_Opinion


Standing up for charities With the sector coming under more scrutiny than ever before, Paul Courtney (BA (Hons) Arts Management Graduate, 2003) of Kairos Fundraising Solutions says it’s time to look beyond the headlines and give charities a fair hearing


You don’t have to be involved in the charity sector to recognise the name Olive Cooke.


When it was suggested that being harassed by a number of charities had contributed to the death of this well- loved and public-spirited lady – herself a committed fundraiser – it unleashed a torrent of criticism of


charities and their methods of raising money.


‘Allow me to speak up in


their defence. As always, the media coverage only tells part of the story. In the case of Olive Cooke, for example, did you know that she had given to at least 88 of the 99 charities that held her details, 48 of them regularly? And of course, she was also a longstanding volunteer collector for the Royal British Legion.


Rewarding relationships ‘For the most part, I believe that charities are dedicated to creating long-term, mutually rewarding relationships with their supporters. And the key to that is to be authentic: put simply, to believe in the stories you’re telling. Over the course of 15 years raising funds and teaching


Paul Courtney is Director of Kairos Fundraising Solutions, which gives support and guidance to charities on building strong donor relationships and fundraising strategies to secure sustainable income. He also chairs the Institute of Fundraising in the South West of England and is Director of Development at Exeter Cathedral.


charity staff, volunteers and trustees to craft effective messages, I’ve learned a few lessons which I feel are as relevant to donors as they are to charities themselves. ‘First, a fundamental truth


that serves as a reminder of what we are all trying to achieve. Charities are founded on the purest and


best of human impulses: the desire to give to those in need and to try to make a situation better. It’s an essential part of our shared humanity. Some of the best- known charities in the UK – Oxfam, Comic Relief and Save the Children among them – were started by individuals who saw a problem and were moved to try to do something about it.


Focus on solutions


‘Next, the focus should be on solutions, not problems. It’s a sad truth that very little shocks us anymore. We have become


hardened to scenes of disaster and human suffering. Instead, the key to energising and inspiring us as donors


is to make us feel that the solution lies in our hands: that we are the ones with the power to make things better, and bring about positive change. ‘With cuts to statutory funding starting to bite, organisations in the arts, culture and heritage sectors are increasingly looking to mainstream charity fundraisers for ideas, tactics and techniques. There is one principle that I believe is key: we must establish and then effectively communicate a compelling case for support. In short, charities must be clear about why they exist, and be specific about the difference they are making. ‘There are lessons to be learned from business, too. Donors – from those giving a few pounds each month right through to


major philanthropists – are looking for intelligent solutions. They want evidence of a strategic approach, transparency and accountability with regard to objectives and outcomes, and to know they are getting a return on their investment. ‘As fundraisers, we


have an extraordinary opportunity to connect those individuals who want to make a difference with organisations that are working to transform lives. We are in the business of creating opportunities, of building positive futures, of bringing hope to seemingly hopeless situations. ‘I have witnessed this first


hand in the arts, seeing how children and young people from the toughest of backgrounds can find a sense of self-worth and hope for the future through participation in theatre projects. This, along with a great many other experiences in a large number of charities over the years, inspires me and keeps me passionate about encouraging people to give. ‘Whatever your connection


with the charity sector I urge you to look beyond the headlines, and let philanthropy flow to bring about positive change!’


At LSBU, we’re working to transform lives every day. To do this, we rely on the generosity of our alumni, and we are hugely grateful for every gift received. Find out how you could make a difference to the next generation of South Bankers on the back cover.


lsbu.ac.uk/alumni | South Bank_09


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32