What I do

In all my work, I aim to create added value by:

 

Building commitment

through active listening, retaining an open mind. Building energy and enthusiasm. Using quiet, understated, humour.

Being fact-based

…let the data do the talking to inform a calm, measured view of things

“Walking in the supporters shoes”

ensuring we don’t get so focused on fundraising “mechanics” and financial models that we forget to enthuse and inspire supporters

Using tools and frameworks

built up over many years working in strategic planning, marketing and fundraising

Consultancy

 

A “state of the nation” fundraising audit is often where my consulting work starts. The client case studies for Cardinal Hume Centre, CPAS and A Rocha are good examples of this work.

Sometimes, a fundraising audit reveals organisational-centric rather than supporter-centric communications. Sometimes, it shows uninspiring communications lacking emotional connection. I use my skills in philanthropic psychology and behavioural science to write fundraising appeals. Or I can introduce you to some great copywriters.

Often, there’s no clear reason for giving. I build a case for support that can work across all forms of giving but is especially useful for philanthropic giving.

A fundraising audit often shows scope to improve performance in specific income streams. My specialism is individual giving and legacy programmes. I am equally at home with church giving or philanthropic giving programmes.

In some situations, a Chief Executive has asked for a fundraising audit when the senior fundraiser position is vacant. The diagnosis from the audit has been useful to clarify the vital ingredients in a job description. My recruitment advice has then extended into practical assistance with structuring interviews and assessment exercises, and onboarding support for the new recruit.

Coaching

 

I focus on technical fundraising skills coaching.

The typical person seeking coaching is often a first-time Head of Fundraising or Fundraising Director. They are now overseeing areas of fundraising less familiar to them. They want some in-depth understanding so that they can better support their teams and set key performance indidicators (KPI’s).

I also support Individual Giving Managers or Heads of Individual Giving who want to go to the next level in their fundraising practice.

Training

 

I offer bespoke training to fundraising teams as well as public webinars /seminars.

Typical training sessions cover:

  • Inspiring Communications: so often fundraisers are told what best practice is but not why it is best practice. My training combines insights into behavioural science, neuroscience and philanthropic psychology. It helps fundraisers and communications specialists to be “on the same page” in their understanding of what it takes to get individuals to act.

  • Developing Supporter Journeys: this is especially helpful to smaller organisations without a structured programmes. I also do more advanced training for larger organisations to turbo-charge existing journeys to create deeper engagement with supporters.

  • Creating Meaning from Fundraising Analytics: these are usually bespoke sessions for clients where a “deep dive” into giving data has been part of the Fundraising Audit.