Tips and Blogs
Developing a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy: Essential Steps to Success
A successful fundraising strategy is the foundation upon which any nonprofit or charitable organisation can build sustainable growth. Without a clear, comprehensive plan, fundraising efforts can feel disjointed, leading to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. At Craigmyle, we work closely with organisations to develop Read more…
Crafting Winning Bids: Strategies for Strategic Bid Writing
For many organisations, securing funding through grants and contracts is a critical part of sustaining their operations and achieving long-term goals. However, writing winning bids requires more than simply meeting the funder’s criteria—it requires strategic thinking, persuasive writing, and attention to detail. At Read more…
Mastering Trust Research: Tips for Identifying the Right Funding Opportunities
Identifying the right funding opportunities is a crucial step in successful trust fundraising. At Craigmyle, we understand the importance of thorough research and strategic targeting in securing funding from trusts and foundations. In this blog, we’ll share tips for mastering trust research to Read more…
Building a Trust Fundraising Strategy That Works
Trust fundraising is an essential component of a successful fundraising strategy, offering substantial potential for securing significant funding for your organisation’s projects and initiatives. At Craigmyle, we understand the complexities and nuances involved in trust fundraising and are dedicated to helping organisations develop Read more…
The Power of Storytelling: Fundraising Tips for Charities
Fundraising for charities can be challenging, but one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is storytelling. At Craigmyle, we recognise that compelling narratives can captivate donors and convey the impact of their contributions in a meaningful way. In this blog, we’ll Read more…
Navigating the Grant Application Process: Writing Help and Best Practices
Securing grants is a vital part of funding for many nonprofit organisations. However, the grant application process can be complex and competitive. At Craigmyle, we understand the intricacies of grant writing and are here to help you navigate the process with confidence. In Read more…
Effective Fundraising Techniques for Heritage Preservation
Preserving heritage sites is a noble and essential endeavour that helps maintain the cultural and historical fabric of our communities. These sites, whether they are historic buildings, landmarks, or other culturally significant locations, require continuous care and funding. At Craigmyle, we understand the Read more…
Key Elements of a Successful Fundraising Capital Campaign Strategy
Fundraising capital campaigns are pivotal for non-profit organisations, churches, schools, and heritage projects. These campaigns typically aim to raise significant amounts of money over a defined period to fund large-scale projects such as building renovations, new facilities, or endowments. A well-executed capital campaign Read more…
How Churches Can Optimise Fundraising Efforts for Success
Fundraising is an essential aspect of any church’s mission, enabling the congregation to support its spiritual, social, and community initiatives. However, optimising fundraising efforts for your church requires strategic planning and the utilisation of available resources. Churches often need to balance fundraising for Read more…
Reflections from a client: working with a consultant to obtain Lottery funding
For Day 5 of #CraigmyleNLHFweek we share a client’s experience of getting consultant help to secure NLHF funding. Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants have been working with Holy Trinity Hastings church since 2022, to develop and secure funding for a £4.5M ‘Heritage@HTH project. The project Read more…
What is the secret to writing a successful NLHF bid?
