Fundraising Manager at SFE, Sarah Caldwell, discusses what it’s really like to be a fundraiser and what drives her…
Being a fundraiser is about more than just raising money.
When I tell people I’m a fundraiser, they often think all I do is ask people for money or free things. Yes, that’s part of the job. But it’s only part of a much bigger picture.
Raising money has never been easy, and in today’s world it’s harder than ever. Writing a compelling case for support is one thing; finding the right funder, competing with countless other worthwhile causes, and somehow squeezing everything into the dreaded application word count is something else entirely.
There are so many incredible charities and projects, both locally and nationally, all doing important work and all seeking support. But there are limited pots of support available. Making our projects stand out can be challenging, even when we know the huge impact they can have.
Of course, finding out that an application has been successful is a great feeling. But behind every successful one there are plenty of rejections, and often applications that receive no response at all. Resilience quickly becomes one of the most valuable tools in a fundraiser’s toolkit.
Most of my work happens behind a computer screen: writing applications and reports, working through budgets, updating our CRM system, researching potential supporters, and sending what often feels like an endless amount of emails.
But every now and then, I get to step away from my desk and see the projects I’ve been writing about come to life. I get to see the impact happen in person.
Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do. Yes, fundraising is about raising money. But for me, it’s also about creating opportunities.
It enables a young musician to walk onto the stage at Symphony Hall and spot their family smiling proudly back at them from the audience.
It means parents and carers who might otherwise be unable to afford a ticket can be there to watch their young musician perform, sharing in an achievement they’ll all remember.
It allows members of our Inclusive Choir to overcome personal barriers, build confidence and perform together in their own individual way.
It gives someone living with dementia the chance to sing one of their favourite songs, surrounded by friends, in a place where music helps them forget their diagnosis, even if only for a little while.
It brings people together.
It builds confidence. It creates memories. It changes lives.
People often ask me what the best part of being a fundraiser is. It isn’t hitting an income target. It certainly isn’t pressing ‘Submit’ on a funding application. It isn’t even receiving the email to say we’ve been awarded a grant.
It’s standing quietly at the back, watching children, families and communities enjoy opportunities that only exist because someone chose to support our work.
The next time you hear the word fundraising, I encourage you to think beyond the money.
Think about the child discovering a lifelong love of music.
Think about the family who finally finds somewhere they belong.
Think about the older person whose face lights up as they sing a favourite song with friends.
That’s what fundraising really is.
It’s not just raising money.
It’s also creating opportunities.
And that’s why, tomorrow morning, I’ll happily open my laptop and start writing the next funding application. Because I know it could become someone else’s opportunity.
Pictured from left to right: Our Inclusive Choir, Music Ensembles and Community Choir.
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make a donation today About the Author
Sarah Caldwell – Fundraising Manager, Services For Education
Sarah Caldwell joined Services For Education in Summer 2023, bringing with her over 14 years fundraising experience. Working in the Birmingham charity sector, she has raised valuable funds for a range of projects impacting the day to day lives of young people with disabilities.
Sarah has experience across a number of fundraising streams (including Trusts & Foundation, Events and Corporate Fundraising), and brings this, along with a strong interest in building relationships with supporters, to her role at SFE.