Blog/News

‘Creating a Successful Fundraising Consultancy’ The AFC’s Gherkin Sessions September 2018

We held a very lively and informative Sessions this year and here we share some of the key outcomes with you. As professional fundraising consultants under the umbrella of the AFC, we are committed to giving our clients the best possible professional advice and sharing best practice. Promoting your company everyone is different so find what works for your company... read more

The Power of the Personal Touch

‘A face to face ask is 34 times more effective than sending an email’. Harvard Business Review 2017 If there is one thing that I have learned over the past 30 years of fundraising it is to always ask in person wherever possible.  Indeed, not just for fundraising purposes but for anything you truly want in life. Like everyone else,... read more

Winning Business as a Consultant

Fundraising consultancy is a competitive market. There are several agencies competing for the same business; not to mention numerous sole traders, ranging from highly experienced consultants who have been working in the field for many years, to relative newcomers, either supplementing their day-job, or trying to establish themselves for the first time. Standing out and winning business is not easy.... read more

Why Leadership is important to a successful fundraising campaign.

All leaders need to have a clarity of purpose, buy in to the vision and, most importantly, make their own well-thought through personal gift to the fundraising efforts early in the process.  Their leadership by example will set the bar high and define the outcome of the campaign.  As Albert Schweitzer said: “Example is not the main thing in influencing... read more

AGM 2017

The Annual General Meeting for the Association of Fundraising Consultants will be held on the 15th December 2017, at The Potting Shed, 39-40 Dorset Square, Marylebone, London NW1 6QN @ 12p.m. / All welcome. If you would like to stand for the committee please forward a biography to enquiries@afc.org.uk The Agenda: Apologies Minutes of the last AGM Chair’s Report Treasurer’s Report... read more

Is fundraising consultancy a profession and how can charities make sure they receive a professional service? Five questions you should ask.

Stefan Lipa from Stefan Lipa Fundraising Consultancy - I’ve been a fundraising consultant for nearly 30 years and, during this time, I’m proud to say that I’ve helped many charities achieve their fundraising goals and thus enhance the support they offer their beneficiaries. However, according to a recent discussion paper by a fundraising think tank1, fundraising is not a ‘profession’–... read more

What do you have to fear?

With new fundraising regulations on the way, Andrew Day explains why there’s never been a better time to focus on what breathes life into successful major gift strategies. It’s all about the people you know and your ability to reach them. One of the universal laws of major gift fundraising is that people give to people. They rarely give to... read more

The Association of Fundraising Consultants’ Code of Practice: self-regulation and safeguarding organisations that employ fundraising consultants – By Stefan Lipa, Stefan Lipa Fundraising Consultancy

Members of the Association of Fundraising Consultants (AFC) are seen as professionals who give the best possible advice to charities seeking funds to support the work of their cause and beneficiaries. The maintenance of high professional standards is crucial to the future of providing much-needed support to charities. The AFC’s Code of Practice, which works in tandem with the Fundraising Regulator’s... read more

AFC 2016 Forum – The new regulatory era for fundraising and its implications for consultancy.

Keynote speaker; Gerald Oppenheim, Head of Policy for the new Fundraising Regulator Fundraising is in the spotlight and charities are facing unprecedented challenges. The regulatory environment is changing at breakneck speed: • A new Fundraising Regulator • The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 • Forthcoming EU data protection legislation • Proposals for a Fundraising Preference Service • On-going... read more

AFC 2015 Forum – Money, power, influence – integrity in major gifts consultancy

“Your charity has a strong local supporter base. A local wealthy entrepreneur has offered a substantial personal donation that will make a significant difference to your beneficiaries. You are aware that the entrepreneur is currently applying for planning permission for a contentious redevelopment. What are the issues to be taken into account, when deciding whether to accept the donation?” This... read more