For Day 4 of #CraigmyleNLHFweek, we explore what makes a successful NLHF application, drawing on experience and tips from the Craigmyle team. Applying to the NLHF is an intensive and often lengthy process. With fierce competition for lottery funding, it makes sense to Read more…
A new era? What you need to know in 2024 with the full launch of NLHF new 10-year strategy and application forms
On Day 3 of #CraigmyleNLHFweek we take a look at what has changed in 2024 with the full launch of NLHF’s new 10-year strategy, entitled Heritage 2033, and application forms, and how should you respond. In February 2023, the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Read more…
Things to consider before an NLHF application
For Day 2 of #CraigmyleNLHFweek we are looking at NLHF project development. The importance of ‘preparing the ground’ for an NLHF project cannot be overestimated. In fact, the development work is arguably more important than the bid writing itself. There is an enormous Read more…
The evolving role of National Lottery Heritage Fund
Craigmyle has been involved in the lottery and heritage lottery from the outset, in its various iterations. As we start our #CraigmyleNHLFweek, we consider how National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funding to the heritage sector has evolved down the decades. The NLHF, formerly Read more…
Fundraising Careers Part 3: Becoming a Fundraising Consultant
As we conclude our exploration of fundraising careers, we turn our attention to the dynamic role of a fundraising consultant. Beyond the standard responsibilities of a fundraiser, a consultant operates in a multifaceted environment, providing expert advice and strategic guidance to diverse organisations. Read more…
Fundraising Careers Part 2: Getting Started and Advancing Your Career
Having explored the essential fundraising skills in our previous blog, it’s time to delve into the practical aspects of entering the field and advancing your career. Whether you’re a novice looking to break into fundraising or a more experienced professional seeking to enhance Read more…
Fundraising Careers Part 1: Essential Skills for Success
Helping a client with recruitment recently got me thinking about fundraising careers. Some things have changed in the fundraising landscape since I started, but there are still some essentials worth being aware of if you are looking to become a fundraiser. In this Read more…
Navigating the Future: Insights into UK Fundraising Trends for 2024
The fundraising landscape will continue to be heavily shaped by the challenging economic climate, the disruption of AI (or its help), the effects of Covid on our lives and working practices, and a pending General Election. Brace yourselves for another demanding year! We Read more…
Cultivating a Culture of Giving: The Heartbeat of School Community Building
In my first fundraising job, I was introduced to the concept of the culture of giving. At that time, it was explained in the imagery of a farmer sowing their seeds and reaping the harvest. This image has stuck with me throughout my Read more…
Interview with Holly Mumford and Christine Buccella
As part of #Craigmyleschoolsweek, Craigmyle’s Bernie Morgan interviews colleague Christine Buccella and Development Director Holly Mumford about their experience of working together on a school fundraising campaign.
Fundraising for Schools – The Long View
As the UK’s oldest-established fundraising consultancy, Craigmyle has helped schools to navigate a variety of funding challenges since 1959. The company was founded by two men who were passionately interested in bringing a more professional approach to fundraising by schools based on contemporary Read more…
Means-Tested Bursaries for Independent Schools – A Sustainable Proposition
Bursaries are a hot topic at present in the majority, if not all, of independent schools, with at least two leading schools embarked on major bursary fundraising campaigns focused on full (100% or 110) bursaries. This is interesting, given the high (per bursary) Read more…
Changes to Schools Charitable Status and Other Tax Breaks – Existential Threat or Paper Tiger?
Craigmyle schools week Day one This article draws on views expressed in the serious press, views of leading charity lawyers and statistical data from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Probability For anyone involved in educational affairs for many years there is a Read more…
5 tips for a better fundraising strategy for your charity
If you are a Trustee or charity leader, fundraising constitutes a considerable part of your activities. Because of this, you should form the best strategies for fundraising and make the most of opportunities to generate and secure income. Here are some valuable tips for Read more…
How a Fundraising Consultant Can Benefit Your Campaign
Every charity or nonprofit needs to fundraise to stay afloat, and while your in-house team may be able to handle smaller campaigns, outside help will be immensely beneficial for larger ones. Hiring a fundraising consultant before your next campaign could be very beneficial for Read more…
5 top tips for fundraising
Building fundraising success is crucial for all charities, whatever your size and whatever your cause. Fundraising provides vital funds, builds your network of supporters, raises awareness about your work and impact and opens up potential for new partnerships. How do you achieve this? Read more…
Time to review?
