It is now becoming increasingly difficult for non-profit organisations to raise funds to provide the services they deliver to their community. Funding and sponsorship is now limited so non-profits are either being forced to close or to find new ways to raise funds without relying on corporate sponsorship or the support of the public.

One such non-profit organisation that has found a new way to raise funds is Solar Spirit Australia, an initiative of TAFE SA. Solar Spirit relies on the funding of sponsors and donations from the public to support the World Solar Challenge and the development of a competitive Solar Car.

TAFE SA has contracted leading web sales development company WallCann to launch a Solar Spirit online shop as a way to generate funds from the proceeds of the sale of their sponsors products and services. This initiative not only generates funds for Solar Spirit but also provides support to their sponsors.Read the Solar Spirit Case Study over here

TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute has been involved in renewable energy and has participated regularly in the Darwin to Adelaide Solar Challenge with locally built and commissioned vehicles. By embedding the solar car project into education programs, the project is both economical and practical. However, funding from sponsorship and donations provides the extra funds needed to build a competitive car.

By purchasing sponsor products and services on the Solar Spirit Online Shop, the public can receive big savings. Plus proceeds from sales contribute to the Solar Spirit and help TAFE SA build their top class solar powered car by purchasing products and services from the Shop.

Mark Ready TAFE SA Solar Project, said “The involvement of sponsors assists TAFE SA to meet the project cost of competing in the World solar Challenge”.

Redarc, a power conversion specialist company, has worked in conjunction with the TAFE SA Solar Challenge program. Anthony Kittel Managing Director Redarc said “It’s great to see students involved in developing technology skills. Redarc hope this program will encourage students to enrol in TAFE SA technology and renewable energy programs and in the process help make Solar Spirit competitive.”

WallCann has helped formulate the cause marketing strategy to support Solar Spirit Australia, working with TAFE SA to build an innovative Solar Car. Clive Wallace Managing director WallCann said, “It’s great to see the students learning practical skills and having fun building a solar technology outcome. WallCann is proud to be a major sponsor and through the web shop generate sustainable revenue.”

QR Code for Solar Spirit Australia

The Solar Spirit Australia team will be at next week’s Caravan and Camping Show to display their talents and show the public how they can help generate funds for the project via their online shop. Clive Wallace said, “WallCann will be testing the use of QR codes displayed on live TV, posters and balloons. A viewer can link directly online to the SolarSpiritAustralia.com web shop at the Caravan and Camping Show, just by pointing their mobile phone at a balloon.”