This session explores the centrality of an organisation’s funding model in fuelling social impact and fundamental importance of leadership in making income generation as effective as it can be.  Moderated by Jane Trenaman, the session frames key strategic challenges explored at the Summer School 2024 session to deepen understanding of the critical role that the board and wider SLT has to play to empower fundraising success.

All our fantastic panellists have experience of fundraising both as part of the executive team and as board members of nonprofit organisations:

• Graham Roe, Special Olympics & Action Aid
• Criona Cullen, Rehab Group 
• Stephanie Walsh, Rethink Ireland & Vision Ireland 
• Ziva Newman, World Vision & Alpha Ireland 

At the end of this session, participants will have a frame through which to view their funding model and its implications for mission.  They will benefit from peer experience - the wins and the lows - with practical takeaways for steps with the power to amplify the voice of fundraising at board level. 

Session Objectives

Participants will leave this session with:

• A deep dive of structural, strategic and capacity issues at board level that can either bolster or impede successful fundraising through empowerment of their teams.
• Cathartic discussion on the cultural and structural barriers that impede  fundraising directors in scaling  revenue streams to their full potential to drive impact.
• A fresh context and language to communicate with their board and leadership team to drive  income generation from tactical to strategic with holistic leadership.
• Practical tips and tricks to educate and nurture champions at board level, including the rising trend in recruiting professional fundraisers to nonprofit boards.

*This session is exclusively for fundraising directors / the most senior fundraiser within a charity