In the third of this series, we put successful fundraisers under the spotlight to share their tips for a fulfilling fundraising career.
Fiona Chaillier became a fundraiser in 2004, after graduating from the University of Reading with a BA in French and Management. Her current role involves developing and project managing a portfolio of high profile events for the charity, as well as launching a new ‘signature’ fundraising event. Guide Dogs provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people.
Take on other responsibilities
Fiona started working as a fundraising assistant at Guide Dogs and in addition to progressing within her current organisation she has also broadened her role by joining the committee of the Event Manager’s Forum, an IoF SIG, and informal group for people who work within the voluntary sector and are involved in organising fundraising events.
Chaillier’s desire to look at the ‘bigger picture’ is also evident in the way she approaches her role; “putting on a great event is the easy part, making sure it raises the money and hits your other long term objectives is where the challenge and ultimately the success lies”.
Aim high
Fiona has seen success in her current role, successfully pitching for Guide Dogs to become official charity partner of the inaugural Brighton Marathon, which she describes as a ‘huge coup’. The charity has already achieved its ‘highest ever’ number of marathon runners, and Chaillier adds “to have the conviction to take a chance on a new event and to see it pay dividends is really rewarding”.
Give it your all
Citing her top tips for success, Fiona is firmly in favour of fundraisers getting “first hand experience of going out and raising funds [to] empathise with, and engage, your supporters”. She also says “most importantly, love what you do – you won’t succeed in inspiring others unless you have true passion for the job you do and the cause you work for.”
She is also inspired by the “committed supporters who come back year on year, not necessarily raising newsworthy amounts of money but who by their loyal and unfaltering support are our number one advocates”.
Creativity is key
Looking ahead to fundraising trends of the future, Fiona says “supporters are becoming ever more demanding in terms of what they expect and need from your relationship”. Key to success, she claims is “keeping individuals involved.” “I feel charities really need to up their game in terms of creativity and the development of a bespoke supporter development plan should be a major factor in any long term fundraising strategy”.
Don’t neglect the impact of event fundraising, she warns; “events have a key role to play here – the right event for your charity can capture and engage thousands, and if managed correctly will have a sustainable effect on your fundraising targets”.
