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.
"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.”
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."
Further information
- 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
Feasibility Studies
Campaign Management
Strategy Reviews and Development Audits
Periodic Consulting
Legacies
Communications
Education resources
Bede's School
Investing in a feasibility study can be the fuel for your fundraising ambitions.
The British School at Rome
How to design and deliver a transformational Legacy Programme.
How to Conduct a Charity CRM Review
Your Guide to Campaign Communication Materials
How To Appoint A Fundraising Consultancy
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Conducting A Feasbility Study
Your Guide to Communications Audit and Strategy
Finding A Way Through Your Next Fundraising Challenge
Dippy On Tour - A Natural History Adventure
Update - Spring/Summer 2026
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2026.
Update - Autumn/Winter 2025
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2025.
Update - Spring/Summer 2025
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2025.
Update - Autumn/Winter 2024
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2024.
Update - Spring/Summer 2024
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2024.
Update - Autumn/Winter 2023
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2023.
Update - Spring/Summer 2023
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2023.
Update - Autumn/Winter 2022
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2022.
Update - Spring/Summer 2022
Read about the latest Gifted updates from Summer/Spring 2022.
Update - Autumn/Winter 2021
Update - Spring/Summer 2021
Update - Autumn/Winter 2020
Update - Spring/Summer 2020
Update - Autumn/Winter 2019
Update - Spring/Summer 2019
Update - Autumn/Winter 2018
Update - Spring/Summer 2018
Update - Autumn/Winter 2017
Update - Spring/Summer 2017
Update - Autumn/Winter 2016
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]
Communication Services
Feasibility Studies
Campaign Management
Strategy Reviews and Development Audits
Periodic Consulting
Legacy Giving Programmes
2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights Survey
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Gifted Asking 1 | Getting ready to ask
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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.
