February 2024 Round-up

As fundraisers it’s our job to look at all the potential income streams that we can use, and payroll giving is one which has huge room for growth for many charities. February is Payroll Giving Month and we have been sharing a range of resources put together in partnership with our payroll giving special interest group. Last year over ￡130m was raised through payroll giving and if you’d like to find out more about starting or growing your payroll giving income, then read our round-up of resources and top tips.??

The payroll giving special interest group is made up of volunteers, all with expertise or an interest in the topic. The Chartered Institute has a range of special interest and regional groups, all run by volunteers, and we are looking for volunteers to help our groups continue to thrive. Volunteering is a fantastic way to share and develop your knowledge, meet new people with the same interests or in the same region, to learn new skills and so much more. We’d love to hear from you so take a look at the opportunities available.??

A reminder that we are currently looking for volunteers to help with Fundraising Convention 2024. Volunteering at this event is a great way to be part of a fun, hardworking and dedicated team and we receive such positive feedback from our volunteers every year on the benefits of helping and taking an active role within Convention. Visit our website for more information and to apply before Friday 1 March.

Also this month as part of Convention, we launched our search for the 2024 Rising Star. For those who have joined the fundraising sector in the last 2 years, we offer a mentoring programme to help you shape and produce a five-minute presentation to deliver at Fundraising Convention 2024.?This is a fantastic opportunity to work with experts and help your fundraising career by speaking at this event. Information and the application can be found here. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this opportunity please do let them know.

As we get towards the end of February and spring is just starting to appear, it inspires me to look ahead to what’s coming up.??

There are some exciting things coming in March, including the announcement of the National Fundraising Awards nominees. The other Judges and I have been reviewing all the nominations and what’s clear is the high standard of work and the dedication of fundraisers. It’s fantastic to read about what fundraisers across the country have been doing and I’m excited for everyone to see the nominee announcement in a few weeks’ time.??

Early bird tickets for Fundraising Convention 2024 will be going on sale in March. It’s going to be a fantastic event full of inspiring, useful and thought-provoking sessions. Make sure you snap up your tickets before they sell out.?

The Call for Papers for the Scottish Fundraising Conference is still open, the deadline is Wednesday 13 March. If you have a brilliant idea for content to share or would like to speak at the Conference, find out how to apply.??

In March we will also be launching some new resources for our individual and organisational members, including new research, new policy guidance, and new training for fundraising teams. We recently published content about AI, prize-led fundraising, audience insight, funding charity films and more. Members can check out all out latest exclusive guidance and resources.??

Finally, one of the biggest things we are thinking about is the introduction of Chartered Fundraiser status for individuals. This is a huge moment for the fundraising profession, it elevates us all and shows that fundraisers are strategic, purpose-driven and experts in their areas. We’ll be sharing more about our plans for this later in March at our members’ webinar and on our website. Keep an eye out for more information.??

With best wishes,?

Katie?