Why is Easter important?

Actors tied to three crosses in the middle of a street, blue sky in the background depicting the Easter story.

Easter is the key focus of the Christian faith. It is important because it explains the focal point of Christianity and the reason why many people choose to follow Jesus Christ. Here are some more reasons why this festival is important:

  • It celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus died in our place and he rose again because he conquered death.
  • It reminds us that Jesus died so that we could be forgiven.
  • It shows that death had no power over Jesus and if we belong to him, we will also rise again.
  • Jesus defeated death and forgives all our sins because he laid down his life for us.
  • Without Easter, we would have no hope of eternal life and everlasting redemption.

Explore our blogs and experience the story of Easter for yourself at one of our Passion Plays this Easter. 

A man portraying Jesus is tied to a wooden cross beside two other actors portraying other people being crucified. All as part of a Passion Play

Is fundraising like online dating?

Just like online dating, trying to find the right match among so many different trusts and funding charities is the key!

Once you find trusts and funders who are of a similar mindset and value the things you value, you are well on the way to a perfect match.

 

How do we find those funders?

The Charity Commission’s Register of Charities allows you to search for free by using filters to narrow your search. (Remember, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate registers.)
Funding Central is another register that is free to access.
For a more expensive option, you can try the Directory of Social Change’s Funds Online website which is regularly updated.
Since Passion Plays bring many churches of all denominations together, your diocese can be a good source of information and signposting. For example, see the Diocese of Bristol and their list of funders here.  www.bristol.anglican.org/documents/diocesan-funding-guide/
The Christian Funders’ Forum is also a useful source.

 

How do we let funders know our project is a good match for them?

Now is the time to do some research and really think about compatibility with the funders you are researching.

You can research their online content, websites, and also Further information will be inread through their annual reports published on the Charity Commissions website (click ‘Documents’ tab). These annual reports will give useful imformation about projects they have previously funded.

A quick phone call can also be helpful in establishing contact and goodwill as you will be able to find out more about them and let them know what you do.

Remember here that one of the key elements is timing! Some funders have a set application process that requires you to apply before a deadline. Other funders have trustees’ meetings at set times during the year and those times are good to work with.

The timing of your project also matters. Some funders like to fund projects in the early stage of development, while others like to give funding when they see other funders have already contributed.

There is a lot to think about with fundraising! But Passion Plays are such unique projects that it can also be an enjoyable process. Many funders like to hear about large community arts events that tell the Easter story in fresh and inspiring ways. Not only do Passion Plays have large outdoor audiences across the UK each Easter, they are also unique spaces of community, skill-sharing, mentoring and investing in the lives of volunteers across all sections of society. They are more than a one-off performance and the impact spreads across the whole community for many months.

 

If you want more help with fundraising, we have plenty more tips and advice on our website here.

You can also find lots of helpful tips and advice at The Benefact Trust here or click on the image below.

three bullet points with rows of text and images in blue bubbles with white icons

 

marble table with a white piggybank on its side with lots of coins surrounding it on the table

Looking for help with fundraising?

Is fundraising like online dating? Just like online dating, trying...

Passion Play rehearsal in a church with a woman clasping her hands in front of her and learning forward.

What is it like being part of a Passion Play?

Hundreds of people are involved in Passion Plays around the...