Kindling is looking for our first hundred supporters to help us turn our vision into a reality with a small monthly donation. Any money raised will help support this establishment stage of Kindling, a period that isn't hugely exciting to grant-funders - but is crucial to getting the project off the ground.
Kindling has spent the last few years developing the concept, organising ourselves into an effective team, building up our experience through a number of funded projects and events here in Manchester, and planning a route to ensure that the Kindling vision becomes a reality. (Click here to read our vision for Kindling).
Now we are looking for support to help us get to the next stage of finding land and securing large grants & investment.
The support of a few hundred people who share our views and aspirations has in the past been crucial to establishing the projects we have been involved in. This project is no different. We are therefore asking friends, family and supporters to join us in financially supporting The Kindling Trust from the outset.
For example we now have an office (as we have out grown the small room at one of our member’s houses), are looking to increase the size of the team and to start looking at possible land to buy. This is an exciting and important stage in our development, but it does bring with it increased running costs.
We are setting ourselves the target of finding our first 100 supporters (we have the first ten – including ourselves), and are asking people to set up a small monthly standing order. The initial supporters have kicked this off with £5 a month, but any amount would be really welcome.
As a team committed to, and passionate about real social change, you can rest assured that we will stretch every pound raised! We agreed 2 years ago that a sustainable income for core kindling workers was between £6,000 and £8,000 a year. This amount was agreed on the basis of what we could practically live on, and what we thought would be an sustainable wage globally (for those with secure housing and no dependents). We currently generate this income through freelance work, but your support would allow us to dedicate more time and resources to establishing a rural base. For example:
- 25 people donating £5 a month would cover the office running costs for the year (and a trip to see some land too!).
- 50 people giving £5 a month would mean we wouldn't need to worry about the rent and rates for the year.
- 100 people giving £5 a month will raise £6,000 – would provide the equivalent of 1 full time kindling worker to focus all their time on establishing the farm – which would be great!
There are three easy ways to contribute:
- On-line (via Paypal) at: www.kindling.org.uk/donate.
- Setting up a Standing Order direct with your bank (e.g. via online banking or over the phone).
- By post by sending a cheque or postal order.
You can donate on-line or get our bank details by clicking here.
You can download a printable Founding Supporters form here.
Many thanks to all of you for your interest and support. We totally understand if you can't support us financially at the moment, but please still keep an eye on what we're up to, and feel free to pass our details on to anyone else who might be interested in our work.
Kindling is a member of the Fundraising Standards Board.