Strengthening Fundraising for the Actors’ Benevolent Fund

Image credit: Joanna Nicole Photography

“Philanthropy Company delivered highly valuable insights and recommendations for building income generation at the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. Their work resulted in practical outputs we have been able to implement and I would definitely recommend them.”

Alison Wyman, Chief Executive Officer, Actors’ Benevolent Fund

Challenge

For over 140 years, the Actors’ Benevolent Fund has provided vital charitable support through financial relief, advice, and assistance to stage managers and actors unable to work due to illness, injury, or age. They came to us for support in two phases: 1: An opportunities assessment to consider how ambitious they can be in their fundraising and, based on our recommendations, a progression to 2: Developing a fundraising strategy and supporting recruitment of a permanent senior fundraiser.

Our Response

Phase 1: Testing the Feasibility of Increased Fundraising

Using a team approach, which included strategic expertise and detailed funding insights, we reviewed the ABF’s potential for fundraising. This included benchmarking, a review of historic income, prospect  research, a SWOT analysis, growth projections, recommendations and a roadmap of next step actions.

Phase 2: Developing a strategy for success and recruiting a permanent fundraiser

Having delivered a practical and comprehensive opportunities assessment and report we set about creating a fundraising strategy for the ABF. This incorporated key phases to achieving fundraising success across income sources and a communications timeline of practical actions. We also developed a compelling case for support in time for the ABF’s Christmas Appeal and provided advice on a future wealth screen.
Our package of recruitment support included developing the job pack, supporting with developing interview questions, shortlisting and interviewing.

We were delighted to place an excellent candidate, who will bring their significant fundraising experience to ABF, enabling them to take the strategies we developed forwards.

Impact

● Delivered a fundraising opportunities assessment, equipping ABF with a realistic understanding of their fundraising potential.
● Developed a practical fundraising strategy with phased actions and key income stream recommendations.
● Drafted a case for support in advance of the Christmas Appeal.
● Provided hands-on recruitment support, securing an experienced senior fundraiser to drive long-term growth.