Stamford School

Our relationship with Stamford School began in September 2023. We ran a workshop for senior leadership on the process of staging a capital fundraising campaign, which included advice on cultivating and asking major gift prospects.

Following that session, the school engaged Gifted to conduct a feasibility study for its ambitious plans to secure £5m towards 100%+ bursaries for deserving students. The study was conducted over the winter months of 2023/24 with a final report presented to the school in March 2024. During the study we interviewed a variety of stakeholders including parents, alumni, current and former staff as well as local businesses. It was clear that the school had the potential to stage a major fundraising campaign which would not only raise support for transformational bursaries but also secure an initial £3m towards a £20m endowment to be in place for the school’s 500th Anniversary in 2032.

This campaign is now in its early stage, and we are delighted to be able to continue working with the school on a periodic consultancy basis as it begins this major fundraising journey in earnest. There have also been some early successes with a new Development Board coming together, major gifts received, and many vital relationships being built with both existing donors and new prospects. The campaign, its goals and its case for support, were clearly fashioned by the honest and heartfelt advice given by those who participated in the study. By taking this important first step, Stamford School has demonstrated to all that it not only has ambition but also a clear focus and an unwavering commitment to offer local youngsters a wonderful Stamford education.

If your organisation is preparing for a major anniversary and you'd like advice on the best way to develop your fundraising plan, get in touch with one of our Directors and ask for an exploratory conversation about your strategic needs.