Last week, I made my way to a very festive feeling London, I was attending The Funding Networks’ Festive Party and Funding Event. The Funding Network (TFN) is a network of people who come together into the funding marketplace to support charities. It is similar to an auction house where people bid cash which they donate to a number of charities who pitch on the night.

I went along to learn more about how TFN functions and how Shared Interest Foundation may be able to pitch for some funding. I emerged from the lift and was faced by some amazing acrobatics being performed by a group, Hard Rock Circus, who had been successful in gaining funding previously in the year from TFN. In the ‘auction room’ we were told about the benefits of TFN, to support charities and encourage people to give to causes they believe in, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. As the charities pitched for their funding I realised this was a fantastic opportunity to tell people what we do and to generate support for the Foundation.

Following the pitching session cam the most exciting bit, the bidding! Our pledging host swept the room with the microphone as people shouted out their names and amounts of cash. Calls of ‘£400’, ‘£200’ and ‘£600’ were met with rounds of applause as the figures totalled up. Calls of ‘£1,000’ and even some of ‘£5,000’ were met with huge cheers. Rapidly the figures crept into the tens of thousands and a total of just over £55,000 was made on the night.

This truly was an inspiring evening. If any of you are members of TFN please get in touch, we would love the opportunity to pitch for the Foundation.

Click here to learn how you can invest in fair trade. Click here to donate to the Shared Interest Foundation