St Giles Trust

St Giles Trust is a charity helping people facing severe disadvantage to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.

(St Giles Trust volunteers)

The Brief

Like many charities in the UK, St Giles Trust (SGT) faced a number of challenges. Local authority spending has been cut and funding available for such projects is reduced. Big funders, such as the Big Lottery and Comic Relief, are inundated with choice. There is greater competition for these funds. All grant-making trusts have seen significant increases in the number of applications they receive. The funding that they are able to give is also restricted and inflexible.

The Philanthropy Company was asked to look at the potential for major donor giving and whether it could provide a sustainable source of high value income for the Trust’s “SOS Project”.

Our Response

The key areas we looked at were Case for Support, potential prospects, existing donors, staffing, infrastructure, opportunities to diversify income and raise more restricted funds. Where should fundraising efforts be concentrated?

We helped SGT articulate their key messages for high net worth donors, provided in-depth prospect research on their existing supporters and new potential donors. We advised on approach strategies, major donor events, cultivation and stewardship techniques. We also assisted with bids and proposals to high net worth individuals and grant-making trusts. Our advice was taken on board and used to inform their new fundraising strategy.