The Political Merry-Go-Round Has Picked Up Speed

If your fundraising strategy hasn't been giving you whiplash lately, you probably haven't been paying attention. 2024 has been serving political plot twists faster than a Netflix drama, and for those of us in the charity sector, each governmental pivot comes with its own set of fundraising implications.

From Trump's triumphant return to the White House (and subsequent market tumbles) to Keir Starmer's cost-saving crusade at home, the political landscape resembles less of a gentle tide and more of a tsunami. And guess who's trying to build sandcastles on the beach? That's right—it's us in the charity sector.

The Global Political Rollercoaster: Fasten Your Seatbelts

The first few months of 2025 have already delivered enough political drama to fill a decade. Germany's federal elections, Lukashenko's controversial re-coronation in Belarus, and most notably, Trump 2.0 taking center stage in America—each bringing its own flavor of uncertainty to global stability.

For fundraisers, these aren't just headlines to scroll past with your morning coffee. Trump's economic decisions have sent markets into tailspins, and his immediate freeze on international aid funding has left countless global charities scrambling to patch financial holes the size of Texas. When donors feel economic uncertainty, their generosity often takes a hit—right when your beneficiaries need it most.

Meanwhile, on This Side of the Pond...

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Labour's victory lap, Starmer's government has been under the microscope for its economic belt-tightening and its approach to foreign policy in an increasingly hostile global environment.

The good news? Labour's focus on social equity, sustainability, and pledges for cleaner British energy could spell opportunity for charities operating in these spaces. For fundraisers, this signals potential new funding streams and partnership opportunities—if you know where to look and how to position your cause.

However, let's not break out the champagne just yet. As any seasoned fundraiser knows, political promises and actual policy implementation often have a relationship status best described as "it's complicated." Plus, charities previously cozy with Conservative priorities may find themselves suddenly less fashionable in Whitehall corridors.

When Washington Sneezes, UK Charities Catch a Cold

If you thought Brexit red tape was fun, you're going to love how Trump's policies are already reverberating across the Atlantic. His aggressive stance on immigration and workplace practices has prompted alarming responses—high-profile businesses are backpedaling on EDI commitments and flexible working policies faster than you can say "corporate social responsibility."

For fundraisers, this creates a double bind. Corporate partnerships—often a cornerstone of sustainable fundraising—may become more volatile as businesses realign their values. Meanwhile, changing immigration policies can directly impact international charities' access and operations, particularly for aid agencies working in crisis zones.

Perhaps most concerning is the potential domino effect on institutional giving. Trump's freeze on international aid funding doesn't just affect American charities—it creates competition for the remaining global funding pots, putting pressure on UK funders who suddenly find themselves picking up America's tab.

Fundraising Through the Political Storm

For senior fundraisers, these political shifts aren't just interesting dinner party conversation—they're reshaping the very ground beneath your fundraising strategy. Here's what successful fundraising teams are doing to navigate the choppy waters:

1. Diversifying funding streams like never before. Government funding dependency is looking increasingly like putting all your eggs in a politically volatile basket. Smart fundraisers are doubling down on individual giving programs, major donor cultivation, and social enterprise models.

2. Scenario planning with brutal honesty. What happens to your fundraising targets if corporate giving drops 20%? How will you respond if government grants in your sector are cut? The most resilient fundraising teams have already run the numbers and have Plans B, C, and D ready to deploy.

3. Building reserves while the sun still shines. Organizations with healthy reserves have the luxury of time to adapt when political winds shift. If you're not already making the case to your board for investment in reserves, yesterday would have been a good time to start.

4. Getting politically savvy without getting political. Understanding the policy landscape doesn't mean abandoning your charity's political neutrality. It means connecting your cause to the current political narrative in ways that transcend party lines.

Future-proofing Your Fundraising Strategy

While none of us has a crystal ball (and if you do, please share your lottery predictions), there are practical steps every fundraising leader should take:

1. Assess your vulnerability to political shifts. Map your income streams against potential political scenarios. Which are most at risk? Where are your blind spots?

2. Strengthen existing relationships before hunting new ones. In uncertain times, it's your loyal supporters who will keep the lights on. Invest in donor stewardship like your organization depends on it—because it does.

3. Join forces with sector bodies. Individual charities have limited influence, but collective advocacy can help shape policies that affect the whole sector. Make sure your organization has a seat at the table.

4. Communicate transparently with stakeholders. Your staff, volunteers, and trustees need to understand both the challenges and your plan to navigate them. Bringing them along on the journey builds resilience and trust.

5. Watch the horizon, not just your feet. Assign someone on your team to monitor policy developments that could impact your fundraising—not just in the UK, but globally. The earlier you spot potential disruption, the more time you have to adapt.

The Only Constant Is Change (Plus Death and Taxes)

Political upheaval will continue to test our resolve and creativity as fundraisers. We can't predict every policy shift or populist pivot, but we can build organizations resilient enough to weather the storms.

The most successful fundraisers don't just survive political transitions—they find ways to thrive despite them. With diversified funding, thoughtful contingency planning, and sector-wide collaboration, you'll be prepared to answer whatever questions the political landscape throws at you next.

