After a year like no other, it is fair to say we are all hopeful of a better year in 2021. I’ve been so grateful throughout the pandemic for the generosity of spirit and support that fundraisers have shared with each other as we’ve faced our greatest professional challenges, whether that’s coping with furlough and redundancy or working through tough circumstances.
The Scotland special interest groups deserve particular thanks. Volunteer-led, these groups have been the backbone of what we have been able to provide. If you would like to attend an event run by our special interest groups, have a look at the website. They are often free for Chartered Institute members and provide discipline specific learning and networking. Even simply seeing familiar faces, albeit through Zoom, sharing the challenges can be a huge help in managing the professional uncertainties we have all faced.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising Scotland will be here to help as we all rebuild in the months to come. Led by the Scottish membership, Chartered Institute Scotland will be supporting the Chartered Institute in its priorities for 2021; you can read about them here.
In Scotland, this means we will be working on some specific projects too to support you and the sector, and champion the role of fundraising in serving our communities through the pandemic.
- The Professional Development Committee are working alongside the central Chartered Institute team to provide training that supports the new professional framework for fundraising as a chartered profession.
- The Scotland Fundraising Conference will take place. We will be responding to the restrictions to bring you either an in-person, virtual or hybrid event to give you an opportunity to learn, share and network in a Scotland focussed programme.
- The mentoring programme will, at last, be formally launched for applications. Having been on hold while resources and energy were directed to the immediate crisis, it is time to bring this project into life.
- With support from the Scottish Government, we are continuing to work with the TSI network across Scotland to provide affordable training for smaller charities, trustees and staff to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to sustain their organisations.
- As we approach the elections, look out for round table events bringing together decision makers, fundraisers, charities and politicians to explore the role fundraisers and charities have in serving our communities. The first of these will focus on health.
- We will do our best to represent you and what the sector needs to support our organisations that have been a lifeline for so many during the pandemic. We will also continue to champion great standards in fundraising so that donors and supporters are confident that they can and do make a difference.
- The EDI work will continue with every aspect of Chartered Institute’s work advocating for a fairer, more diverse, accessible and equitable profession.
The challenges that lie ahead are very real due to the uncertainty that exists across society. However, as a fundraiser please know that you are not alone as we recover and rebuild.
On a personal note, I am not sure I would have got through all of this without the members, volunteers and friends who contribute to our community. Thank you all for being a part of it, helping us learn and having each other’s backs. Fundraisers really are resilient, committed professionals who have made it possible for people to have access to the services they have so desperately needed throughout the crisis.
If you have an idea or opinion you think would be helpful, please get in touch. Alternatively, if you would like to be part of the amazing team of volunteers involved in delivering these projects you can find out about current recruitment here.