“I don’t have to mold myself to be like somebody else. I just have to have the confidence to be the person I am.”
Leading and raising funds for a small charity is demanding enough. The stakes get even higher when you need to raise a lot more money for a capital appeal.
The Berin Centre is a small community charity in rural Oxfordshire in the UK. To better serve their community, they decided to build a new cafe. Laura Harte is Director of the charity. In the podcast she shares why this project was so important for people, examples of how they raised the funds and practical tips. She also explains why properly involving the community was fundamental to the success of the whole project.
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Episode overview
Introduction, Fundraising Success & Pay It Forward Scheme (00:00:01)
Rob opens the episode by welcoming Laura Hart and celebrating the Berin Centre’s impressive fundraising achievements. Laura introduces her role, the centre’s community-driven ethos, and shares the inspiring story of one man’s cooking journey. She also explains the café’s discreet ‘pay it forward’ meal scheme, designed to support those in need without stigma.
Café Project Origins, Fundraising Journey & Community Impact (00:02:12)
Laura discusses the origins of the café project, highlighting the community’s longstanding desire for such a space. She outlines the ambitious £500,000 fundraising target, the diverse sources of income, and the timeline for achieving these goals. Laura recounts the pilot cooking group for older men, focusing on David’s transformation and the broader positive impact on participants.
Storytelling, Donor Engagement & Volunteering (00:07:02)
Laura explains how personal stories like David’s are central to connecting with donors and crafting effective fundraising appeals. She shares examples of successful donor relationships, including personalised approaches and outcomes, and describes how involving donors in volunteering—such as engaging a fund administrator in the community garden—can lead to increased support. Meghan Marsden from Bell Cancer UK also shares a testimonial on how Bright Spot training enhanced their fundraising results.
Community Involvement, Consultation & Café Development (00:14:10)
Rob and Laura explore the importance of community involvement in planning the café, detailing the consultation process through surveys and focus groups. Laura explains how community input shaped the café’s design and features, and how clear parameters ensured effective involvement while maintaining project control. She also describes the collaborative process for naming the café and selecting suppliers, fostering a sense of ownership among local residents.
Ethical Storytelling, Case Studies & Pay It Forward Impact (00:24:15)
Laura discusses the ethical considerations of storytelling in fundraising, using case studies without requiring direct beneficiary involvement. She outlines their structured approach to collecting and utilising case studies, and explains the practicalities and impact of the pay it forward scheme, sharing Arthur’s story as a powerful example.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Rob thanks Laura for her insights, highlights the Berin Centre’s website for further information, and closes the episode, encouraging listeners to support the centre’s ongoing community initiatives.
Further Resources
Fundraising Bright Spots – Episode 138 Doing things differently with Ben Akers
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