With September looming and a back to school feel in the air, you may want to come up with new goals to attain. However, these goals can only be achieved when you have a solid plan and take serious steps. That is why Read more…
Six Months of Life as a Fundraising Consultant: Embracing Variety
New consultant Greg Hodder shares his thoughts on joining Craigmyle six months ago and life as a fundraising consultant. * I am six months into working as a Fundraising Consultant for Craigmyle and wanted to write a short article about what it’s been Read more…
Emergency Fundraising
Despite all the challenges facing the UK, when international emergencies hit the headlines – whether it’s the Turkey Syria earthquake which struck in February, the drought/food crisis in East Africa or the ongoing conflict in Ukraine – many have been moved to donate Read more…
Heritage 2033 – some observations
Heritage 2033 – the new 10-year strategy from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – sets out the Heritage Fund’s overarching principles and ambitions, which will be followed later this year by a series of delivery plans that will provide further detail and direction. Read more…
Our Code of Practice explained
Professional standards of practice matter. Did you know Craigmyle’s team of fundraising consultants work to a Code of Practice? In fact, we helped shape the Code of Practice used by the Association of Fundraising Consultants and signed up to by all AFC members, including Read more…
5 Tips on How to Create a Successful Fundraising Event
All nonprofits and charities strive to create memorable and successful fundraising events. This happens when you reach or exceed the donation goals, increasing ROI and strengthening your relationship with supporters. How do you achieve this? This guide outlines five tips to help you Read more…
When do you need a capital campaign?
A capital campaign is a targeted fundraising effort that takes place over a defined period of time. They are an important fundraising tool for charities and nonprofit organisations and are used to raise funds for new projects, expansions, or repairs to the organisation’s Read more…
The Power of Storytelling in Bid Writing
As a charity or nonprofit organisation seeking donations, capturing the attention of potential donors and convincing them to support your cause can be a challenging task. However, incorporating storytelling into your bid writing can be a powerful tool to engage your reader and Read more…
Fundraising Consultancy: Diversity, equity and inclusion
Last week, having been closed to new applications for a year to reflect on its future and build all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into its work, the Tudor Trust announced it won’t be reopening just yet as it takes further Read more…
Getting to strategic integration: dovetailing communications with your fundraising
Once upon a time, not so long ago, we had very few choices about the source of our news and information, mainly confined to TV, radio, books and newspapers. Now we can consume information from multiple sources, by ‘deep diving’ and/or skimming; podcasts, Read more…
Corporate tax hike or fundraising opportunity?
As confirmed by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in yesterday’s budget, corporation tax will rise on 1 April. This isn’t just news for company CEOs and accountant, it presents an important opportunity for charity corporate fundraising. Charged on their profits, corporation tax is paid Read more…
How To Raise Funds For Heritage Conservation: Tips and Ideas
Heritage conservation is a critical aspect of preserving our cultural and historical identity. However, preserving heritage sites and monuments requires significant funding, which can be a challenge for many organisations and individuals who are passionate about heritage conservation. The National Lottery Heritage Fund Read more…
Feasibility Studies: How to Determine if Your Fundraising Goals are Realistic
When it comes to fundraising, setting realistic goals is crucial to success. Donors want to see their contributions make a meaningful impact, and nonprofits want to ensure that they can achieve their fundraising goals without stretching themselves too thin. Feasibility studies are an Read more…
Levelling Up: new capital fundraising opportunities for local charities?
With the recent announcement of Round 2 grants, we share our experience of the Levelling Up Fund and what capital fundraising opportunities it offers for charities. What is the Levelling Up Fund? In January 2023, the UK Government announced the latest 111 projects Read more…
In-memory giving and tribute donations
In-memory giving and tribute charity donations are on the rise, as donors want to raise funds in the name of a loved one. A recent study found that online tribute or in-memory fundraising grew by almost a half (46%) between 2020 and 2021. Read more…
Needs Must
Some of you may be familiar with the Hierarchy of Needs a motivational theory developed by American Psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908-1970). Maslow argued that human beings are motivated by a hierarchy of needs whereby, in our journey to fulfilment, some needs take precedence Read more…
Fundraising Trends We Expect To See More of in 2023
As we move into the new year, it’s important for charities and organisations to stay on top of the latest fundraising trends. By understanding the current landscape and anticipating future changes, you can develop a more effective fundraising strategy and increase your chances Read more…
Fundraising Mentoring: Helping you learn, develop and succeed
Fundraising is a crucial aspect of running any charity or non-profit organisation. Without a steady stream of funding, it can be difficult to achieve your goals and make an impact. But navigating the fundraising landscape can be a daunting task, especially for new Read more…
When times are tough
With a difficult winter ahead and yet more belt-tightening for so many in the UK, fundraising can seem harder than ever. Although affected by the economic context, fundraising is far from impossible in these circumstances. Drawing on our decades of experience, including fundraising Read more…
A fresh look at arts funding?
