Fundraising Now 2025 - Online conference on Thursday 6 February

One-day online conference – Thursday 6 February 2025

As we head into 2025, the landscape for fundraising continues to evolve rapidly, with new challenges and opportunities emerging in the face of technological advances, shifting donor expectations, and ongoing economic pressures. It is critical for charities to stay informed, innovative, and resilient in their fundraising strategies.

Fundraising Now 2025 is a one-day intensive online conference that will equip you with actionable insights, tools, and strategies to boost your fundraising effectiveness, build stronger donor relationships, and stay abreast of current trends.

Join us for a day of expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities that will inspire and empower you to achieve the impact your charity needs in 2025 and beyond.

What is included in the price?

• Full access to all conference sessions and workshops.
• Keynote presentations from sector leaders.
• Recordings of all sessions (breakouts, keynotes etc), available post-event for continued learning.
• Physical copy of The Complete Fundraising Handbook.
• A digital certificate of attendance.

Who should attend?

Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fundraising, or a newcomer to the field looking to learn the basics, we have something for everyone.

Why attend?

• Discover new trends: Get ahead of the curve by learning about the latest trends, including digital fundraising.
• Sharpen your skills: Attend practical workshops designed to give you tools you can implement immediately, from proposal writing to donor retention.
• Hear from experts: Learn from experienced fundraising professionals and gain valuable insights into what’s working in the sector right now.
• Network and collaborate: Connect with peers across the UK charity sector to share best practices, challenges, and solutions.
• Refuel your passion: Get inspired and motivated by thought-provoking fundraisers that remind you why your fundraising efforts matter.

Agenda

09.30 – 09.45:  Welcome – Join us for opening remarks, event navigation tips, and key information to help you make the most of the day.

Chair: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC

09.45 – 10.30:  Opening Keynote: Fundraising with LinkedIn. If you are trying to knock on closed doors you are NOT in sync with your donors. Your job is not to chase (anymore) it is to be found by donors who prefer to actively look – the funding game has changed. Are you in sync? Learn how to connect with your donors on LinkedIn to build familiarity and reach.

Speaker: Michelle Benson, Founder and CEO, Culture of Philanthropy

10.30 – 10.45: Break

10.45 – 11.45:  Breakout sessions. Choose one of the following:

• Proposal Writing
  Sharpen your skills in writing successful grant proposals by learning how to articulate your charity’s mission, demonstrate impact, and align with funder priorities. This session will provide practical tips and examples for creating winning proposals.
  Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC
• Individual Giving
  Explore the importance of cultivating individual donors as a critical fundraising avenue. This session will cover segmenting donors, personalising outreach, and developing tailored giving programs.
• Fundraising Strategy
  Learn to create or refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with your organisation’s goals, identifies new opportunities for growth, and ensures your strategy is agile enough to respond to external challenges such as economic shifts and changes in donor behaviour.

11.45 – 12.00: Break

12.00 – 13.00:  Breakout sessions. Choose one of the following:

• Corporate Partnerships: Building mutually beneficial relationships
  Discover how to identify potential corporate partners, pitch compelling proposals, and foster partnerships that benefit both your charity and the business. Gain tips on securing not just financial contributions but also in-kind support and ongoing collaborations.
  • Speaker: Gill Jolly, DSC Associate
• Community Fundraising
  Gain insights into developing effective community fundraising programs that harness the power of local engagement. Learn how to build awareness, organise community events, and leverage social media to amplify your efforts. Practical tips will be shared for turning local passion into sustainable support for your charity.
  • Speaker: Lindsay Tilston-Jones, Head of Community Fundraising, Shelter
• Digital Fundraising Essentials
  This practical session will cover the core principles of launching or scaling your charity’s digital fundraising efforts. From optimizing online donation platforms to creating compelling digital campaigns, learn how to leverage limited resources for maximum online engagement and income growth.
  • Speaker: Nick Day, DSC Associate

13.00 – 14.00: Lunch (last 15 minutes for networking)

14.00 – 15.00: Breakout sessions. Choose one of the following:

• Measuring Impact
  An introduction to the theory of social impact for anyone that needs to demonstrate the value and outcome of their work. Learn the difference between impact measurement, impact management, and monitoring and reporting with an opportunity to share your experience.
• Legacy Fundraising
  Dive into the critical aspects of creating a successful legacy program, from identifying potential legacy donors to effective stewardship of planned gifts. You’ll learn how to communicate the importance of leaving a gift in a will, develop relationships with legacy prospects, and integrate legacy promotion into your overall fundraising strategy.
• Self-Care for Fundraisers
  Learn to prioritise your wellbeing while maintaining productivity in a demanding role. Fundraisers often face emotional challenges and high workloads, making self-care essential to long-term success. The session explores strategies for balancing personal wellness with professional responsibilities and fostering a supportive work environment. Speaker: George Knight, DSC.

15.00 – 15.15: Break

15.15 – 16.00:  Closing Keynote: Keeping supporters engaged. Learn strategies for improving donor retention through effective stewardship, communication, and personalisation. Leave with actionable insights to strengthen your donor relationships and increase long-term support.

16.00 – 16.15: Closing remarks and conference ends

Check out speaker biographies here.

Early bird ticket prices until the end of Friday 3 January

• Band A: £147
• Band B: £157
• Band C: £177

Ticket prices after Friday 3 January

• Band A: £157
• Band B: £167
• Band C: £187

All sessions are recorded. No need to make any choices on the booking form, just pick and attend on the day.