AFRIKIDS IMPACT STORY
Imagine hitting your fundraising target – three times over!
How AfriKids raised £1.2 million after attending the International Fundraising Congress.
AfriKids, a London-based organisation that protects the rights of children across northern Ghana, had a big fundraising goal: to raise £210,000 in unrestricted funds in three months – to be match-funded by the UK government through its UK Aid Match scheme.
The question was how. The answer? By attending the International Fundraising Congress.
Using donor love to reach the hearts of their supporters.
Through attending an IFC masterclass on donor stewardship, the AfriKids team took a fresh look at their approach. They changed their messaging, moving towards a more values-led and emotional storytelling narrative; their Time to Shine appeal was born.
This was a first for AfriKids, and a courageous move given both the importance of the campaign and the matched funds on the line. IFC provided the knowledge, support, and inspiration the team needed to gain the confidence to build their new approach.
The results were phenomenal. The campaign achieved its matched funding, in total bringing in GBP £1.2 million – triple the initial fundraising target.
In addition to exceeding their financial goals, the AfriKids team left the conference with a new global network, connected with mentors and close peer connections. The small team was suddenly able to draw on a wide pool of expertise, support, and advice.
Through sharing their challenges at the event, the team also felt validated, meeting others whose experience mirrored their own. On their return, those team members also ran training session with their colleagues, spreading the impact of the event even further.
18,000 children benefitted from a better education.
Matched funds from the appeal were earmarked to improve education levels for children in primary schools across northern Ghana. This was done through teacher training as well as local eductation on the importance of schooling for children.
Because of the additional income raised, AfriKids was able to reach more people than expected. The team’s experience at IFC directly impacted 18,000 school children and helped to train 350 teachers in 80 schools.
AfriKids’ amazingly successful appeal kickstarted the process for further growth for the organisation. They launched a new three-year fundraising strategy, mapping out their path of growth and enabling them to reach out to more communities in Ghana, creating sustainable change for future generations.