We asked James Kearns, CEO of The BUILD Charity about his experience of working with Felton Fundraising over the last 30 years, this is what he had to say:
How long have you been working with Felton Fundraising?
I first worked with Felton Fundraising as part of the capital funding project for the Eaton Vale Scout & Guide Activity Centre in the late 1990’s and then again through the West Norwich Partnership from 1997-2004, and then with the BUILD Charity since 2004. An outside perspective can be the key to positive change.
What have you most valued about your partnership with Felton Fundraising?
I most value their 'wrap around' service. It’s not just about fundraising, it's about sustainability of the charity, and its projects. They work hard to understand how the organisation works, holistically, and offer support not just in raising funds, but also in making sure that the governance model is right, the key people are supported, and that the Board of Trustees are realistic. Getting these bits right make the organisation fundable.
What have you been able to achieve because of the partnership?
A £1m resource for young people on the edge of Norwich (Eaton Vale Activity Centre), an annual programme of youth and family activities (1998-2004) for disadvantaged communities in west Norwich (West Norwich Partnership) and a sustainable programme of social, leisure and learning opportunities for adults with disabilities in Norwich (The BUILD Charity).
Describe your experience of working with Felton Fundraising:
Having personally been involved in trying to raise money for charitable projects for over 40 years I have seen many challenges, and an ever-changing climate that has become more difficult as the years have gone by through international, national, and local economic and social factors. Throughout the last 30 years, Felton Fundraising has remained alert, aware and engaged in understanding and taking on those challenges by supporting charities to be in the best position to react and adapt to them.
They do more than just raise money. They support, encourage and inspire. They are generous with their time, their knowledge and their expertise. They recruit consistently well making sure the standards they set, and lead by, are delivered by their staff for the benefit of their customers. In many market comparisons conducted over several years, to ensure that we are getting the best service at the best price to demonstrate best value for the charity, we have been unable to find any serious competition.
If you yourself are looking for fundraising support and feel training and mentoring could benefit your team, get in touch by calling 01362 667052 or email info@feltonfundraising.co.uk.