Using the ABC's "Active Ageing" Story To Recruit New Members
A practical guide for croquet clubs on using the popular ABC News article on active ageing as a strategic tool for member recruitment.
Every club has a wishlist. New court lights, a modern clubhouse, an all-weather veranda. These are the big-ticket items that can transform a club's future. But for many volunteer committees, the path from a dream to a fully-funded reality seems impossibly long and complicated.
Where do you even begin?
At Southport Croquet Club, they've successfully navigated this journey multiple times. From a brand new veranda to state-of-the-art court lighting, they've turned their wishlist into a reality.
According to club president Charlie Ernst, the secret to winning large grants is a combination of
- smart planning,
- persistence, and
- knowing where to look.
The process for their new veranda, funded by a $35,000 grant, was a perfect example of the dedication required. It was far from a last-minute application.
While major grants are fantastic, they aren't the only path.
For their new court lights Southport found success by building a long-term relationship with their local council and tapping into a different kind of funding.
So, what’s the secret weapon for a club wanting to tackle these projects?
One of the most effective strategies is to find the right person for the right job and empower them.
For Southport, that meant having a dedicated "grant writer."
Ultimately, Charlie's experience offers a clear and powerful piece of advice for any club committee dreaming big.
Securing the future of your club through major projects is achievable.
Clubs like Southport are proving that with planning, persistence, and the right people in the right roles, any committee can turn their biggest dreams into a reality.
Inspired to help your club with its next big project? Offer your skills in planning, research, or writing to your committee, or explore the dedicated tools to assist your club writing grants @ ClubHub
[Link to CAQ Club Resources / Volunteer Page]
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