Scottish Fundraising conference gets underway in Glasgow
Recent fundraising scandals should give the profession confidence it can continue to weather any storm, a conference has heard.
Despite an “onslaught” of negative publicity over the last three years, fundraising has proven its resilience and the public will always trust civil society as long as fundraisers remain dedicated.
Amanda Bringans, chair of the Institute of Fundraising, said although the profession was amid “troubled times”, it was finally coming through the worst and trust was returning.
Opening the Institute of Fundraising conference in Glasgow, Bringans said: “Donors trust us to look after them well - the charity sector is trusted and you should be confident that trust will remain whatever is thrown at you.”
She told delegates it was obvious the public don’t give unless asked which meant every fundraiser has to be continually improving innovation and creativity to remain competitive
Bringans, who is also director of fundraising at British Heart Foundation, praised the resilience of the sector and its “never-say-die” attitude as its unique selling point.
She said: “The sector is not as trusted as it has been. Research shows we’re trusted less than politicians and we have a big job to do to regain that public trust. However we are beginning to rebuild that trust and we know when asked the public will continue to give.”
Fundraising had faced an unprecedented onslaught of negativity but Bringans said the ability of the sector to continually “bounce back” should give fundraisers confidence it will continue to thrive under pressure.
This should encourage the sector to negotiate challenges like Brexit.
“We have no clue how it will affect us. Keep your courage and strengthen your brand and encourage your trustees to think broadly about your business model. We may have to think quite radically about mergers and partnerships,” Bringans said.
Praising Scottish fundraisers, Bringnans added that Scots were uniquely supportive with a “very strong charitable urge.” Donations raised for the new V&A in Dundee as well as the public support for Glasgow Art School which was destroyed by fire proved how generous Scots were when asked to “dig deep,” she said.
Ther conference last for two days from 2-3 October.
