Let's Talk Fundraising

With Giving Tuesday arriving on 1 December, alongside Generosity Week, fundraisers across the UK have a short window to turn good intentions into a plan. This month on Let’s Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF), host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Claire Stanley, Director of Policy and Communications at the CIoF, and two guests who see Giving Tuesday from very different angles: Simon Deverell, Founder and Co-CEO of Crowdfunder, and Fiona Baxter, Giving Strategy and Programs Manager at NatWest Group.The episode explores how charities of every size can make the most of Giving Tuesday, from CIoF’s Give your way theme and the opportunity to link volunteering with International Volunteers Day, to the practicalities of running a crowdfunding campaign, securing match funding and choosing between a crowdfunder and an online prize draw. It also offers a rare look inside a major corporate partner’s approach, covering colleague volunteering, customer donations through rewards and what makes a charity easy for a company to support. For fundraisers planning ahead, it is a practical guide to building momentum before the day itself and keeping it going long after.Meet the guestsSimon Deverell, Founder and Co-CEO, Crowdfunder. Simon began his career in interactive TV, working on Channel 4’s Big Brother in its early days, before leading digital campaigns for change. That path led him to co-found Crowdfunder, the UK platform that helps communities, charities and social enterprises turn ideas into funded projects. In this episode he explains why crowdfunding suits Giving Tuesday, how match funding changes donor behaviour, and what small charities should be doing now.Fiona Baxter, Giving Strategy and Programs Manager, NatWest Group. Fiona leads NatWest Group’s work as Giving Tuesday UK’s biggest corporate partner, a relationship that began in 2014. Her role spans customer giving through the NatWest rewards account and colleague volunteering and fundraising. She shares what has changed over a decade of involvement, what motivates customers and colleagues to give, and what the sector can do to make corporate partnerships easier.Connect with our guestsSimon Deverell, LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simondevFiona Baxter, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-baxter-8aa176201/Links and resources mentioned in this episodeCrowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/Crowdfunder Knowledge Hub: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/knowledge-hubGiving Tuesday UK: https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/Global Generosity Week: https://www.givingtuesday.org/generosity-week/CIoF Giving Tuesday links and resources: https://ciof.org.uk/learning-and-events/events/giving-tuesday/Public Fundraising Rulebook: https://ciof.org.uk/news-and-policy/public-fundraising/public-fundraising-rule-books/Global Majority Fundraisers Network (working name), Shaping the Future Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGH5K9BFundraisers from a Global Majority Background LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/17585009/Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

As charities move into the busiest fundraising period of the year, the pressure on teams to deliver ramps up too. In this episode of Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, host Tim Beynon is joined by co-host Katie Docherty, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and guest Graham Allcott, author of KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, for a timely conversation about kind leadership and fundraiser wellbeing.Tim and Katie open by discussing why the run-up to Christmas is such a demanding time for fundraising teams, covering burnout, donor abuse and the support available through the Chartered Institute's work on donor codes of conduct. Graham then joins to unpack the difference between being nice and being kind, drawing on research linking kindness to trust and psychological safety, and offers practical starting points for building a kinder culture, even in small charities with no dedicated HR function. It's a conversation with genuine, practical relevance for any fundraising manager or leader trying to support their team, and themselves, through the festive crunch.Meet the guestsKatie Docherty is Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. She brings a sector-wide view of the pressures facing fundraisers, from wellbeing and workload to donor behaviour, and speaks to the Institute's ongoing work on codes of conduct and support resources for charities.Graham Allcott is one of the world's leading providers of productivity training and consultancy, and the author of several bestselling books, including How to Be a Productivity Ninja. His latest book, KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, explores why kinder, more human-centred workplace cultures drive stronger performance, and brings that thinking to the fundraising sector in this conversation.Useful linksChartered Institute of Fundraising - How to get started with a donor code of conduct: https://ciof.org.uk/library/resources/how-to-get-started-with-the-donor-code-of-conduct/Connect with our guests and contributorsGraham