Our Team
David G Poppitt MSc MInstF - Managing Director and Principal Consultant
David Poppitt, author of “The School Fundraiser” David was educated at Bolton School and Manchester University, eventually gaining an MSc in the Medical Faculty. He worked for over 20 years in medical research, specialising in experimental chemotherapy at Manchester’s Christie Hospital. In 1989 he was invited to create a fundraising role. He built a team of 15 from a “one man show” which by 1995 was responsible for raising £3 million per annum.
In 1995 David was asked by his old School in Bolton to take on the position of Development Director. By concentrating on alumni development and local business relationships, he was responsible for raising nearly £2 million for the Bursary Fund. He instigated a number of income generation initiatives which brought forward enquiries from across the education sector.
In 2000 he left the School to set up his own extremely successful consultancy based on his success at the Christie and in Bolton. He is the author of the best selling book “The School Fundraiser” together with a number of articles in education and charity literature.
David has been very much involved in making three programmes for Teacher TV and has worked with over 50 schools across the UK in both the independent and state sectors.
A former rugby player for many years and Welsh by birth, David is now Chairman of Broughton Park FC in South Manchester where he set up a charity and was extremely successful both in fundraising and commercial utilisation of the facilities. Once again, he concentrated on local business partnerships setting up a number of sponsorship relationships.
David Poppitt, author of “The School Fundraiser” David was educated at Bolton School and Manchester University, eventually gaining an MSc in the Medical Faculty. He worked for over 20 years in medical research, specialising in experimental chemotherapy at Manchester’s Christie Hospital. In 1989 he was invited to create a fundraising role. He built a team of 15 from a “one man show” which by 1995 was responsible for raising £3 million per annum.
In 1995 David was asked by his old School in Bolton to take on the position of Development Director. By concentrating on alumni development and local business relationships, he was responsible for raising nearly £2 million for the Bursary Fund. He instigated a number of income generation initiatives which brought forward enquiries from across the education sector.
In 2000 he left the School to set up his own extremely successful consultancy based on his success at the Christie and in Bolton. He is the author of the best selling book “The School Fundraiser” together with a number of articles in education and charity literature.
David has been very much involved in making three programmes for Teacher TV and has worked with over 50 schools across the UK in both the independent and state sectors.
A former rugby player for many years and Welsh by birth, David is now Chairman of Broughton Park FC in South Manchester where he set up a charity and was extremely successful both in fundraising and commercial utilisation of the facilities. Once again, he concentrated on local business partnerships setting up a number of sponsorship relationships.
Susie Poppitt | Fundraising Consultant
An experienced Fundraising Consultant with a demonstrated history of successful outcomes in the charity industry. Skilled in public speaking and face to face presentations, with a proven track record in high level engagement.
A strong media and communication professional with an ability to produce innovative and high impact marketing collateral, as well as establishing and nurturing strong media relationships.
Wide experience across multiple fundraising disciplines, including event management, relationship fundraising leading to long term partnerships with both individual and corporate donors, feasibility and fundraising strategies, project and unrestricted funding bids, and legacy marketing and development.
Career Summary
1975-1991 Christie Hospital Therapy Radiographer
1991 – 1994 Christie Hospital Charity Retail & Fundraising Manager
1994 – 1995 Fundraising Consultant Clients included: Creative Media Group, South Manchester, Area Health Authority, Age Concern Manchester, Lancashire Fusiliers, Seashell Trust, Derian House Children’s Hospice.
1995 - 2010 Fundraising Manager Derian House Children’s Hospice
2010 – 2018 Head of Fundraising Derian House Children’s Hospice
Key responsibilities
Responsible for devising and implementing fundraising strategies to meet annual income targets in excess of £3 million.
Managing teams of fundraisers and providing them with the knowledge and skill set to enable them to meet specific KPI’s and targets.
Initiating and managing high profile events from concept to delivery to engage with a target donor audience across a wide socio economic demographic
To develop charity networks and reputation with relevant trusts and foundations, with specific business sectors and with high net worth individuals where appropriate, with a view to substantially increasing the relevant income streams.
To plan and develop a legacy marketing strategy and delivery throughout the individual charity’s catchment area.
To plan and develop prospects, including actively prospecting and submitting applications to relevant trusts and foundations, whilst continuing to provide excellent feedback and reporting.
To ensure excellent communication through newsletters and reports to these donors.
To work with the CEO and Board of Trustees of individual charities on project development with a view to devising engaging and innovative “case for support” initiatives in support of project funding requirements.
Contribute to ensuring that the individual charity meets all relevant statutory requirements and industry standards in relation to income generation, including those of the Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice and any amendments thereof, the Charity Commission, the Gambling Commission, the Information Commissioners Office and the Fundraising Regulator.
An experienced Fundraising Consultant with a demonstrated history of successful outcomes in the charity industry. Skilled in public speaking and face to face presentations, with a proven track record in high level engagement.
A strong media and communication professional with an ability to produce innovative and high impact marketing collateral, as well as establishing and nurturing strong media relationships.
Wide experience across multiple fundraising disciplines, including event management, relationship fundraising leading to long term partnerships with both individual and corporate donors, feasibility and fundraising strategies, project and unrestricted funding bids, and legacy marketing and development.
