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Strategic fundraising review
The Reading List Foundation helps students from less advantaged backgrounds succeed at university by funding the essential textbooks they need in their first year. It’s a simple, effective model that supports educational equity.
With a solid track record and growing ambition, the Foundation wanted to take a step back and get a clear view of their fundraising activity. They were already applying to trusts and engaging individual supporters, but wanted to make sure they were focusing on the right areas and using their limited time and resources wisely.
They approached us for strategic fundraising support: a review of where things stood and a clear, practical plan to guide their efforts over the next few years.
How we approached it
We worked closely with The Reading List Foundation to produce a practical fundraising review, followed by a tailored set of recommendations. The report was grounded in a thorough analysis of their historic giving data, conversations with trustees about their strategic aims, and wider sector research into current trends in charitable giving.
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As part of the review, we explored their current and past fundraising activity in detail, including donation patterns, trust applications, supporter communications and digital presence. We mapped their existing donor journey and stewardship materials, identifying areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement.
The final report set out a realistic and actionable fundraising plan for the next two years, broken down quarter by quarter. It included clear recommendations for strengthening their income pipeline, enhancing supporter experience, and focusing efforts where they’d be most effective. We also provided advice on tools and systems to support their work going forward, with suggestions around capacity.
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Throughout, we considered both the internal context and the wider landscape the Foundation is operating in, making sure the recommendations were relevant, achievable and aligned with their goals. The result was a clear roadmap to guide their income growth in a way that feels both ambitious and manageable.
"The advice and direction we’ve received from Paula has been invaluable. It’s given us a roadmap for the next three years in terms of growing our income, any number of specific actions we can take, and expert guidance on where to focus our efforts – and just as importantly where not to. As a Trustee body we’re all delighted. We wholeheartedly recommend Paula if you need help working out what comes next for your charity."
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– Alan Terry, Co-founder and Trustee, The Reading List Foundation