What does becoming a charity trustee teach you about the realities of charity funding? For Rob Cope, executive director of membership and operations at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) and trustee of Citizens Advice Lewisham, it's an opportunity to support the community he's called home for over 20 years while gaining a deeper understanding of the decisions charities face. As part of Trustees’ Week 2026, Rob shares what he's learned about financial pressures, sustainable fundraising and why collaboration across a charity matters.
Rob, you've lived in Lewisham for more than 20 years. Was that connection to your community what made you want to become a trustee?
"I’ve lived in the borough for more than 20 years, and I’m hugely passionate about supporting society’s most vulnerable communities – so it was an easy decision."
Has being a trustee changed your understanding of the financial pressures charities face?
"It’s been a real eye opener seeing first-hand the fine margins that charities operate in, and the fine margins of funding decisions."
What's one lesson you've learned about balancing fundraising opportunities with what a charity can realistically deliver?
"I’ve learnt that every opportunity has to be considered alongside the capacity of the people who will deliver it. A new funding opportunity can look attractive, particularly during such difficult times for the sector, but good governance should always ask whether it advances the charity’s purpose.
"Fundraising professionals can put this into practice by involving frontline service delivery and finance colleagues early, before making commitments to funders.
"Success is securing income that enables the charity to do its work well and sustainably."
Why do you think it's important for fundraising to involve people from across a charity, not just the fundraising team?
Fundraising can’t operate in isolation.
Fundraising thrives when it brings diverse perspectives on the journey of why fundraising is the responsibility of everyone in the charity – not just the fundraising leader.
Finally, what would you say to a fundraiser who's interested in becoming a trustee but doesn't feel they have all the experience yet?
"You don’t need to arrive knowing everything.
" Curiosity, sound judgement and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions matter. Trusteeship is a chance to contribute your experience while learning to see the whole organisation, which can also make you a better fundraiser."
Rob's experience highlights how trusteeship can bring a new understanding of the decisions charities make, particularly when balancing funding opportunities with limited resources and the needs of the communities they support.
For fundraisers, there's a useful reminder here: securing funding is only part of the picture. Understanding what an organisation can realistically deliver, involving colleagues early and keeping the charity's purpose at the centre of decisions all contribute to more sustainable fundraising.
And for anyone considering trusteeship, Rob's advice is encouraging. You don't need to have all the answers. Being curious, asking thoughtful questions and bringing your own experience can be a valuable place to start.
We're sharing the experiences of CIOF colleagues who volunteer as trustees and exploring what their perspectives can teach us about fundraising, leadership and working together.
Explore more stories from our Trustees, staff and wider sector.