Every three years when the National Portfolio announcement is made, questions are raised about arts funding in this country and how it could be done better. But while in previous years the accusation towards the Arts Council has gone little further than “salami Read more…
What’s in a name?
This week, we take a look at naming opportunities. Can they help raise donor sights and what do you need to consider when including them in your fundraising strategy? Buy a brick The ubiquitous ‘Buy a Brick’ device in capital fundraising is generally Read more…
Engaging Small Companies in your fundraising campaign
The UK is home to 5.5 million independent businesses. The vast majority of the UK’s economic output (99.2%) is generated by small businesses – companies with fewer than fifty workers. Many business owners now see their companies as a way to contribute to causes Read more…
Climate Change and Trust funders – part two
In our first part we took a look at the Funder Commitment on Climate Change and its implications on funders’ investment strategies. In Part two, we focus in on the second pledge of the Funder commitment: committing resources and ask is there more Read more…
Climate Change and Trust funders – part one
With a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events, next month’s COP27 seeks to build on and deliver action on what is increasingly being seen as a climate emergency. This two-part blog looks at the rising prominence of Read more…
Performing Arts CEO – It’s a lonely job
Fancy running a theatre, an orchestra, an opera, ballet or dance company? To many this may seem like an attractive proposition, but those with experience in leading and running Performing Arts organisations – will admit that, although it has its rewarding moments, it is Read more…
7 key steps When Writing a Grant Application
Writing grant applications can be a challenging process. After all, it entails submitting a coherent proposal with explanations, plans, and requests. With frequently fierce competition for funds, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We’ve compiled a list of seven key steps when writing a Read more…
How to get the most from your Fundraising Mentor
Finding the right fundraising mentor is important, but it’s only half the process. You also need to consider how to get the most out of your mentor/mentee relationship. Here are a few tips to help you do that: Establish Goals Discuss with your Read more…
Supporting heritage
This year, heritage open days run from 9-18 September. Thousands of volunteers across England have organised and are running events that showcase local history and culture. It’s well worth checking out what’s on in your area to discover hidden gems and enjoy new Read more…
How to find a Fundraising Mentor
Whether you are at the start of your fundraising career, or looking to take it up to the next level, finding a mentor can help. The right mentor will support your personal and professional development, as well as helping you build fundraising success Read more…
Staffing the fundraising role
All parts of the voluntary sector – from heritage to education, or arts to faith – are beset by the problem of ‘churn’ when it comes to fundraising staff. This is as true now, post pandemic, as it has been in the past. Read more…
Charity fundraising event top tips
Plenty of charities depend on the efforts of fundraising volunteers, whether they are doing a sponsored event, promoting a just giving birthday collection or organizing a charity quiz. Whatever the good cause, successful fundraising campaigns and events have a lot in common. Here Read more…
Developing organisational resilience
Organisational resilience is something that charities and funders alike want to see. During Covid and in the aftermath, many funders – from ACE to CAF – have offered resilience funding, providing much needed core support. But what does resilience actually look like and Read more…
Design and improve your fundraising plan effectively
Creating a new fundraising plan can be intimidating at first since it is more art than science. But it’s crucial. Thanks to a successful fundraising approach, your team will have focus, direction, and clarity. It will organise thinking and mobilise effort in the Read more…
Commission payments – why not?
