BGF rethinks fundraising

The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) is reconsidering the way it raises funds after events staged during the financial year 2009-2010 cost the organisation $38,203 more than they returned, while a merchandising trial lost $1346 and will be discontinued.

BGF president Martin Walsh told the Star Observer the Charitable Fundraising Act required charities to take into account indirect and direct staff costs.

“This had a particularly big impact on the Glamstand result, given it absorbs a lot of time from senior management and many staff. Suffice to say, it is something we are considering in the future,” he said.

“In terms of events, we see a strong role for BGF in bringing our community together. In the future we will also be working to ensure this important role for our events is achieved profitably for our clients too.  We are sure we can achieve both objectives.”

In the BGF Impact Report 2009-2010, Walsh wrote it was a “sad reflection on a community that has been so decimated by HIV in the last 30 years that only 674 people are now regular donors to BGF, the primary organisation in NSW providing care and support for HIV positive people”.

“We currently support 1500 clients — our goal over the next three years is to increase the number of regular donors to equal the number of positive people BGF supports.”

Walsh said the organisation had lost 2 percent of its regular donors during media speculation about an Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing investigation into its bookkeeping, but revenue from the organisation’s Friends program was rising.

He said he hoped the detailed information in the report about BGF’s staff, structure and finances that went far beyond what legally needed to be disclosed would clear up misconceptions about how the organisation spent its money.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to explain to people how difficult it is to successfully fundraise, especially via an events-based program,” Walsh said.

“Other programs, such as our Friends program and donations, are clearly showing better returns to clients as they are run at substantially lower cost. Well-run and well-produced events, which BGF has prided itself on, are proving increasingly expensive. We must do better.”

The organisation’s financial picture improved slightly on the previous financial year, with a deficit of $482,614 — down from $783,401.

In the current financial year, BGF has reduced administration expenses by 9.25 percent and cut three positions in administration and fundraising.

BGF raised $304,181 from all fundraising activities, which was applied to client financial assistance payments which amounted to $347,446.