Scotland needs its own fundraising research
A lack fundraising research in Scotland is holding back strategic development of the profession.
The finding comes from a Critical Fundraising Report, by fundraising think tank Rogere, launched at the Institute of Fundraising Scotland’s AGM in Edinburgh.
Most of studies on charitable giving are based on the UK-wide population, even though many studies show Scots think and act differently to other Britons, particularly regarding charitable giving, where Scots are shown to give more to charities than the other nations in the UK.
The report also highlights the lack of affordable professional development opportunities and therefore a lack of skilled senior fundraisers across the Scottish profession, which leads to difficulty in recruiting and maintaining high standards.
The report finds: “Umbrella bodies and charities themselves must invest in accessing and producing Scotland-specific research and analysis that enable learning and evidence-based decision making.
“Additionally, they must strive to provide a comprehensive programme of training and professional development tailored to the Scottish market and accessible to fundraisers of all sizes, stages and locations.”
The Critical Fundraising (Scotland) Report was researched and compiled by a task group of Rogare’s International Advisory Panel, led by Scotland-based consultant Mafe Marwick.
Marwick said: “The aim of this report is to identify and explore the main issues that affect fundraising practice in Scotland, and to offer recommendations to tackle these issues. We hope that the issues and topics developed in the report will resonate with readers, and will be a stepping stone for debate and discussion, and for fundraisers to work together in order to find solutions to the challenges identified.”
In all, the report makes 23 recommendations, including: because demand for fundraisers exceeds supply, new and better recruitment processes and induction plans must be developed; and charities should nominate an individual or a committee to take responsibility for ensuring compliance with data protection.
Ian MacQuillin, director of Rogare, says one of the reasons that Scottish fundraisers were ask to compile a report was because it seems that Scottish fundraising has a different voice that acts as a counter to the dominance of ideas about fundraising in England.
"For example, Scotland has set up its own regulatory system and has not adopted the Fundraising Preference Service," he said.
MacQuillin added: "For every development in fundraising in these islands, we need a group that feels it has the space to step back and say, hang on, we are not sure this is the right way to do things. And that group may just be in Scotland."