At Craigmyle, we receive a wide range of enquiries, mainly from charities new to the prospect of retaining professional services and from individuals considering embarking on a consultancy career. A question that frequently arises is, “How are consultants paid?” Photo credit: CreditDebitPro on Read more…
How to strengthen your capital campaign strategy
A very well-laid-out and thought-through capital campaign should help your organisation maximise fundraising success. The same qualities that make a successful operating or revenue campaign successful—clear, compelling, and achievable goals; sufficient time to develop a strong base of donors; a well-designed written proposal Read more…
The role of a feasibility study
A feasibility study aims to determine whether a fundraising campaign, typically a capital campaign or large project, is possible to do within the bounds of cost and time. It is a targeted effort used to assess funding sources. It is important to realise Read more…
The dos and don’ts of building a fundraising strategy – part 2
So, you have read the first part of our fundraising strategy guide and you’re now ready for the rest of the info we have for you. Have you tried some of the strategies we’ve shared with you in the first part? In this Read more…
The dos and don’ts of building a fundraising strategy – part 1
A fundraising strategy serves as a map for charities and nonprofits that will show them the paths that will allow them to grow their audiences, increase their funding, and ultimately fulfill their missions. It shows the specific actions organisations need to take to Read more…
Volunteer Week: volunteers are vital for church fundraising
For 2022 volunteer week, we take a look at church fundraising and churches’ reliance on volunteers for fundraising projects. Volunteers play a vital role in church life and can make all the difference to your fundraising project, large or small. Three things to Read more…
Guide to the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Every good project requires a reasonable budget for it to work out. If you are planning to conduct an extensive fundraising campaign to fund a UK heritage project, you will want to consider working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Learn more about Read more…
International Museum Day top fundraising tips
Museums play a crucial role in today’s world. They challenge and engage us. They preserve our culture. They bring communities together. They help us learn from the past. They educate future generations. They inspire us. Of course, museums depend upon funding to continue Read more…
Mental Health Awareness Week: making the fundraising case for tackling loneliness
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May 2022), focuses on loneliness. According to the Mental Health Foundation, loneliness affects one in four adults – who feel lonely some or all of the time. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling Read more…
Three effective steps to boost donor loyalty
To maintain donor loyalty and encourage them to continue supporting your cause, it is critical to instill a sense of value and appreciation in them. This is essential for your own and your charity’s sustainability. Pre Covid, you almost certainly had a face-to-face Read more…
4 reasons to use Fundraising Consultants
In the last few years, the UK charity and not-for-profit sector has experienced significant change, adjusting/readjusting to Covid and its aftermath, and responding to changing and increasing needs. Using fundraising consultants to help you progress your plans and achieve your aims can make sense Read more…
5 things a fundraising consultant can help you with
Fundraising is hard, especially at this time when there are growing needs but charities know that many of their supporters are feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis. Have you considered looking for a fundraising consultant to improve your strategy and help you Read more…
Developing a legacy programme: looking back at the Dead Donkey Club
This week, we take a look back at the experience of Elizabeth College Foundation, a long-standing client, who developed a legacy programme with support from Craigmyle’s Geoff Howard. The following words from journalist and broadcaster Bruce Parker, who was educated at Elizabeth College, Read more…
Topics for your strategic radar
A lot has changed over the last few years, so maybe now is a good time to take the plunge and roll out a strategy refresh. Taking a step back to reframe plans and really take a deep dive in your strategy existing Read more…
Tax effective giving
With the Spring 2022 Budget next week, Gill Moody reflects on tax effective giving and why it matters in fundraising. * Since the wool export tax of 1203 and wine tax of 1275, taxes have been a feature of life in the UK. Read more…
How to plan and execute a successful fundraising campaign
Do you need to think about capital campaign strategy? Or maybe you are planning to run a fundraising campaign to meet your charities running costs? If you’re interested in running a fundraising campaign, the following tips can help you reach your goal. Remember Read more…
Transactional and relationship fundraising
Is there a difference between transactional and relationship fundraising, and if so what is it? Some forms of fundraising are more obviously transactional than others; for example, undertaking a sponsored walk, ride, swim or other event, where the amount donated by individual sponsors Read more…
4 tips to finish a fundraising capital campaign with a bang
Preparation, enthusiasm, and a quiet persistence are required in fundraising capital campaigns. Without a doubt, the work you invest in a project like this is always worth it. As well as generating funds, you may accomplish many other essential things through such a Read more…
Fundraising culture in UK vs US
