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My story

Two decades ago I left the commercial sales world to enter the voluntary sector.  I felt there was more to life than underpinning the next dividend payment of our shareholders – not that I have anything against dividends or profits! But I wanted the profits from my hard work to benefit others in need.   I was lucky enough to get my first break in the Jewish voluntary sector, working in a well-honed and hugely successful fundraising campaign that partnered me with voluntary committees hubbed around synagogues across north-west London.  Two to three nights a week saw me meeting volunteers in their homes before we fanned out across the local area, cold calling on past donors or running a telecanvassing evening from a volunteer’s office.  We raised hundreds of thousands every year from small to medium sized donors, utilising local connections and relationships to yield a collective campaign total of £10M annually. It was a great training ground. ​ I went on to work in a series of “start-up” roles, in charities that hadn’t had a fundraising function or whose fundraising was in a moribund state. The slog of chasing supporters, lapsed and new, building relationships to increase major gift and trust & foundation income, and developing new ways and means of funding rapidly became familiar. ​ But why do this? I was motivated to utilise the sales skills I acquired in my previous decade of work for the benefit of those who needed help – it really wasn’t any more complicated than that.   Following a couple of decades of experience in a variety of roles and organisations, I have acquired a broad base of experience and knowledge, raised several tens of millions pounds, and acquired more than a few stories of fundraising along the way!

Jeremy Kelly photo

I have acquired a broad base of experience and knowledge, raised several tens of millions pounds, and acquired more than a few stories of fundraising along the way!

My approach to fundraising

Throughout my career, I have used a variety of fundraising methods, including direct mail, trust & foundations, mid- and major-gift level canvassing & events, and legacy fundraising. This broad range of experience gives me the skills and knowledge to help any organisation raise funds. ​ I believe in using wealth matching, which is the process of identifying and mobilising the capacity of your existing donor base. It is much more cost-effective to retain and renew existing donors than to acquire new ones. By using effective research, the right approach, and the right ask amount, you can grow your revenue at lower cost. ​ Creating a well-researched target pool, developing effective and impactful projects, and crafting an attractive and concise case for support will enable you to attract and retain donors most effectively. ​ I am a seasoned fundraiser with a proven track record of success. I can coach, mentor, and work with any fundraiser, CEO, or team to ensure the maximum return on your investment in fundraising. ​ If you need someone to work with you for a short period of time to raise funds for a specific project, I can provide the support or direction you need.

Taking Notes
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