Career Summary
1975-1991 Christie Hospital Therapy Radiographer
1991 – 1994 Christie Hospital Charity Retail & Fundraising Manager
1994 – 1995 Fundraising Consultant Clients included: Creative Media Group, South Manchester, Area Health Authority, Age Concern Manchester, Lancashire Fusiliers, Seashell Trust, Derian House Children’s Hospice.
1995 - 2010 Fundraising Manager Derian House Children’s Hospice
2010 – 2018 Head of Fundraising Derian House Children’s Hospice
Key responsibilities
Responsible for devising and implementing fundraising strategies to meet annual income targets in excess of £3 million.
Managing teams of fundraisers and providing them with the knowledge and skill set to enable them to meet specific KPI’s and targets.
Initiating and managing high profile events from concept to delivery to engage with a target donor audience across a wide socio economic demographic
To develop charity networks and reputation with relevant trusts and foundations, with specific business sectors and with high net worth individuals where appropriate, with a view to substantially increasing the relevant income streams.
To plan and develop a legacy marketing strategy and delivery throughout the individual charity’s catchment area.
To plan and develop prospects, including actively prospecting and submitting applications to relevant trusts and foundations, whilst continuing to provide excellent feedback and reporting.
To ensure excellent communication through newsletters and reports to these donors.
To work with the CEO and Board of Trustees of individual charities on project development with a view to devising engaging and innovative “case for support” initiatives in support of project funding requirements.
Contribute to ensuring that the individual charity meets all relevant statutory requirements and industry standards in relation to income generation, including those of the Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice and any amendments thereof, the Charity Commission, the Gambling Commission, the Information Commissioners Office and the Fundraising Regulator.
Anne Strachan MInstF
Associate Consultant
Anne has been a fundraiser, trainer and project manager in the third sector for over 20 years. After a career as an academic librarian with a sideline in managing local rock bands she worked at Manchester Development Education Project as a project manager and fundraiser developing and delivering projects on topics as diverse as social enterprise education, ethical finance, primary history, malaria and climate change. She raised funds for local as well as international education programmes.
She now works part-time as a fundraiser for the Gaddum Centre. She also runs a consultancy supporting charities; social enterprises and start-ups raise funds and build an engaged community through crowdfunding. She runs training courses across the UK in partnership with third sector and enterprise support networks.
Specialising in creativity and innovation, funding strategy and trust fundraising she is passionate about growing and ensuring sustainable funding for the sector. She obtained her first grant from the Prince’s Trust for a charity album back in the 1980s and has not looked back. She has raised well over £1 million from European, national and local government, charitable trusts and non-governmental organisations.
In addition to excellent bid writing skills Anne can work with organisations to ensure that their ideas develop into quality projects.
She now works part-time as a fundraiser for the Gaddum Centre. She also runs a consultancy supporting charities; social enterprises and start-ups raise funds and build an engaged community through crowdfunding. She runs training courses across the UK in partnership with third sector and enterprise support networks.
Specialising in creativity and innovation, funding strategy and trust fundraising she is passionate about growing and ensuring sustainable funding for the sector. She obtained her first grant from the Prince’s Trust for a charity album back in the 1980s and has not looked back. She has raised well over £1 million from European, national and local government, charitable trusts and non-governmental organisations.
In addition to excellent bid writing skills Anne can work with organisations to ensure that their ideas develop into quality projects.
Fundraising Consultant Core Purpose
To accelerate the growth of fundraising across a specific range of income streams to achieve long term, sustainable income growth.
To devise and develop a successful fundraising strategy and programme, structured to build strong relations with individuals, corporates, major donors, trusts and potential legators.
To work with charity fundraising teams to engage with donors and potential donors across a carefully researched, profiled and segmented target audience to progress the fundraising strategy with a view to nurturing ongoing relationships in building for the future of the charity.
To monitor developments relating specifically to fundraising with regard to new legislation, information and directives from the Fundraising Regulator, the Institute of Fundraising, the Charity Commission and the Information Commissioner to ensure that the charity is fully protected in all aspects of data protection, fundraising compliance and good practice
To devise and produce innovative and imaginative events that will engage with a broad spectrum of the community
To produce vibrant and engaging literature which will enthuse, motivate, inform and retain donors
To engage in face to face presentations and pitches to corporates across the region with a view to establishing long term partnerships.
To accelerate the growth of fundraising across a specific range of income streams to achieve long term, sustainable income growth.
To devise and develop a successful fundraising strategy and programme, structured to build strong relations with individuals, corporates, major donors, trusts and potential legators.
To work with charity fundraising teams to engage with donors and potential donors across a carefully researched, profiled and segmented target audience to progress the fundraising strategy with a view to nurturing ongoing relationships in building for the future of the charity.
To monitor developments relating specifically to fundraising with regard to new legislation, information and directives from the Fundraising Regulator, the Institute of Fundraising, the Charity Commission and the Information Commissioner to ensure that the charity is fully protected in all aspects of data protection, fundraising compliance and good practice
To devise and produce innovative and imaginative events that will engage with a broad spectrum of the community
To produce vibrant and engaging literature which will enthuse, motivate, inform and retain donors
To engage in face to face presentations and pitches to corporates across the region with a view to establishing long term partnerships.