We are a small but friendly group of trustees if you would like to join us or you have any ideas about how we could raise funds for the fantastic projects in the Forest of Bowland - do not hesitate to get in contact. Indeed if you have an idea about the kind of projects that you feel we should be funding then do get in contact - we would love to hear from you .
Since 2008 HMRC has recognised Champion Bowland as a charity so taxpaying donors can provide an extra 25% by completing a Gift Aid declaration ( pdf)
All the Forest of Bowland walking maps and leaflets are available free of charge. Visitors are usually willing to make a small donation to Champion Bowland in recognition of the value of this information. Participants on Festival Bowland events, especially where there is no, or a small, charge are also invited to make a donation. Collecting boxes are available contact
Champion Bowland has raised money through the distribution of Forest of Bowland pin badges and continues to offer the collecting boxes for small cash donations to tourism operators.
Champion Bowland would like to expand the work with local visitor-oriented businesses to run 'Visitor Giving'. This is where the business invites its customers to include a donation with their payment for goods or services. This works best when the donation is linked with a specific project in the vicinity.
Here are some suggestions for you:-
- Suggest an optional donation added to the cost of a stay
- Or an optional donation on to the price of meal or a cup of tea
- If you lend out maps, guide books or binoculars ask for a small donation
- Sell the Forest of Bowland Badges (see above)
- Organise a specific event to publicise your business and raise funds for Champion Bowland
If you have any ideas for innovative visitor giving schemes, please let us know.