, a social enterprise, helps charities, community groups and social enterprises create fundraising events.
Fund A Fest launched in 2019 after the "world had changed" when Rob was ill and subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease. This pushed Rob to want to work for himself with charitable and community-focused organisations.
He draws on a team of hundreds of independent artists, musicians, re-enactors, artisans, living history specialists, street performers, mural artists, funfair rides and local businesses to deliver fantastic and memorable events that raise vital funds for his clients.
Rob has used BEF finance for both startup and business growth to support large capital expenditures, which he covers in this episode, along with great tips about running effective fundraising events.
Play or download the episode here. You can also find it in Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and many other podcast apps:
Rob also covers:
• why organisations shouldn't be selfish when it comes to fundraising
• what Rob valued about the Start-Up Loan scheme and about working with BEF – with shoutouts for Julie Micklethwaite and Lee Vickers
• his background working in banking as a financial consultant and his concerns about "computer says no"
• the skills and experience Rob brought to his business
• why community centres, charities and other organisations use event management services
• being a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and working with Point North and Historic England
• plans to secure a depot and deliver training and apprenticeships, and to expand in other ways
• an invitation to larger businesses to partner with Fund A Fest
What next?
• More about Fund A Fest CIC https://fundafest.co.uk/about-event/
If you're looking to start or grow your business, we can support you with flexible finance up to £250k, get in touch!