By Issie McMillan
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Annual Convention, two days of workshops, speakers and conversations that left me genuinely invigorated. β¨
I’m three years into my career, now a Fundraising Manager specialising in Grants, Trusts and Foundations, and I was lucky enough to be accepted onto the Early Careers track. From the first session to the last, I was reminded why I chose this sector and challenged to think about how I grow within it. π±
π Fundraisers as Storytellers
Between all the sessions, there was one powerful thread connecting them all: fundraisers as storytellers.
The space between mission, service delivery and impact, and how we bridge it ethically and powerfully.
Hearing how organisations had implemented learnings from the Great Fundraising Project brought that to life beautifully, while a panel of small and medium-sized charities spoke honestly about the challenges they face today.
That theme wove through everything:
- π What great fundraising looks like in practice.
- π― Make-A-Wish UK’s strategy development.
- π€ What funders are really looking for on the other side of our applications.
Hearing directly from funders was particularly refreshing, and a reminder that fundraising is a relationship, not a transaction.
π Looking to the Future
I also explored areas that were newer to me.
Philanthropy 2035 genuinely opened my eyes to a world I’m still growing into. Hearing about the evolving role of AI in strengthening research and relationship-building felt both timely and practical. π€
The Early Careers sessions also gave me plenty to reflect on and practical actions to support my own development.
Having worked on my first major partnership bid earlier this year, hearing how two organisations had built their collaboration from the ground up felt immediately relevant.
π€ The Power of Partnerships
The biggest takeaway from the breakout session?
Get into networks before the fund opens.
Know who you could partner with before the opportunity arises.
It connects directly to what Bristol Charities is building towards and felt both like validation and a challenge.
π‘ Inspiration Everywhere
The convention closed perfectly with “I Wish I’d Thought of That”, where seven fundraisers shared campaigns and initiatives that had inspired them.
The energy in that room said everything about why this sector is worth showing up for. π
Beyond the sessions themselves, the sense of community was unmistakable. At a time when fundraising demands ever greater innovation, it was inspiring to see how generously people shared ideas, experiences and encouragement to help each other succeed.
It was also a joy to spend time with my colleagues Zoe Williams and Sophie Jerrold. π
I left feeling energised, inspired, and ready to act.
A huge thank you to everyone who spoke, facilitated and shared their knowledge. π
π© Get in touch
To speak to Issie about Bristol Charities’ fundraising plans, contact her at .
