Photos by Jack Mountney

About The Fund

AFC Wimbledon belongs to all of us and we are incredibly proud that it is not only owned and run by fans, but that the focus will always be around how it is successful off the pitch, in the wider community, as well
as on the pitch’. This comes with its financial challenges. Everything we do is driven by us; whether it’s a new stand, our academy scheme, or women’s football team, we’re responsible for it.

The We Are Wimbledon Fund in the past has helped raise money for specific campaigns along with topping up the playing budget. We are now relaunching the fund solely to boost the playing budget and give Craig Cope and Johnnie Jackson the best chance of stabilising the club in League One.

FAQs

Why am I being asked to dip my hand in my pocket again?

To be clear, we are not asking anyone to contribute what they are not in a position to put in. However, colloquially, fans have been asking how they can contribute to on-field success for years now, so we have relaunched WAWF to facilitate just that – every penny donated (minus banking fees) will go towards Johnnie and the team’s playing budget as we look to take on League One in this coming campaign.

Is this the price of fan ownership?

Yes and no. As owners, our fans have answered the call every time – whether buying bonds to complete the stadium, buying STs and debentures to ease cash flow through Covid or chipping in to repair the pitch following floods. But while the club prides itself on being run on a sustainable footing, this is a fan/volunteer-led initiative aiming to put money on the pitch and give us the best team possible as we take on League One. And while not vital to the survival of the club by any stretch, feedback suggests many fans would like to see money put directly into the playing budget over and above what the club budgets for.

Is this the club begging for money?

No, WAWF has been relaunched by a group of volunteers who are fans of AFC Wimbledon. We are working independently to raise money for use on the mens’ first team playing budget but have been coordinating with the club board every step of the way.

What about the women’s team?

This year’s All For One campaign is specifically focussed on raising money for the men’s first team playing budget. Previous WAWF campaigns have raised money for other projects – such as the academy and coaching tech. Future campaigns are yet to be decided.

How do I know my money won’t be used to sign a dud?

While there are no guarantees of on-field success with any transfer signing, we like to think Johnnie, Craig and their team have a good track record when it comes to transfers.

Will WAWF dictate who we sign?

Not a chance. See above.

Could £250,000 really make a difference this season?

Yes. January signings over the past few seasons have included the likes of Ali Al Hamadi, Joe Lewis on a permanent deal, Sam Hutchinson and Marcus Browne. Boosting the kitty come January would give us a much better chance of signing more players of this calibre in the window. And anything not needed in the January window will simply be rolled over for use in the summer window.

Isn’t £250,000 a drop in the ocean?

We estimate that our total transfer budget for the year is in the region of £2.5m, so the fans adding 1/10th to that in the January window alone would represent a significant increase.

Why now?

The All For One campaign aims to brings fans together to back the team and boost the budget as we take on League One. We are under no illusion that this could be a tough season as we compete against some big budget clubs, including 11 fellow former Premier League sides. We think the timing is right to give ourselves the best possible chance to not only survive, but to thrive in this league.

How much of my donation goes to the club?
Using our website portal we pay a 20p fixed fee plus a small % fee per transaction, if you would like to maximise the amount of money that goes towards the playing budget then please tick the (cover fee) option at checkout. For alternative methods without online fees you can transfer directly to the WAWF account or set up a DD with the Dons Trust. Details of how to do this can be found on the donate page. Unfortunately only people that donate via the web portal will be eligible in competitions.

What happens if Craig and Johnnie don’t spend all the money raised in January?

The money raised will be passed on to Craig and Johnnie and it will be up to them to spend it as required. If they don’t spend it all in January, any surplus will be rolled over and available for them to spend in the summer window, as they see fit.