Reflecting on fundraising culture in the US and the UK, Craigmyle Fundraising Consultant Christine Buccella considers differences, similarities and the fundamentals of success. Having recently hit the impossible milestone of 30 years (!) as a professional fundraiser, I have been been reflecting on how Read more…
Fundraising evaluation
When successful, fundraising activities and campaigns have the potential to change lives. It’s critical to have fundraising evaluation in place to analyse what you were able to accomplish and how you can do better to help inform fundraising activities in the future. In Read more…
5 ways to better secure grants for non-profit organisations
Non-profit organisations can help people by securing grants. After all, to help people, these organisations need funds. The more money a non-profit organisation – whether a charity, school, museum or church – can secure, the greater its chances of achieving its mission. However, Read more…
Misconceptions about capital campaign feasibility studies
When undertaking a large-scale capital project for a nonprofit organisation, you might not have enough money to cover all costs. As a result, you will need to secure external funding. Securing funding is no easy task, especially for large-scale projects. One of the Read more…
Fundraising meetings – the good, the bad and the ugly
Successful meetings are central to the fundraising toolkit, from campaign Steering Group meetings to face to face approaches. Don’t allow poor preparation, lack of focus or domineering personalities to hijack your fundraising meetings. Whether it’s virtual (on zoom/MS team etc) or a face-to-face Read more…
4 ways to open the door to invite only funders
Securing grants has always been competitive. It has only become more challenging in recent years. Private foundations are increasingly becoming “Invite Only,” which means they “do not accept unsolicited applications.” Is this to say you should cross them off your list? Quite the Read more…
3 fundraising challenges faced by nonprofit organisations
Every nonprofit organisation has its cause, a community it works to support. That is essentially the core of every nonprofit organisation. However, no organisation can run on values and good intentions alone. Money is still needed to fund the operations, and, unfortunately, getting Read more…
Social Investment
As competition for grant funding hots up, non-profit organisations such as charities, CIOs, CICs and Companies Limited by Guarantee are increasingly exploring the option of social investment loans to help them achieve their goals. But what is it? Why use it? And what Read more…
Trustees
This #TrusteeWeek, Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants recognises and celebrates the UK’s many, many volunteer trustees. There are roughly 700,000 trustees in England and Wales helping charities deliver their mission. Thanks to all the Trustees for all your hard work and commitment – keeping charities Read more…
How to build an effective fundraising strategy
Are you finding it hard to reach your fundraising goals? You are not alone. Many organisations face the same concerns. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve your goals and secure funding for your organisation. The current problem may be due to Read more…
Coventry heritage
Craigmyle’s Bernie Morgan reports on her recent visit to a range of inspiring heritage renovations being undertaken by the Historic Coventry Trust. * What do you get if you mix a group of visionary heritage professionals, a supportive local authority and a transformative Read more…
Fundraising literature
Done well, fundraising literature is a powerful and essential part of the fundraising process. Fundraising literature or material comes in all shapes, sizes and styles. From an Appeal brochure to a legacy leaflet, it’s important not to let perceptions of what’s required or Read more…
A Quick Guide on Developing a Grant Fundable Project
Success in acquiring a grant is determined by how a project is defined before proceeding to the bid writing process. Focusing on project development means you are more likely to secure a grant. In addition, the project will be stronger and will align Read more…
Fundraising strategy: getting the right mix
When developing or reviewing your fundraising strategy, how do you get the right mix? How do you select the right combination of income streams? Whether you are new to fundraising or long established, you are faced with a deluge of expert opinion and Read more…
Fundraising tips
Here are some of our top fundraising tips – drawn from our 60-year track record, in-depth knowledge across sectors and hands-on experience of strategy and implementation. Don’t let costs/budgets just rise. Ask what’s the minimum you can spend to meet your needs? Read more…
Culture Recovery Fund Emergency Resource Support
With an overall budget of £20 million, the recently opened Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund: Emergency Resource Support programme is specifically designed to support culturally significant organisations (in England) which were financially sustainable before the COVID-19 pandemic but are now at imminent risk Read more…
Things to do in August
In more typical times, August can be a quiet month, a time to take stock and plan ahead. This is far from a typical year, though. Many charities and organisations have, understandably, been focused on fire-fighting and short-term solutions to the pandemic. Whatever Read more…
Strategic development, meticulous planning and mentoring for a major fundraising appeal
Natasha Gaudin, Head of Business Development for the Beaulieu Foundation, Beaulieu Convent School in Jersey, talks about working on a significant fundraising initiative with Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants. Geoff Howard, accredited Craigmyle Fundraising Consultant, spent just under two years working with Natasha (Tasha) and Read more…
