In this blog, Kay Packwood, Creative Projects Development Manager at Northern Broadsides shares her experience on the National Arts Fundraising School in 2017.
Working for a company that has a small core of four full time staff means that we all wear many different hats. So, when the issue of fundraising was raised my hat was the one that was thrown into the ring and I am so pleased it was. I had a great time on the National Arts Fundraising School. Having little or no experience in most aspects of fundraising I felt a little daunted about attending but my fears were unfounded. It does not matter what your experience is, the course equips you with many skills that you can build on.
At the beginning of the week it feels like you have been thrown together with a number of strangers – by the end of a week of intensive training, fabulous accommodation and fantastic food – it feels like you have had a week away with a great bunch of mates. In addition to the timetable another valuable aspect of the course is the networking with your peers. We supported and grew together through the week and watched each other’s confidence grow.
I am from a touring theatre back ground and there is a presumption that without box office data it is difficult to reach potential donors – we may have to work a little harder – but if you have built and maintained good relationships with your audience then you are half way there.
Since the course, I have created a subcommittee of our board who now act as the fundraising Ninjas! We are working hard on an upcoming event – so with their help I intend to hit the ground running and keep on going – it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions about the UK’s foremost arts fundraising programme, please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7978 1516 or email Bernard Ross, Director on bernard@nationalartsfundraisingschool.com.
