“We have been involved in Big Give for a number of years now and this year we had our biggest target to date. We had a £120,000 target and we hit that target in just over twenty four hours.”
We all know that great fundraising involves building great relationships with your supporters and donors. But how do you do that in practice?
One charity that has been making wonderful progress in recent years is Rennie Grove Peace Hospice. For their recent Big Give campaign they took on their biggest ever target… and they hit that in just over 24 hours!
Laura Elliott, Head of Supporter Fundraising, talks about a range of strategies that have been
inspired by the Fundraising Bright Spots podcast. This conversation with Rob includes their approach to: stewardship; thanking; the 80/20 Principle; creating Wow Moments; and a culture of learning. She also describes a Gift Aid campaign that has so far inspired an extra 7% of supporters to opt in.
We’d love to know what you think! And thank you so much for supporting our show (e.g. by sharing it with colleagues or on social media). You can find both Rob and Laura on LinkedIn.
Timestamps
How focused stewardship creates brighter income results (00:00:01)
Learn how a few well-chosen priorities (Gift Aid, stewardship, and time focus) helped deliver standout results, including £120k raised in 24 hours and growth despite fewer participants.
What sustainable income really looks like for hospices (00:02:40)
Understand the funding reality many hospices face, and why investing in supporter loyalty and relationships is one of the most hopeful and practical responses.
Discover how a calm, collaborative Gift Aid campaign unlocked income already given, achieved a 50% open rate, and began delivering long-term returns with relatively small effort.
How to turn inspiration into progress as a team (00:08:35)
Learn simple ways to help ideas travel from podcast to practice while protecting thinking time, sharing learning, and building momentum without overwhelming busy teams.
How choosing one focus can transform event fundraising (00:10:55)
See how narrowing attention, rather than trying to do everything, made personalised stewardship possible, even in complex, high-volume events.
How thoughtful stewardship deepens relationships and results (00:12:35)
Learn how small, human actions such as personalised videos, phone calls, and early engagement can help supporters feel known, valued, and more motivated to fundraise.
What happens when you focus on the right people (00:14:40)
Understand how applying the 80/20 principle led to higher conversion, increased income per participant, and more repeat involvement without burning out the team.
How small ‘wow moments’ compound over time (00:22:35)
Learn why handwritten cards and meaningful thank-yous don’t need to be flashy to work and how consistent, thoughtful stewardship builds pride, loyalty, and confidence on both sides.
Further Resources
Blog: Want better results this year? Start with these four habits
Blog: The Progress Principle – how to build momentum in your fundraising.
Podcast Episode 133: The Top 20% Rule for growing Individual Giving results, with Craig Linton
Podcast Episode 104: How we grew Gift Aid claim results; and adding Wow
Podcast Episode 76: Thanking – how to go the extra mile.
Stay in touch
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To learn tried and tested techniques for growing corporate partnerships income, and get help in implementing them, check out our ever popular Corporate Partnerships Mastery.
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