Setting up a charity
Many people are looking at setting up a charity in the wake of the social impact the pandemic has had on their communities. Others feel it is the right time to ‘give something back’ now we are starting to rebuild the country and Read more…
Going digital: charity service delivery post-lockdown
The covid pandemic and lockdowns have forced charities and organisations, big and small, to adjust how they support those they assist. Agile organisations have responded by transforming services, often to include digital service delivery with vital support including video calls or online group Read more…
Means-Tested Bursaries for Independent Schools – A Sustainable Proposition
The relentless and sustained real terms increase (well above inflation) in independent school fees over the last 40 years has created a growing issue of affordability. Fees today are approximately 3-4 times as expensive in real terms as they were in the 1980s. Read more…
Maximising major gifts
Major gifts are a crucial element of the fundraising mix, for both revenue income and capital campaigns. But organisations can feel major gifts aren’t for them, or it’s too difficult to establish an effective programme. How best can organisations, big or small, go Read more…
Time for reflective practice
This year, Craigmyle is making time for reflective practice. It’s an opportunity to identify practical ways our team of fundraising consultants can better support our clients as well as supporting each other as colleagues and investing in our own personal development. Reflective practice Read more…
Introduction to the new priorities for National Lottery Grants for Heritage
Early in 2020, the National Lottery Heritage Fund stopped its normal funding rounds to focus on emergency funding for heritage projects significantly affected by the COVID pandemic. In April 2021, the National Lottery Heritage Fund restarted funding non-COVID heritage projects, but with some Read more…
Charities and philanthropy: getting serious about green giving
It’s World Earth Day this week (22nd April) and we are all, increasingly, aware of the need for urgent action on climate change. Charities and funders recognise they need to be part of the solution and the prevalence and range of green giving Read more…
“With this ring, I thee wed”- churches in partnership
If you were the Trustee of a grant making trust, which of the following submissions for funding from churches would be more likely to get your vote? We are applying for funding for a new kitchen and toilets to make our church more Read more…
Team approach to fundraising
A team approach to fundraising and the importance of detailed research into potential funders: David Titchener, from All Saints, North Street York talks about working with Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants Christine Buccella and Joel Burden, accredited Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants, spent just over nine months Read more…
The Virtual Reception? Some early thoughts
A key element of fundraising and donor cultivation is bringing people together for face-to-face contact between donors, potential donors, beneficiaries, voluntary leaders, trustees and staff. Lockdown and other Covid restrictions make the normal bringing together of people nigh on impossible. Is the virtual Read more…
Risk and Reward: Creating an Online Festival
Arts festivals, often run by small, hard-working teams of freelance staff and with an obvious reliance on bringing numbers of people together for a concentration of events, are as badly hit by the pandemic as almost any other sector I can think of. Read more…
NLHF Heritage grants reopening
Now, more than ever, I believe that heritage has to demonstrate its economic contribution and value to our national life and support for the recovery of our local economies and communities. That’s why, through our heritage funding and support ahead, we will prioritise Read more…
Stepping into the breach: Annette Fettes talks about Interim Management and working with Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants
Siân Newton, accredited Craigmyle Fundraising Consultant, has spent the last nine months boosting the fundraising capability of St Andrew’s Club in Westminster. Established over 150 years ago, St Andrew’s Club is a community-based youth club which enriches young lives by providing a sense Read more…
2020
2020 has been a really tough year for so many charities and organisations. Craigmyle fundraising consultants have supported 33 clients, large and small. We’ve worked with schools and colleges, churches and faith organisations, health, welfare and community charities and heritage and arts organisations. Read more…
It’s the thought that counts
Christmas comes but once a year, usually marked by charity Christmas appeals. Which do you respond positively to and why? Craigmyle Consultants’ framework for assessing effective fundraising perhaps offers some insights. We look for: a persuasive case, demonstrable need, a clear understanding of Read more…
Church fundraising for capital projects
Over the decades, Craigmyle fundraising consultants have worked with a great many churches, small and large, often supporting church fundraising for capital projects. Usually, especially in recent times, capital projects have been concerned with making existing space more flexible (removing pews and reordering), Read more…
Measuring Social Impact Q&A
With charities and organisations under increasing pressure due to Covid and another lockdown, measuring social impact for charities is more important than ever. Craigmyle consultant Bernie Morgan has particular expertise in grant making, social investment and social enterprise. We asked her to tell Read more…
Churches online – growing numbers, growing income?
