News & Insight

5th November 2018

Welcome Rebecca Williams!

We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our Philanthropy Company team. Rebecca Williams recently joined us from a successful grant-making charity, and is now bringing her expertise in research and data analysis to help our clients develop informed strategies and achievable goals in their fundraising ambitions. Read our interview to find out more about Rebecca and the skills and experiences she brings to our team.

What’s your role at Philanthropy Company?

I am the Research and Insight Executive, which means I conduct research and data analysis to help clients find areas of untapped potential. So that could be doing benchmarking studies or prospect research and could include things like CRM development or data processing and management advice.

What’s your background?

My most recent role was with the London Legal Support Trust, a grant-making charity, that fundraises through events. They organise the London Legal Walk, which raised over £800,000 last year, and that money goes to advice-giving charities that help provide free and equitable access to legal information and support. In this role I had the opportunity to develop the CRM and manage the Trust’s preparation for the GDPR in May.

What attracted you to this role at Philanthropy Company?

Well, while I was at the Legal Support Trust, we worked with a fantastic consultant and I saw first-hand how valuable that knowledge and experience was for our beneficiaries. I realised I’d like to be able to do that, to help all sorts of different organisations examine, understand and address the challenges they confront. It’s both a privilege and professionally satisfying to be able to do that. I’m particularly excited about supporting the variety of clients that Philanthropy Company works with, especially in the arts sector because I come from quite an arts background – both my parents are actors and I studied painting before going to university. It’s something I feel quite passionate about.

What drives you professionally?

For me it’s about being able to see the impact you’re making, and having those specific measurable targets that you can use to contribute to a bigger picture. I get a big sense of accomplishment from delivering that, especially when you know your work is contributing to achieving something important, like improving access to the arts or providing support to people who are most in need.

What do you love most about Philanthropy Company?

It’s really about the overall atmosphere and supportive environment that I’ve found here. The pace and variety of clients we have the opportunity to work with means we are never bored. We’re currently growing our team, and it’s great to be part of that. These are exciting times for the Philanthropy Company!

What do you do when you’re not working?

Art is a keen interest of mine – I like to paint, mostly portraits. And I like to read feminist literature and philosophy. I know that sounds boring! But I studied ethics at university and I’ve always been curious about the challenging questions and complex issues we face. I do also go out with friends and visit galleries and do more fun and social things, though!

Interview by Alison Stibbe, 9 October 2018