The Professional Fundraiser Podcast

The Professional Fundraiser
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Welcome to The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, the go-to podcast for insights into private-site fundraising and the evolving world of UK charities. Bringing you behind the scenes of fundraising for some of the country’s largest charitable organisations, the podcast shares real conversations, practical experiences and expert perspectives from professionals working across the third sector. Join fundraising leaders, industry experts and experienced professionals as we discuss what’s working in modern fundraising, share lessons from the field, and explore how fresh thinking and innovative approaches are helping charities build stronger supporter connections and deliver greater impact. Whether you work in fundraising, supporter engagement, charity leadership or are simply passionate about the sector, you’ll gain valuable industry insight, practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the strategies behind successful fundraising campaigns across the UK.

Episodes

  1. 3h ago

    3. Beyond Diversity: Building Inclusive Workplaces

    Creating an inclusive workplace is about far more than meeting targets or ticking boxes. In this episode of the Professional Fundraiser Podcast, Kelvin and Angela explore what diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) looks like in practice, and why great leadership starts with creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Together, they discuss the business and human case for diversity, the value of recruiting beyond our own "shadow", and how unconscious bias shapes everyday decisions. They also explore generational perspectives on DEI, the difference between diversity and discrimination, and the role education plays in challenging assumptions and creating lasting cultural change. Whether you're leading a team, working in HR, fundraising or simply looking to build a more inclusive workplace, this episode offers practical insights, honest reflections and actionable ideas to help foster a culture of belonging. In this episode: Why diversity of thought drives stronger teams and better decisionsThe business case and the human case for DEIHow unconscious bias influences recruitment and leadershipWhat inclusive leaders do differentlyWhy creating safe spaces helps people bring their authentic selves to workHow education and awareness can challenge bias and build lasting inclusion If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague or fellow fundraiser. Subscribe to the TPF Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube via @profundraiseruk for more conversations on fundraising, leadership and organisational culture.  Music used:  Intro Music: Song: Tollef - Time With You (feat. RVLE) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/TWU Watch: AT/youtube Outro Music: Song: Raul Ojamaa - Hold On Me (feat. Maris Pihlap) Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/HOM Watch: http://ncs.io/HOMAT/youtube

    3. Beyond Diversity: Building Inclusive Workplaces

  2. Jul 22

    2.5. Authentic Leadership in a Unique Sector

    Growing a business requires more than operational expertise, it demands personal, authentic growth as a leader. In this minisode, Gillian sits down with Kelvin to explore what leadership really means, how it evolves as a business grows, and why staying calm under pressure is one of the most valuable leadership skills of all. Drawing on personal experiences, from challenging management cultures to leading a growing fundraising agency, Kelvin shares practical lessons on building trust, empowering teams, and creating a culture where people can thrive. In this episode, we talk about: Why leadership is about serving your team, not yourselfThe importance of balancing head, heart and hands in leadershipHow trust forms the foundation of high-performing teamsWhy great leaders ask questions instead of simply giving answersHow different situations require different leadership stylesLessons from poor leadership cultures and how they shape behaviourWhy curiosity is more effective than criticism when performance dipsHow leaders can remain calm during periods of pressure or uncertaintyThe unique challenges of growing an owner-managed businessWhy knowing your strengths and your limitations is essential to scaling successfullyThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in their specialist areasHow delegation, culture and engagement become increasingly important as organisations grow. Key takeaway Leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about creating the environment where your team can find them on their own or with support. By leading with trust, authenticity, curiosity and calmness, leaders build cultures where people feel empowered to contribute, solve problems and perform at their best. Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague or fellow fundraiser. Subscribe to the TPF Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube via @profundraiseruk for more conversations on fundraising, leadership and organisational culture. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    2.5. Authentic Leadership in a Unique Sector