Allcott: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/grahamallcott/Katie Docherty: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/katiedocherty/Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Legacy giving is one of the UK charity sector's biggest income streams, yet it's still too often treated as an afterthought rather than a strategic priority. In this episode of Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, hosts Tim Beynon and Remember A Charity Director, Lucinda Frostick explore what it really takes to grow legacy income, with insight from Kay Harrison, Community and Content Manager at About Loyalty, and Victoria Friar, Head of Supporter Services at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).Recorded following their session at Fundraising Convention, Kay and Vix unpack the data behind supporter loyalty and legacy giving, from the Chase Index's findings on commitment, satisfaction and trust, to why lapsed supporters are often more likely to leave a gift than active ones. They share practical, real-world examples of how consistent, thoughtful supporter engagement, from handwritten thank-you cards to carefully timed communications, builds the kind of relationships that lead to a gift in a will. It's a conversation packed with insight for fundraisers of every charity size looking to make legacy giving a genuine organisational priority rather than something that trickles along in the background.With Remember A Charity Week falling in September, it's a perfectly timed reminder of how important legacy giving is.Meet the guestsKay Harrison is Community and Content Manager at About Loyalty, the supporter experience agency behind the Chase Index, the charity sector's loyalty benchmarking tool. With a background in events management, digital marketing and fundraising, Kay works with charities of all sizes to help them understand and grow supporter loyalty, bringing sharp insight into what drives commitment, satisfaction and trust across the sector.Victoria Friar is Head of Supporter Services at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), where she leads on building long-term, meaningful relationships with supporters. Drawing on more than 20 years in the fundraising sector, Vix brings a grounded, practical perspective on embedding legacy conversations into everyday supporter communications, from e-newsletters to face-to-face touchpoints.Connect with our guests and contributorsKay Harrison, About Loyalty: LinkedInVictoria Friar, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex: LinkedInUseful linksFind out more about Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex at aakss.org.uk and about About Loyalty and the Chase Index at about-loyalty.com.About Loyalty’s research shows that improving the supporter experience leads to happier supporters, more charity income, and more legacy pledges. Discover more and unlock your copy of their research HERE Read more about loyalty and legacies on About Loyalty’s BLOG The Chase Index offers charities one clear measure for supporter experience, proven to grow supporter loyalty and lifetime value. Find out more about the benefits of becoming a member HERE Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Philanthropy in the UK is at a critical turning point, and this episode of Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, explores what that means for charity fundraisers right now. Host Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Charlotte Sherman, Policy Manager at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, for a wide-ranging conversation with Rory Brooks CBE, Board member at the Charity Commission for England and Wales, about the future of major giving in the UK.This episode explores the Institute's Philanthropy 2035 project and the trends reshaping high-net-worth giving, from the intergenerational transfer of wealth and the rise of the impact economy to the growing role of professional advisors and government engagement through the Office for Impact Economy. Rory Brooks brings a rare dual perspective as co-founder of the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation, and Board member of the charity regulator, sharing candid insight on good governance, the art of the ask, and what a healthy, trusted philanthropic sector could look like a decade from now. It's a conversation packed with practical takeaways for fundraisers working to build long-term relationships with major donors.Meet the guestsCharlotte Sherman is Policy Manager at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, leading the Institute's Philanthropy 2035 project. She returns as guest co-host to unpack the latest research and policy developments shaping high-net-worth giving in the UK.Rory Brooks CBE is a Board member at the Charity Commission for England and Wales and a private equity investor who co-founded MML Capital Partners. Alongside his wife Elizabeth, he established the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation in 2005, focusing on social disadvantage, education and the arts, and has chaired the philanthropic board of the University of Manchester for a decade. He was awarded the CBE in 2015 for services to philanthropy and brings a unique vantage point spanning major donor experience and charity