TNF Treasurer Richard Black writes: From dealing with many TNs over the years, I know that you are mostly a pretty frugal bunch – but you do need funds for running costs or other specific expenditure?
TNs’ main expenditure can be paying rent for studios. Usually, this is paid only by those TNs who have been unable to persuade/coerce someone to provide a free space or who do not have a volunteer with a suitable garage/attic/spare bedroom. Finding cheaper or more suitable accommodation requires constant vigilance – just because you have somewhere that is ‘OK’ and ‘not too expensive’ does not mean you can relax and stop looking. Opportunities can spring up in the most unlikely places and times – and if your volunteers are not alert to these opportunities they may slip away.
Another area for vigilance is Volunteer Expenses. Many volunteers will not claim them, saying “it is my contribution”. But did you know this contribution could be 25% higher if volunteers claim their expenses and then donate them back to the TN with Gift Aid. A £10 expenses claim can become £12.50 when donated back with Gift Aid. Do note that volunteers doing this must be taxpayers and must have paid at least the amount of tax to be reclaimed. Expenses may be small amounts but could be significant across the year.
While many TNs rely on donations from volunteers and perhaps street collections or Quiz Nights, there is an increasing focus on ensuring that everybody has access to information and support.
This is exactly what TNs are designed to do, by providing audio newspapers. However, many other membership organisations have visually impaired members but no way to provide audio minutes or other documents. Some TNs have tapped into this area by helping local councils and other statutory bodies to issue audio versions of consultations or press releases about road closures, local events etc.
Many organisations have to tick a big box on their paperwork around making information accessible. But very few of them know what to do other than increase the font size on printed material. If a TN approaches them and offers to provide an audio recorded version – AND to distribute it to a ready-made audience of local visually impaired people, then they are often very pleased to offer several hundred pounds for the service. You should also get a mention on the paper version to raise your profile.
One group that often issues monthly newsletters and has visually impaired members is the local WI. Working with local WI groups to help with audio newsletters avoids excluding visually impaired members and can give you access to potential volunteers, invitations to speak and possible donations. TNs can also negotiate a charge for their audio services. For example, a £25 charge per issue would bring in £300pa. WIs can also source readers from among their own members so it is win-win for the TN.
And finally, don’t forget that another way to gain funds for activities is to apply for a TNF Grant.