Education

Development that makes a difference

The need to fundraise across the Education sector has never been greater. Parents and students have high expectations and yet budgets are constantly under pressure. As always, the challenge is how to meet these needs with development ambitions that are relevant, achievable and affordable.

"A £48m ambition to build a brand new school was daunting enough, but to fundraise for a further £2.5m when our team had never mounted a capital campaign, was a challenge we clearly needed professional help to meet. Gifted have been there every step of the way as a trusted partner providing a tailored service that has enabled us to secure gifts at a level we never thought possible. Gifted's no-nonsense fundraising advice and practical day-to-day professional support has been pivotal to our philanthropic success."

Hayden Abbott
Head Teacher, Kenilworth School

Our approach

At Gifted, we work with schools and other educational establishments in a number of different ways. These include planning and delivering capital fundraising campaigns for new facilities, bursary funds and outreach programmes. Often these are linked to an upcoming major anniversary and attract transformational philanthropic support. We also conduct strategic reviews for schools and higher education centres whose traditional methods of fundraising have become stale or ineffective. Usually, as part of this process, we advise on how an alumni relationship programme can be improved so that more alumni can be considered as genuine fundraising prospects and not just names on a database.

For organisations setting out on their fundraising journey – particularly state schools and the new universities - we can advise on resources, policies and the appropriate fundraising methodologies. Many universities, schools and colleges have development plans covering major building work, teaching and learning space and bursary or scholarship funding. Those that carefully test their potential and develop realistic fundraising strategies are best placed to achieve game-changing goals. For more information about the services we offer, get in touch.

"We’ve been working with Gifted since the inception of our fundraising campaign here at WGSF. Following a feasibility study in 2018, Amy has supported us with ad hoc consulting as we’ve progressed our fundraising programmes. It has been so helpful to have that ‘critical friend’ to meet with or have at the end of the phone, when you need advice, support or guidance."

Cath Worsley
Director of Development, Wakefield Grammar School Foundation

"Andrew Day has been a source of wise counsel and support for our fundraising campaigns at Warwick School, over a number of years. He has given valued strategic oversight and practical guidance throughout and has a huge wealth of experience and understanding of the nuances of fundraising in different environments. Andrew has also given advice and support to the day-to-day operations of the Development Office. Importantly, he has acted as a voice of authority and assurance to our Headmaster and governors that we are 'doing the right things'"

Phillip Rothwell
Director of Development, Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, Deputy Chair IDPE