regulation.Connect with our guests and contributorsCharlotte Sherman: LinkedInRory Brooks CBE: LinkedInUseful linksCIOF Philanthropy 2035 Hub: ciof.org.uk/library/resources/the-philanthropy-2035-hub/Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation: rebrooksfoundation.org.uk/Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, comes to you this month live from Fundraising Convention 2026 at the QEII Centre in London. Host Tim Beynon spent two days at the UK's biggest gathering of third sector fundraising professionals, capturing conversations with the people shaping the future of fundraising, from experts and sector leaders to those just starting out on their fundraising careers.This episode explores what's changing across UK fundraising, and why it matters for charities of every size. Katie Docherty, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, explains why 2026 marks the last Convention in its current two-day format before a move to two dedicated flagship events from next year. Tobin Aldrich of AAW and Sophie Carre of Trussell unpack the headline findings from the 2026 Fundraising Benchmarking Survey, now in its third year and covering data from over 100 charities. Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, reflects on ten years of regulation since the body's launch in 2016, and looks ahead to the challenges AI and outdated legislation pose for fundraisers. Elsewhere, Matt Smith of THINK Consulting Solutions and Rebecca Bednall of Mayhew discuss why being small can be a genuine fundraising advantage, and career coach Matt Middler joins early career fundraiser Caitlin Scott to explore the "inner game" of building a sustainable career in the sector.There's loads to listen to and you can you jump to the sections you'd like to listen to first via the chapters below.Meet the guestsKatie Docherty is Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, having joined in October 2021 after roles including Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland and senior fundraising positions at Anthony Nolan and Age Scotland. She brings a leadership perspective on how Convention, and the Institute's wider events programme, is evolving to meet fundraisers' changing needs.Tobin Aldrich is Principal Partner at AAW, where he leads the Fundraising Benchmarking Survey delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Now in its third year, the survey is one of the most comprehensive data sets on UK fundraising performance, and Tobin brings deep expertise in what the numbers reveal about sector-wide investment and returns.Sophie Carre is Director of Public Engagement at Trussell, the UK's largest food bank charity network. She brings first-hand experience of using benchmarking data to navigate a fundraising programme shaped by rapidly shifting external circumstances, including legacy giving and new acquisition channels.Gerald Oppenheim is Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, a post he has held since 2018 having been with the regulator since its creation in 2016. He brings a decade of insight into rebuilding public trust in fundraising, the introduction of GDPR, and the regulatory challenges still ahead for charities.Matt Smith is Managing Director of THINK Consulting Solutions, advising charities on fundraising strategy and innovation. He brings a strategic lens on how small and medium-sized organisations can diversify their fundraising portfolios without losing focus.Rebecca Bednall is Head of Fundraising at Mayhew, the animal welfare charity serving five London boroughs. She brings practical experience of making bold portfolio decisions in a small fundraising team, including the discipline of saying no to legacy activities that no longer serve the organisation.Matt Middler is a transformative coach working with charity sector leaders and fundraisers across the sector. He brings his "inner game and outer game" framework, helping fundraisers build self-awareness and resilience alongside technical skills.Caitlin Scott is an early career professional currently seeking her first fundraising role, having moved into the sector from a background in performing arts and community engagement. She brings a fresh perspective on what it feels like to start a fundraising career today.Connect with our guestsKatie Docherty - LinkedInTobin Aldrich - LinkedInSophie Carre - LinkedInGerald Oppenheim - LinkedInMatt Smith - LinkedInRebecca Bednall - LinkedInMatt Middler - Matt Middler CoachingCaitlin Scott - LinkedInUseful LinksMore information the Fundraising Benchmarking Survey: aawpartnership.com/fundraising-benchmarks-survey-2026Fundraising Regulator: fundraisingregulator.org.uk/Trussell: trussell.org.uk/Mayhew: themayhew.org/Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk (00:06) - - Welcome and introduction (02:10) - - Katie Docherty on the future after Fundraising Convention (08:11) - - Tobin Aldrich and Sophie Carre on the findings of the 2026 Fundraising Benchmarks Survey (20:32) - - Gerald Oppenheim on the Fundraising Regulator's first decade (40:20) - - Matt Smith and Becky Bednall on the small but mighty impact of the UK's small charities (01:01:44) - - Matt Middler and Caitlin Scott on the 'inner game' for early career fundraisers (01:19:50) - - That's a wrap for Fundraising Convention