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.

"Beyond his professional expertise, Chris's genuine interest in our mission made him feel like a true partner in our success. His ability to articulate the fundraising process and provide clear, actionable steps gave our entire team the confidence to move forward. Chris's calm, steady counsel was invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact he has had on our school community. We are excited to continue our work with Gifted Philanthropy and would recommend them to other education organisation looking for a trusted, knowledgeable, and effective fundraising partner.”

Natalie Pretsell
Former Head of Engagement and Fundraising, Stamford School, now Assistant Director and Alumni, Rugby 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.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris, his expertise in the field of fundraising within the education sector is encyclopaedic. He has been a great source of support in getting our Foundation Office off the ground, and to mentor and facilitate the steps needed to establish our Transformational Bursary Campaign."

Pete Goodyear
CEO, Bede’s School

Further information

Client assignments
  • Aylesbury High School
  • Bede's School
  • British School at Rome
  • CARA/Universities UK
  • Coventry School Foundation
  • Chesham Grammar School
  • Chigwell School
  • Culford School
  • De Montfort University
  • Dr Challoner's Grammar School
  • Dr Frost Learning
  • Engineering Development Trust
  • Godolphin and Latymer School
  • Horris Hill School
  • Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust
  • Kenilworth School & Sixth Form
  • King Edward VI Camphill School for Boys
  • King Edward VI Foundation Birmingham
  • Lancaster Royal Grammar School
  • Lord Williams's School
  • Malvern St James Girls' School
  • Manchester High School for Girls
  • Mill Hill School
  • Moulsford School
  • Pangbourne College
  • Putney High School
  • Richmond House School
  • Riverside School
  • Shaw Eduction Trust
  • Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
  • Skinners School
  • Solihull School
  • Stamford School
  • St Albans High School for Girls
  • St Mary's Calne
  • St Swithun's School
  • Stratford Upon Avon School
  • Team Domenica
  • The King's School Macclesfield
  • The Royal Masonic School for Girls
  • The University of Hull
  • Wakefield Grammar School Foundation
  • Warwick Independent Schools' Foundation
  • Warwickshire College
  • Wellington School
  • Wimbledon High School for Girls
Services list

Feasibility Studies
Campaign Management

Strategy Reviews and Development Audits
Periodic Consulting

Legacies
Communications

Education resources

Case Studies

Solihull School

How leadership by example inspires greater giving.

View Case Study

Bede's School

Investing in a feasibility study can be the fuel for your fundraising ambitions.

View Case Study

The British School at Rome

How to design and deliver a transformational Legacy Programme.

View Case Study

Guides

How to Conduct a Charity CRM Review

View Guide

Your Guide to Campaign Communication Materials

View Guide

How To Appoint A Fundraising Consultancy

View Guide

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

View Guide

Conducting A Feasbility Study

View Guide

Your Guide to Communications Audit and Strategy

View Guide

Insights Videos

Finding A Way Through Your Next Fundraising Challenge

Dippy On Tour - A Natural History Adventure

Newsletters

Update - Spring/Summer 2026

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2026.

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2025

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2025.

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2025

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2025.

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2024

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2024.

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2024

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2024.

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2023

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2023.

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2023

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2023.

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2022

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2022.

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2022

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Summer/Spring 2022.

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2021

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2021

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2020

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2020

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2019

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2019

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2018

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2018

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2017

View Newsletter

Update - Spring/Summer 2017

View Newsletter

Update - Autumn/Winter 2016

View Newsletter

Podcasts

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 10: The Development Plan - your road map to fundraising success

In this episode, we review the Development Plan and the elements to incorporate when building your road map to fundraising success:

  • Created through an objective and comprehensive strategic review/audit.
  • Gives confidence and focus for the internal team, as well as key volunteers and funders.
  • Enables the development programme to progress, even when circumstances change.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 9: Can you afford to stop investing in fundraising?

In this episode, we discuss how best to make the tough decisions around funding your development team:

  • Focusing on how to generate the best return on investment, not just managing cost.
  • Using KPI's to make sure your development programme is on track to deliver the philanthropic income required.
  • Consistent performance over time should generate returns 2.5 to 4 times the sums invested, with direct costs often being met entirely by Gift Aid reclaims.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 8: Your Campaign Manager - a fundraising Alchemist!

