Forget Me Not Choir
Developing a comprehensive 3-year business plan to support Forget Me Not Choir to move beyond its voluntary model
“An excellent understanding of how and what my charity needed to move forward.
Helped set up funding applications and cash flow/budgets.
Easy to work with and very dedicated staff, 100% would recommend.”
- Forget Me Not Choir
The challenge
The Forget Me Not Choir was founded in 2019 to support individuals living with dementia and their carers through weekly singing sessions, public performances, and community outreach across Argyll and Bute. Operating from premises in Lochgilphead, the choir serves 22 members with the help of 10 volunteers and 7 trustees.
Despite its popularity, the choir faced capacity constraints and an unsustainable workload for its founder, who was managing operations voluntarily. With growing demand and interest in replicating the model in other areas, the organisation needed to transition to professional management.
In response to this, the choir applied to the Nadara A’Chruach Wind Farm Community Fund for £25,000 to employ a full-time Development Coordinator. However, the initial application was deferred, with the decision-making panel requesting a more robust development plan.
How we helped
Through Accelerate, we worked closely with the choir to develop a comprehensive three-year business plan.
This included:
- Strategic fundraising plans
- Cashflow projections
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Governance strengthening
- Outreach and expansion planning
The result
Sustainable growth plan in place
£25,000 of funding secured, creating a local employment opportunity
Capacity to expand services across Argyll
Increased opportunities for income generation and partnership working
Thanks to support from Accelerate, Forget Me Not Choir has been able to move beyond its voluntary model and is looking towards a strong and sustainable future.
The support meant that the organisation was able to present a compelling, sustainable plan which then led to full funding approval; laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
The funding enabled the group to hire a Development Coordinator to:
- Manage and expand choir sessions
- Coordinate outreach performances
- Develop referral processes with healthcare
partners
- Explore income-generating activities (e.g., CD production, care home services)
- Establish satellite choirs in Campbeltown and Tarbert
The project is expected to benefit 70 individuals directly and build capacity for future regional expansion. The coordinator role is projected to become self-sustaining through trading income and ongoing grants.
Feeling inspired?
If you are part of a community group who is not yet trading
and would like free support to become more sustainable
and enterprising, check out our Accelerate programme.