I’ve now worked in Fundraising for more years than I dare to remember, and I’ve loved (almost!) every minute of it. As a consultant I have helped multiple organisations – from large nationals such as Mind and Alzheimer’s Society, to smaller organisations with a turnover of less than £0.5milion and everything in between - to develop and grow their event fundraising programmes, often through engaging and empowering workshops. In recent years I have added governance and strategic reviews (both of individual campaigns as well as overall fundraising strategy) to the support I offer, and I am a massive proponent of collaboration and breaking down silos.
I’m a Fundraising Executive at We Are Beams, a charity that supports disabled children and their families—and I genuinely love what I do. I focus on individual giving, in-memory donations, and small grants, helping to build sustainable income that makes a real difference.
I started out as a freelance project coordinator for the Ministry of Justice, working on major platforms like the VISOR database, before taking time out to care for my own children with disabilities. I joined Beams in 2022, and since then, fundraising has become both a passion and a profession. This year, I’m excited to be starting my Diploma in Fundraising with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and continuing to grow in the sector.
James Kliffen is a fundraising consultant with a track record of delivering sector-leading growth rates in private income. Over three decades he has provided fundraising leadership for Comic Relief, the British Red Cross, the Disasters Emergency Committee and Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders. James' core work has been in enabling diverse teams to fully achieve their potential, whilst ensuring that strategies are both optimal and future proof. He is dedicated to supporting peer fundraisers throughout the UK charity sector, and has extensive experience across a wide range of fundraising markets globally. James is a trustee of the charity Music Support, which was formed by music industry professionals to help peers experiencing substance use, addiction and/or mental health challenges.