In this episode, we discuss the Campaign Manager and the vital role they play in successful fundraising:

  • How to recruit, motivate and measure the performance of a good Campaign Manager.
  • What the partnership with volunteer leadership looks like.
  • Being the "Insistent Voice" - focusing on what's important, and not just urgent.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 7: Myths of fundraising

In this episode, we discuss some of the most common fundraising myths encountered, including :

  • The misconception that companies and grantfunders will be the biggest givers.
  • That the campaign leaders only need to give time.
  • Launching ambitious development programmes without making a commensurate investment in effective campaign management.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 6: Fundraising magic - the power of leadership

In this episode, we discuss how Leadership by example is the single most important factor that effects fundraising success:

  • The power of the 'join me' message.
  • Leadership giving is not about the size of the gift, but the collective response made by the Board and also the staff.
  • How to motivate leadership to not only give time, but money too.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 5: Communications drive your fundraising strategy

In this episode, we discuss how a Communications Plan is the 'engine room' of an effective fundraising strategy:

  • Understanding what comms tools to use for each of the three fundraising platforms.
  • Going beyond simply asking for money, to designing comms that foster relationships and reinforce positive responses.
  • Sharing the mechanics of effective fundraising communications and how best to measure performance to build a better plan?

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 4: Who to ask for a gift, when, and for how much?

In this episode, we discuss how the Prospect Evaluation & Rating process can:

  • Power your capital fundraising campaign, starting at the feasibility study.
  • Prioritise your urgent asks, by assessing your givers' capacity, interest, access and propensity to make the gifts needed to win.
  • Resolve how much money to ask each prospect to give.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 3: Legacies - the extraordinary lifetime gift

In this episode, we discuss how to create a Legacy Giving programme:

  • Today, 78% of UK wealth is held by 'baby boomers', with £5b forecast to be given away by 2050.
  • Short-termism in fundraising planning, by putting off a proactive legacy campaign, will cost your charity many future major gifts.
  • "These are the most unforgettable people you may never have met"

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 2: Planning your next Christmas/Winter Campaign

Gifted Directors Amy Stevens, Chris Goldie and Andrew Day share their extensive fundraising experience, reflecting on current challenges and emerging opportunities across the Third Sector. These candid "kitchen table" conversations offer practical insights and helpful tips on a range of fundraising topics.

In this episode, we discuss how to turn the season of 'good cheer' into fundraising success:

  • Being clear about the objectives for your Christmas Campaign.
  • When is the best time to engage your prospects?
  • Are Christmas Cards worth the effort?
  • Keeping the engagement personal, and meaningful.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 1: School Bursaries - fundraising that changes lives

Gifted Directors Amy Stevens, Chris Goldie and Andrew Day share their extensive fundraising experience, reflecting on current challenges and emerging opportunities across the Third Sector. These candid "kitchen table" conversations offer practical insights and helpful tips on a range of fundraising topics.

In this episode, we discuss how the bursaries at independent schools:

  • Have a powerful fundraising case.
  • Are grounded in a long history of educational philanthropy.
  • Not only transform the prospects for specific children, but strengthen the overall school culture.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Service Videos

Communication Services

Feasibility Studies

Campaign Management

Strategy Reviews and Development Audits

Periodic Consulting

Legacy Giving Programmes

Surveys

2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights Survey

Our latest report on the trends, challenges and opportunities in the Trusts and Foundations sector.

Sign up to our newsletter below to stay in touch.

View Survey

Webinar Videos

Structuring Your Capital Campaign

Transatlantic Fundraising | Part 2

Gifted Asking 2 | Five steps to successful asking

Transatlantic Fundraising | Part 1

Gifted Asking 1 | Getting ready to ask

2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights Survey Webinar

Is your database working hard enough?

Trust Foundation Report Insights

Fundraising Auctions

Charity Law: Your Questions Answered

Charity Media Appeals

To help you navigate what can sometimes feel like media madness, we have partnered with industry experts and devoted this webinar to making the most of public media appeals.

How Strong Is Your ESG Policy

Gifted Asking: Asking Well

Gifted Asking: Getting Ready To Ask

Winter Webinar Three: Getting Back To Asking

Winter Webinar Two: Grant Funding - The State Of Play

Winter Webinar One: Recovery And Reslience

Webinar Five: Planning Your Christmas Appeal

Webinar Four: Why Your Communications Strategy Is More Important Than Ever

What can we learn from outside our sector?

Webinar Three: Designing A Transformational Legacy Program

Webinar Two: Delivering A Capital Campaign

Webinar One: Planning For A Major Project