To provide services you need money. Active 'face-to-face' involvement — such as that described in many of the opportunities in this book — is to be encouraged, but it is just as important that others undertake the task of raising the funds. After all, fundraising makes direct contact possible.

WHAT?

There are numerous fundraising opportunities — anything from jumble sales to sponsored silences, coffee mornings to bridge evenings, auctions of promises to musical performances. If its fun and people will pay to do it, then your fundraising will be effective. If you are able to undertake some form of fundraising on a regular basis, say monthly or quarterly, so much the better. This will provide a regular source of income as well as keeping the issue highlighted and raising awareness.

WHO?

Anyone with drive, enthusiasm, energy and creativity. Since there are always plenty of fundraising events going on, you will need to come up with innovative ideas — both for the event itself and for ways of promoting it. Criminal justice is an area that provokes some very strong reactions and fundraising for this work can be difficult and challenging.

HOW?

Try to target your fundraising on a specific group or project. Although charities always need 'general purpose' funding, people will be more inclined to give donations to clearly defined areas or specific projects. You can also use the fundraising initiative to raise awareness of the issues — perhaps by combining the event with a visit from an expert in the field, or an education initiative. Organisations like PACT or Churches' Criminal Justice Forum have people who are available to give talks or chair discussions on any aspect of criminal justice.