Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society. It is a charitable organisation with a worldwide membership of more than 50,000, working together to advance physics, education, research and application.

The Brief

The Institute of Physics (IOP) works to advance physics in every area of society: through supporting research and innovation; to widening public engagement with physics; and inspiring the next generation of scientists in schools and universities. The Institute wanted to diversify its income stream to expand the programmes and their impact, and as such launched their first fundraising campaign, “Opportunity Physics” in September 2013, which aims to raise £10m in 5 years.

Two years into the Campaign, the Philanthropy Company were asked to undertake a strategic fundraising review at the Institute and provide recommendations on how development at the Institute should progress. We were then asked to provide on-going consultancy to help implement these changes and prepare the ground for the recruitment of a permanent fundraising staff.

Our response

We compiled a comprehensive fundraising review by working closely with the Institute, including interviewing key stakeholders to assess how the Campaign had been received to date; undertaking benchmark analysis of similar organisations; and reviewing key documents, materials and processes.

Following our review and recommendations, we continued to work with the Institute in order to implement the required changes. We provided strategic counsel to the executive team and trustees, including how best to engage volunteers and the development board, and helped establish relationships with key prospects and re-engage existing donors. Our work also included advising and assisting the Institute with recruiting a new development team, who are now in place. Alongside this work, we re-wrote the campaign case for support; guided the implementation of a new fundraising database; conducted prospect research; and compiled key fundraising documents, including naming and gift policies.

Impact

“Philanthropy Company has been an excellent resource for the IOP whilst we reviewed our development work, before building up a new in-house fundraising team. Yvonne Rainey acted as our interim Head of Fundraising and John Spry provided further support. I was impressed by their professionalism and the sensitive way they engaged with staff and trustees. We have broadly accepted Yvonne’s recommendations on our future fundraising strategy. Yvonne Rainey has also advised us on the best way to proceed with recruitment. As a result we have successfully recruited an excellent Head of Development as a permanent member of staff, and two further members of the team. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of Philanthropy Company.”

Philip Diamond Hon.FInstP, Associate Director, Institute of Physics