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Awards celebrate the best of Scottish fundraising: find out who won here

24 September 2025
by Graham Martin

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The CIoF holds a prestigious awards ceremony every year at the event, and they are a major date in the fundraising sector’s diary

The excellence, breadth and diversity of Scottish fundraising was celebrated at an awards ceremony in Glasgow this week.

People from across the sector gathered at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s (CIoF) Scottish conference, an event which brings together professionals from across the country to share insights, learn from sector leaders, and connect over shared challenges and successes.

The CIoF holds a prestigious awards ceremony every year at the event, and they are a major date in the fundraising sector’s diary. See below for full list of winners.

This year the awards were hosted by Zara Mohammed, the former secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

The Fundraising and Philanthropy Team at the National Trust for Scotland was named Fundraising Team of the Year after an exceptional year of record-breaking success.

Surpassing its £11.5 million target to raise £27.7m, the team secured the largest individual major donor gift in the charity’s history, alongside unprecedented income from trusts, grants and legacies.

Its achievements reflects not only outstanding fundraising skill but also the strong relationships and collaborative spirit that underpin its work.

Rising Star Award 2025 was awarded to Mirren Wallace of Change Mental Health. Since joining in 2022, and with no prior fundraising experience, Mirren has transformed the charity’s community and events income, growing it by 250% from £24,000 to £86k in just two years.

She has developed a diverse events portfolio, secured a £50k corporate partnership, and built strong, compassionate relationships with supporters and colleagues. Mirren’s creativity, empathy and drive make her a true rising star in Scottish fundraising.

Fundraiser of the Year has been awarded to Lesley Parks of The Salvation Army. In just two years as Trust Fundraiser, Lesley has secured £445,000 in grants, supporting thousands of beneficiaries across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Her proactive and innovative approach has led to donations from nine new trusts, uplifts from 29 existing supporters, and an impressive 69% application success rate, making her an outstanding example of excellence in fundraising.

The Fundraising Excellence Award 2025 was presented to Susan Williams. With a career spanning over 25 years, Susan has held senior roles at Children First, EMMS International and Mercy Corps, consistently driving growth in individual giving and championing data-led fundraising.

Alongside her professional achievements, she has given generously of her time to the sector as a long-standing volunteer with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Widely respected for her leadership, generosity and impact, Susan truly embodies excellence in fundraising.

Sharryn McKelvie, chair of the Scottish Fundraising Conference and Awards Committee and head of fundraising at Disability Snowsport UK, said: “Charities depend on the commitment and creativity of fundraisers to deliver vital services. As our sector continues to adapt to a fast-changing world, it’s more important than ever to recognise the people driving that change.

“The standard of entries this year was truly outstanding. Our judges were incredibly impressed by the passion, professionalism, and positive impact shown across all nominations. Huge congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted – and to all our winners. You are a credit to Scotland’s fundraising community, and we’re proud to celebrate your achievements.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative 2025

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Best Individual Giving Campaign 2025

Scotland’s Air Charity Ambulance, SOS: Save our Summer.

Best Legacy Campaign 2025

Shelter Scotland, The People’s Manifesto.

Best Supporter Experience 2025

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, The Forth Bridge Abseil.

Best Partner Relationship: Corporate Fundraising 2025

Positive Action in Housing and Scottish Gas Network, The Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance Funding Scheme.

Best Partner Relationship: Trusts and Foundations 2025