The Value of Community for Fundraisers

Article written by Charlotte Cole, Head of Development at Kings Place Music Foundation and 2024 Fundraising Fellow

Across my nine years working in arts fundraising, I have been a solo fundraiser twice – once for Wilton’s Music Hall and more recently at Kings Place Music Foundation. In other roles, I’ve worked in teams of up to seven wonderful fundraisers – all highly skilled and experienced in their field.

And yet…

Amidst what feels like a revolving door of challenge after challenge across the arts sector, some of my most valuable professional relationships have come from peer networks, which has become indispensable in every job I’ve had. These networks have not only offered me support and resources, but the chance to explore collaboration, innovation and build resilience during a time when it is needed most.

Beyond the expense of annual conferences, where else can you share in the frustration of not receiving feedback from an unsuccessful application, learn about the ways organisations are diversifying their income or understand the level of work that went into securing a particularly sizeable partnership?

For me, fundraising networks have served as vital platforms for peers to share knowledge, experiences and best practices. They provide opportunities for professional development, mentorship and collective problem-solving, which are crucial in navigating the complexities of fundraising in the arts. By engaging with these networks, fundraisers are able to stay informed about sector trends, funding opportunities and policy changes, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and adaptability.

Where possible, I encourage you all to get out of the sphere of your organisation, arts medium or even the region that you’re based in to experience the benefits of learning from others. Given our increasing need to stay ahead of the curve, you risk being stuck in the ‘same old practices’ that have been used repeatedly without room for trying out new ideas that you’ve learned about from others.

So, what are the benefits of engaging with peer networks?

Knowledge sharing: networks can facilitate the exchange of information on successful fundraising strategies, donor engagement techniques and grant application processes. This collective wisdom enables fundraisers to learn from each other’s experiences and apply proven methods to their own contexts.
Professional development: by engaging with others up and down the country, working in all different forms of arts and culture, there are many opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Collaborative opportunities: networks may lead to partnerships between organisations, allowing for joint fundraisers ventures, shared resources and collaborative projects that can attract increased funding and reach wider audiences.
Emotional support: being part of a community of peers who understand the challenges and rewards of fundraising in the arts can provide motivation and a deeper sense of belonging, which are essential for long-term sustainability in the profession.
Added to the fact that the majority of these networks are run by truly dedicated volunteers with busy lives and jobs themselves, altogether it can make for a truly appreciative group of fundraisers looking to be generous with each other!

What networks are out there?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the available groups available, but hopefully it will encourage you to seek out groups that feel relevant for you or even inspire you to lead your own!

Arts Trust Managers Group: bringing together peers working in trusts and foundations across the arts and culture sector. The majority of meetings take place online (although they occasionally meet in person), with topics ranging from feedback about applications, new trusts and new job opportunities across the sector! There’s also a really useful Slack channel to check in between meetings and pose any questions you might have. Drop a message to Abi Clamp at the RSV ([email protected]) to find out more.
Corporate Fundraisers Network: bringing together arts organisations from across the UK, this network focuses on all matters to do with corporate membership and sponsorship. Meeting both online and in-person regularly, this is a useful resource to put forward your questions, ideas and challenges to a group of experienced fundraisers working at varying levels of corporate philanthropy. Drop an email to Andy Higgins at the International War Museum ([email protected]) to be added to the mailing list ahead of the next meeting in the Spring.
North West Development Network: a regionally focused network for all levels of fundraising. They run a mixture of in-person and digital events, with their most recent being a pre-Christmas social to network and discuss hot topics. You can reach out to the organisers through their Eventbrite page here.
Performing Arts Development Directors: supporting Development Directors working in the arts, PADD meet regularly online and in-person to discuss all matter of hot topics facing fundraising leaders. Sessions include NPO data collection, ethical fundraising and legacy benchmarking, and guest speakers are regularly invited to present and host discussions. Get in touch with ENO’s Marina Jones ([email protected]) to be added to the mailing list.
Prospect Research UK: open to those with a focus on research and prospects in the UK. Though not an arts specific group, this network could be a useful tool for anyone looking to be inspired from those working outside of the arts sector and keen to pick up ideas or techniques that could be applied to their own context. You can sign up to be part of the group via their website here.
Young Arts Fundraisers: YAF is a network that runs regular webinar events and the occasional seasonal social to bring together early-career fundraisers. They also run the Evolve Programme, a year-long development scheme offering mentoring, peer support, advice and tools to better equip you for the future. Head to their website here to find out more.