Sophie Erskine
Fundraiser
ABOUT
I've been working in fundraising since 2009, mainly for health charities. Before the experiences listed below, I started as a street fundraiser and since then I've worked in all areas of the trade. During the last few years, I've been focussing on trusts and foundations, the Big Give and major donor research. I'd be interested to work for an environmental charity someday.
SKILLS
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I love prospect research. Finding out about individual and organisational donors - their giving history, their objectives and their plans - really piques my interest.
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I've always enjoyed writing. Whether I'm working on trust applications, impact reports or donor comms, I like to use the written word!
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I get a kick out of cultivation. I believe that only a part of fundraising is about asking; the rest is building relationships, whether over the phone, in person or by any other means!
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I am very happy budgeting, forecasting and financial planning. I like to invest time in making a plan and then working it!
WORK EXPERIENCE
2021-2024
Freelance projects
Working with small charities (turnover under £500k) to add value.
Experience gained: Big Give campaigns, trust and foundations fundraising, major donor and corporate consultancy.
2016-2019
Donor Research Manager
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Experience gained: organising ultra high value events; managing major donors; prospect research.
2009-2015
Public Fundraising Officer
Changing Faces
Experience gained: individual giving, challenge events, community fundraising, direct marketing, legacies, corporates, major donors, special events, line management.
EDUCATION
2005-2008
University of Cambridge
MA Philosophy
St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
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Large charity example: Working as a team of two to raise between £1 and £5 million per event at the Elton John AIDS Foundation
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Medium charity example: Growing public fundraising income at Changing Faces from c. £200k to c. £500k over six years
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Small charity example: More than doubling the income of The Bloom Appeal through introducing the charity to trust and foundations fundraising