In this episode of the Charity Changemakers podcast, Adam Stacey speaks with Claire House-Norman, Director and Fundraising Consultant at the Philanthropy Company.
With more than three decades of experience in the charitysector, Claire reflects on her journey from community fundraising to major donor engagement and into consultancy.
She highlights the power of relationship-building, the need for agility in times of financial uncertainty, and the evolving opportunities in donor engagement.
Claire offers practical fundraising insights for today’s market, with a standout reminder about mid-level donors. Too often, this group sits unnoticed between community fundraising and major gifts, yet they hold huge potential. By segmenting your database by both gift size and frequency, you can uncover a pool of committed supporters who are primed for deeper engagement. Investing time in tailored stewardship for this mid-value segment can unlock significant growth and strengthen long-term donor relationships.
Claire also shares how mentorship and personal traits such as curiosity and resilience have shaped her career, offering valuable insights for those looking to make their mark in the sector.
Key takeaways
Over 30 years’ experience in fundraising and PR
A career journey from community fundraising to major donor engagement
Agility is essential for charities navigating financial challenges
Relationship fundraising is increasingly valuable, especially for mid-value donors
Consultancy brings a fast-paced and dynamic working environment
Curiosity and resilience are critical personal traits for fundraising success
Mentorship and training are vital for developing the next generation of fundraisers
The sector faces financial hurdles, but also opportunities for innovation
Fundraising should always feel personal and one-to-one, even at scale
Taking risks can lead to significant professional and personal growth
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Claire House-Norman
07:02 – Claire’s Journey into Fundraising
12:25 – Early Career Experiences and Learning
18:00 – Transitioning to Major Donor Fundraising
21:19 – Establishing Fundraising Departments
23:27 – Building Relationships in Fundraising
24:37 – The Importance of Passion in Recruitment
25:10 – Innovative Approaches to Fundraising
28:58 – Consultancy in Fundraising: A New Perspective
32:00 – Trends in Fundraising: Mid-Value Donors
34:52 – Navigating Challenges in the Charity Sector
37:49 – Personal Traits for Success in Fundraising
40:57 – Transitioning to Consultancy: Pros and Cons
44:20 – Advice to My Younger Self
45:07 – Series 2 – Outro
Listen & share
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