Fundraising is critical to the financial sustainability of Surf Life Saving. It involves the generation of charitable income from individuals and businesses, usually through donations, bequests, workplace giving (WPG), games of chance and special events.
Potential contributors generally fall into three categories:
- Those automatically interested, such as existing members, supporters, Nipper parents
- A group with natural links to the SLSC, such as equipment suppliers, other groups who share the same facilities
- Those in the community who might benefit from an SLSC project or use the beach during the year.
- Rules and Regulations
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SLSNSW holds the authority to fundraise on behalf of itself and requires all clubs and branches to hold their own Charitable Fundraising Number. This can be done through Services NSW and information on the process can be found here.
This authority is a separate requirement to that of being a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), as it relates specifically to NSW laws pertaining to fundraising activities for charity. Consequently, this means that there are fundraising guidelines and obligations imposed by the Department of Fair Trading and the ACNC that need to be followed.
- Fundraising Teams
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Surf Life Saving Foundation (SLSF)
The Surf Life Saving Foundation was established to ensure Surf Life Saving’s financial sustainability and undertake fundraising activities on behalf of all SLSCs across Australia. They do this by engaging with the wider Australian community and initiating and managing fundraising programs to maximise funds available for the Surf Life Saving movement.
The SLSF is the fundraising arm of the SLSA, and among other things, oversees our lotteries and regular giving program (Guardians of the Surf). A share of funds from both these programs is directed back to SLSNSW and distributed to SLSNSW branches and SLSCs. SLS Members and SLSCs are eligible to buy lottery tickets sold by the SLSF. SLSCs can also sell these lottery tickets online to their SLSC members and supporters and receive a direct financial benefit (50% of ticket sales) to their SLSC in the process.
SLSNSW
The SLSNSW Partnerships Team strives to form long-term partnerships that align with SLS values and meet mutual objectives.
They are available for potential partners and SLSNSW SLSCs and branches to discuss organisational requirements and exciting opportunities available to support fundraising.Contact the SLSNSW Partnerships team for more information.
SLSC Fundraising Committees
SLSC fundraising committees will drive and undertake several yearly fundraising activities. They play an essential role in raising funds for an SLSC, as membership fees alone do not cover SLSC operations.
- Fundraising Strategy
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An SLSC must plan an annual fundraising strategy to convince funding sources – the public, private companies (sponsorship) and the agencies that handle grant monies – that you are an efficient and worthy organisation that will use funds wisely. The SLSC must sell itself as a product.
Part of that planning process is establishing the links between the various components of the SLSC strategic plan, marketing plan and fundraising strategies. Any potential SLSC fundraising committee responsible should be aware of these and consulted during their development.
Refer to the SLS website for more information about fundraising for SLSCs.