A recent Church of England press release – https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/more-17000-online-services-and-events-provided-church-england-parishes – has highlighted the dramatic increase in people putting on and taking part in online services held by local churches during the pandemic. It has also provided statistics about the startling levels of participation Read more…
ACE Culture Recovery Fund – an update
The Arts Council has apologised for a delay in support for the Arts due to the “volume and complexity of the applications”. Things aren’t getting any easier for hundreds of arts organisations up and down the country who had hoped to benefit from Read more…
Fundraising for Church Heritage
For charities such as parish churches fundraising for church heritage a successful application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) can often be the element that makes the difference. After all, the NLHF will consider funding up to 90% of costs for major Read more…
Where’s Zoom in the hierarchy of effectiveness?
When helping clients plan fundraising approaches, Craigmyle consultants often refer to a hierarchy of effectiveness. We know – as you probably do from personal experience – that it’s much easier to ignore a generic email than a telephone call from someone we respect, Read more…
Culture Recovery Fund
Arts organisations up and down the country will currently be immersed in the ACE Culture Recovery Fund application process, which opened last Monday. Administered by Arts Council England the £500 million fund could provide a much needed life-line for many. The minimum grant Read more…
Taking time to review
As we begin to see the first signs of a potential return to work for many of our clients, the roles and plans that were in place before the lockdown have changed dramatically. Many planned activities have been postponed until later in the Read more…
Plan for wellbeing
Wellbeing is increasingly on the public and funders’ agenda. There are specific funds that are targeting projects (e.g. Loneliness Fund), whilst large key grant makers have incorporated wellbeing in their criteria, e.g. NLHF’s mandatory wellbeing outcome “people will have greater wellbeing”. Social prescribing Read more…
Maintaining momentum for longer term funding projects
Churches are playing a vital role in meeting the needs of the community during COVID-19 but at the same time need to maintain the momentum for other longer-term projects. The Church of the Ascension in Blackheath is an excellent example of this. Craigmyle Read more…
Coping with Covid-19 in the arts and heritage sector
Today, museums and galleries in England wait to hear if they can reopen from 4 July. The arts and heritage sector across the UK has been hit hard by Covid-19. Galleries, theatres, heritage sites, visitor attractions and museums have had to close their doors, Read more…
Emergency funding is vital but how do organisations move forward from COVID-19?
Last year, Craigmyle Consultants, Siân Newton and Wendy Foreman developed and facilitated a one-day strategic fundraising planning workshop for Central Southwark Community Hub based in Southwark in South East London. The demand, even before the pandemic, for Central Southwark Community Hub services – Read more…
Planning for post-COVID fundraising
It’s not news that the charitable sector is struggling during this pandemic, with only a quarter of charities estimated to have enough reserves to last three months. The fundraising plans we created for 2020 have flown out the window, but the income targets Read more…
Covid -19 Checklist
Here’s our Covid fundraising checklist: Avoid hasty decisions and think holistically, across fundraising, marketing and communications. Develop a charity-wide response. Look after your staff and volunteers. All decisions must have this as the primary consideration. Keep funders informed and if you need to Read more…
