Mentoring

Worrying about networks, time, and targets can keep an organisation's fundraiser awake at night. Even more, a solo fundraiser in a charity surrounded by policy or project staff can become isolated and de-motivated. A mentor can help you stay inspired and keep your ideas, planning and approaches fresh.

A mentor can give you an external perspective on your fundraising, help you take a broad and long term view of fundraising in your organisation, and refocus you on the bread-and-butter areas of your work - where you have to operate to be successful for your charity.

Lesley has been a mentor to solo fundraisers, chief executives, trustees and teams for over 12 years. She adapts her style to suit the client and doesn't apply a standard approach. Charities who have worked with Lesley as a mentor have built their skills, been supported to think ambitiously, and have had access to her long track record and breadth of knowledge.

Case Study

Lesley has been a terrific mentor, and has helped me to become successful in a short time. Over the two year period we worked together, the income I generated through trusts and foundations tripled. She has a sensible, strategic approach. First she establishes where the organisation is in terms of its readiness to fundraise well, and then she looks at her mentee and establishes what they can do and what they need to develop in order to be effective.

Lesley quickly assessed my skills and learning styles, and was able to focus on my individual needs and existing abilities. She helped me to better understand the motivation of donors and how they assess appeals. Most importantly, I gained a good understanding of how to engage donors in a more personal way, so that they can see the impact of their funding.

Lesley's mentoring was carried out in a holistic way, which meant that the full range of skills, knowledge and confidence needed for successful fundraising from trusts and foundations were developed in parallel. Her personable approach is discreet and supportive and professional throughout.

Cynthia Walsh, Trusts and Grants Manager at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society