  3. Jun 30

    2. Is Face-to-Face Fundraising The Right Move for Your Charity?

    Is face-to-face fundraising the right move for every charity? In this episode of The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, TPF leaders Kelvin and Paul tackle this massive question head-on. They explore how geographic reach, budget size, and brand resonance determine whether face-to-face (F2F) is truly a viable channel for your specific organisation. What We Cover:The Reality of Reach: Why some niche or localised causes might actually achieve a better return on investment by forming coalitions, utilising internal volunteer models, or focusing on alternative fundraising streams.Quality Over Volume: How to shift your mindset away from chasing empty sign-up numbers and focus instead on acquiring high-retention donors who genuinely care about your cause.Operational Readiness: How to assess whether your organisation, from your communications team right up to your board of trustees, is operationally  ready to manage a face-to-face campaign. Whether you are steering a massive national organization or a hands-on community charity, this conversation delivers an honest, strategic blueprint to help you decide if face-to-face fundraising is the right investment for your brand. Connect with TPF: Instagram: @profundraiseruk Share the Episode: If you found these insights valuable, please share this episode with a colleague on LinkedIn! Music used:  Intro Music: Song: Tollef - Time With You (feat. RVLE) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/TWU Watch: AT/youtube Outro Music: Song: Raul Ojamaa - Hold On Me (feat. Maris Pihlap) Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/HOM Watch: http://ncs.io/HOMAT/youtube

    2. Is Face-to-Face Fundraising The Right Move for Your Charity?

  4. Jun 17 ·  Bonus

    Minisode 1: The Power of Company Culture: Insights from TPF's Leaders

    What makes people excited to come to work each day? In this minisode, TPF's People Manager, Angela, sits down with our Founder and CEO, Kelvin, to explore the real meaning of company culture and why it plays such a critical role in employee wellbeing, engagement, and business success. Together, they unpack what culture looks like beyond office perks and social events, discussing how shared values, psychological safety, and inclusivity shape the everyday employee experience. Angela shares why workplace culture starts with how people feel when they walk through the door, while Kelvin explains the importance of creating an environment where every voice is heard and no idea is dismissed. The conversation also highlights the role of diversity in building stronger teams, the value of celebrating everyday achievements, and practical ways organisations can foster a culture where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to contribute. Whether you're a leader looking to strengthen your workplace culture or an employee interested in what makes great teams thrive, this episode offers valuable insights into creating an environment where people and businesses can succeed together. Tune in to discover how a strong company culture can transform the employee experience and help organisations achieve lasting success. Music used:  Intro Music: Song: Tollef - Time With You (feat. RVLE) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/TWU Watch: AT/youtube Outro Music: Song: Raul Ojamaa - Hold On Me (feat. Maris Pihlap) Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/HOM Watch: http://ncs.io/HOMAT/youtube

  5. May 26

    Ep 1: Buying Boats & The Changing Face of Fundraising in 2011

    It was over ten years ago that Kelvin, TPF’s Founder and CEO, embarked on a mission to establish a more deliberate and enduring methodology for the fundraising sector. Moving away from traditional door-to-door acquisitions and fleeting contributions from transient donors, he reimagined a strategy centered on cultivating meaningful donor connections and delivering superior results for our partners. Following several pivotal and occasionally surprising experiences during his tenure as a General Manager in the industry, Kelvin recognised the necessity for a shift. This realisation served as the primary driver behind the birth of a new venture. Tune in to the podcast to discover Kelvin’s journey from the ground up, exploring everything from the unique story of purchasing a boat to the milestone of landing our debut client. You can catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow our journey on LinkedIn at The Professional Fundraiser, or connect with us on Instagram and YouTube via @profundraiseruk. Intro Music: Song: Tollef - Time With You (feat. RVLE) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/TWU Watch: AT/youtube Outro Music: Song: Raul Ojamaa - Hold On Me (feat. Maris Pihlap) Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/HOM Watch: http://ncs.io/HOMAT/youtube

  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, the go-to podcast for insights into private-site fundraising and the evolving world of UK charities. Bringing you behind the scenes of fundraising for some of the country’s largest charitable organisations, the podcast shares real conversations, practical experiences and expert perspectives from professionals working across the third sector. Join fundraising leaders, industry experts and experienced professionals as we discuss what’s working in modern fundraising, share lessons from the field, and explore how fresh thinking and innovative approaches are helping charities build stronger supporter connections and deliver greater impact. Whether you work in fundraising, supporter engagement, charity leadership or are simply passionate about the sector, you’ll gain valuable industry insight, practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the strategies behind successful fundraising campaigns across the UK.

Information

  • Creator
    The Professional Fundraiser
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Professional Fundraiser