The programme leaders

Bernard Ross is Director of The National Arts Fundraising School. For over 20 years, he has acted as a fundraising consultant to a wide range of bodies in the arts and cultural world, including Scottish Opera, BFI and Southbank Centre. He regularly consults on major fundraising projects for leading organisations such as UNICEF, NSPCC and CRUK.

An international expert on decision science, he has written eight best selling books on fundraising including  The Influential Fundraiser– a top five non-profit book in the New York Times Online.

Jules Bellingham is Deputy Director of the School. She originally came from a commercial background in sales with a major multinational. She was then Deputy Director for Fundraising at one of the UK’s largest children’s charities, Action for Children.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising and specialises in foundations, sponsorship and communication skills.

Her current clients range from Marie Curie to the Museums Development Network.

Sarah is Head of Development at Theatre Royal Wakefield. Leading a small team she works across the full spectrum: individual giving, membership, corporates, and trusts and foundations. She also has particular expertise in running galas and other large-scale events. She is an alumna of the National Arts Fundraising School.

She has worked in fundraising for over 20 years across a number of sectors but is now focusing on the arts.  As well as developing targeted fundraising initiatives and opportunities, she has expertise in  preparing and delivering funding strategies.

Sarah leads on our work supporting smaller organisations and on how to maximise corporate support.

Alessandro is the CEO of Holocaust Centre North, where he leads an ambitious team of heritage professionals and creatives. As a fundraiser, Alessandro is a networker who puts storytelling at the heart of his approach, alongside passion for the role that heritage, museums and education can play in and for communities.

Alessandro’s strengths are in engaging philanthropy especially working with trusts and foundations. He is also interested in the link between branding and fundraising. He is proud to be an alumnus of the National Arts Fundraising School.

Alessandro leads on our work exploring the impact of AI and has a special interest in the role of CEOs in fundraising.

Lucy Stone is a fundraising consultant specialising in supporting arts and culture sector organisations.She helps them to raise more through trusts and foundations, diversifying their income and making better connections with their funders and supporters.

Lucy is currently supporting small charities like Ensemble Reza and Soundcastle, alongside NPOs Phoenix Dance Theatre and Arts By The Sea (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council) and networks like Music Venue Trust, LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) and Association of Festivals.

She is a director of consultancy No Stone Unturned Fundraising, which she founded in 2018.

Grace is Director of Strategy & Communications for social enterprise Young People in the Arts, and Development Manager (Patrons, Friends & Events) at The Landmark Trust, overseeing all unrestricted voluntary income. She is a former alumna of the National Arts Fundraising School.

She has worked with a wide range of organisations including orchestras, venues, festivals, universities, heritage organisations, social enterprises, and more.

Her specialisms include building supporter & corporate membership schemes, and developing bespoke virtual & in-person experiences.

Liz is a New York City-based partner consultant and founder of the International Social Impact Institute at City University of New York.

She enables cultural leaders to increase their impact by engaging stakeholders across digital and traditional channels and geographies. Clients include academic institutions, human rights bodies, youth organizations, and multilateral agencies in Africa, Europe and the US.

Liz is currently developing a multi-year strategy for Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

We’re delighted to welcome Susan Fisher as a specialist coach for anyone undertaking a major project or one with a heritage focus. Sue has over 20 years’ experience in fundraising, working predominantly in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors. She was the Director of Development for the Science Museum Group, and worked with the University of Oxford’s central development function at the Ashmolean Museum.

She is Director of Development for English Heritage.

Jeremy Wyatt is CEO of The Gaiety Theatre in Ayr and a Director of consultancy Hall Aitken Associates.  He has worked in fundraising for over 30 years specialising in public and trust fund sources as well as carrying out investment appraisals and advice for the private and third sector.

He has consulted on over 20 National Lottery Community Fund programmes, for national and local government across the UK and for many community groups.

James has worked in the leisure and culture sector for nearly 30 years with a passion for culture, sport and the positive effect it can have on peoples’ lives. His work has extended to strategic leadership roles in local government, private sector, and charities.

As an Executive Director of Magna Vitae he works with partners delivering the external funding for many health, well-being, cultural and sporting projects in Lincolnshire and wider. He is the School’s expert on local authorities and culture/leisure trusts can secure funds.

Lee brings extensive experience as an OD development specialist in governance, strategic planning and managing change.

She has a deep understanding of public funding, most recently as Vice Chair of the ACE North Area Council. She served on the Creative Industries Advisory Panel of the British Council, and theboard for the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills.

Lee chaired Absolutely Cultured, the successor to Hull’s successful year as City of Culture.

She holds a Certificate in OD; a Diploma (Distinction) in Employment Law; and is an Accredited Mediator.