The Fundraising Essentials guide and video series has been created to help fundraisers and charities strengthen their knowledge and practice. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, this comprehensive resource covers the core principles of effective fundraising - from strategy and ethics to relationship management and compliance. It offers practical guidance for both new and experienced fundraisers looking to build sustainable, impactful, and confident fundraising programmes.

This guide, and accompanying set of videos, are a starting point for any individual or charity new to fundraising. Whether you work for a smaller charity and are looking to cover the basics of fundraising, have recently taken on some fundraising responsibilities and want to familiarise yourself with best practice, have become a trustee and are hoping to get better acquainted with the regulatory structure of fundraising – this guide offers a whistle-stop tour of what you need to know. It will help you start your fundraising journey with confidence, reassurance, and success!

Download the Fundraising Essentials Guide

What is Fundraising?
What is Fundraising?
Developing a Fundraising Strategy
Developing a Fundraising Strategy
Building a Case for Support
Building a Case for Support
Fundraising in Practice
Fundraising in Practice
10 Steps to Excellent Fundraising
10 Steps to Excellent Fundraising
Thank you

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped create these resources:

  • Partners: Small Charities Coalition and Voice4Change England
  • Contributors and presenters: Kim van Niekerk, Carol Akiwumi MBE, Samir Savant, Tom Dixon, Callum Cark, Nazhat Ahmed, Owen Thomas, Ben Petts, Kirsten Cree, Paul Morgan, Gemma Rooke, Bradley French, Olivia Fuller, Ruby Jones
More like this...
A man in a grey top sits a desk counting money, with a laptop on the desk and a phone

Understanding soft opt-in for fundraising marketing

The Data (Use and Access) Bill makes it easier for charities to contact existing supporters by e-mail and text message. Find out what you need to know.
Visit
A woman stands next to a large table, arms resting on it and smiling at the other people who are sitting around the table. There is a pin board with notes in the background, and laptops and notes on the table.

Fundraising complaints and how they are handled.

Discover how fundraising complaints are handled and what you charity needs to have in place.
Visit
In an office environment, five people are shown sitting at a large table. One woman is standing whilst the others sit down. The standing woman is pointing at some post-it notes attached to the wall.

Essentials of fundraising law and regulation

Understand the essential laws and regulations that ensure fundraising is done legally and safely.
Visit

The Art of Legacies

Explore ‘The Art of Legacies’ report on legacy giving impact across UK arts, culture & heritage fundraisers.