After all, fundraising has never been for the faint of heart. But then again, that's why you chose this profession—because making a difference was always going to be more interesting than an easy ride.

Mind the Funding Gap: How the Right Fundraising Consultant Helps Schools and Charities Thrive

New Funding Gaps: From VAT Shocks to Aid Cuts

School and charity leaders are facing budget shortfalls from directions they didn’t expect. In the UK, independent schools are bracing for a 20% VAT on fees and the loss of 80% business rate relief starting in 2025​lordslibrary.parliament.uk – a one-two punch that could leave a gaping hole in school finances. Meanwhile, international development charities have seen major donors pull back. The United States, long the world’s biggest aid donor, has scaled down foreign assistance, creating gaps that other funders simply can’t fill​apnews.com. At the same time, the UK’s own aid budget dropped by over £3.8 billion between 2019 and 2021​commonslibrary.parliament.uk, squeezing funding for programmes across the globe. It’s a perfect storm: from a new tax bill hitting school budgets to shrinking grants straining NGOs, suddenly everyone is asking “How do we plug this funding gap?”

For many, the instinct is to tighten belts or hope for a surprise benefactor. But when you’re staring at a six-figure shortfall, a bake sale or wishful thinking won’t cut it. This is where bringing in specialist help – specifically, a fundraising consultant – can feel like letting in a breath of fresh air when your budget room is suffocating. The right consultant can uncover new revenue streams, rally support, and set you up to weather the storm. However, to truly bridge the gap, you need the right person for the job. In fundraising as in life, not all heroes wear capes – sometimes they come in the form of a seasoned expert with a plan.

Why the Right Person Matters More Than Ever

Hiring the wrong fundraiser is a costly mistake that schools and charities can’t afford right now. A great fundraiser can transform your fortunes, but a mismatched one may struggle, stall, or depart before the ink is dry on their business cards. It’s no secret that fundraiser turnover can be high – sector surveys note development staff often stay in one post barely 18 months on average​nonprofitpro.com. High turnover not only disrupts ongoing donor relationships but also means starting back at square one in the search for funding talent. In short, getting the right person with the right skills in place is absolutely critical. As the CEO of the Institute of Fundraising observed during the pandemic, the organisations managing to grow income tend to have “the right people with the right skills” on board​culturehive.co.uk. In fact, sector research in 2019 found that 60% of charities attributing income growth to their strategy said it was because they had enough skilled people in place to make it happen​philanthropy-impact.org.

The lesson? Whether you’re a headteacher eyeing a revenue gap from new taxes or a charity trustee reeling from funding cuts, you need a fundraiser who is up to the challenge. The right fundraiser brings not just experience, but stability and momentum. They’ll hit the ground running, inspire confidence in stakeholders, and stick around to build lasting donor relationships. But how do you find that unicorn individual? This is where a fundraising consultant can be your secret weapon – not as a permanent hire, but as the expert partner to ensure your next hire is the perfect fit.

How a Fundraising Consultant Gives You an Edge

Think of a fundraising consultant as a specialist detective for your income problems – they investigate the situation, uncover clues to new funding, and help devise the master plan to solve the case. Unlike a hurried permanent hire who might “learn on the job,” a consultant brings targeted experience from day one. They’ve likely seen scenarios just like yours before: the mid-size charity that suddenly lost a big UKAID grant, or the independent school scrambling after a policy change. They can rapidly scope out potential revenue streams – be it identifying untapped alumni donors, writing grant proposals to new foundations, or launching a creative campaign to engage the local community. Crucially, they map out what kind of fundraising approach will work best for your specific context.

By having a consultant lay the groundwork, you gain clarity. It’s akin to getting an architect to draw up plans before you start building. The consultant’s work might reveal, for example, that your school could raise an extra £200k a year through alumni and parents – but it needs a dedicated annual giving programme and an online crowdfunding push. With this roadmap in hand, you won’t be hiring blind when you bring in a permanent fundraiser; you’ll know exactly what skills and targets that person should have. It’s no surprise that organisations that use consultants in this way see markedly better outcomes. A study by the Manchester Institute of Education noted that schools which engaged a fundraising consultant during the planning and hiring phase enjoyed 15% higher retention of their newly hired fundraisers​link.springer.com. In other words, when a consultant helped set the strategy, the fundraisers who took on the role were more likely to thrive and stay on to see long-term projects through.

For international charities, the story is much the same. The Institute of Fundraising reported that nonprofits bringing in external fundraising expertise to bridge funding gaps saw fundraising income jump by roughly 20% in the following year​philanthropy-impact.org. These organisations didn’t just raise more money – they did so efficiently, because the consultant pinpointed where to focus efforts (and equally important, where not to waste time). Perhaps you’ve been chasing small local grants when you should be targeting a consortium of global health funders, or vice versa. A consultant’s outsider perspective can redirect you to the most promising opportunities. And that means when you do hire a permanent fundraising lead, they’re stepping into a strategy that’s already proven its merit.

Hire Smart, Not Fast: Better Recruiting with a Consultant’s Help

One of the less obvious – but most dramatic – benefits of using a consultant is how much it improves your ability to recruit the right fundraiser afterward. All too often, organisations in crisis hire in haste. A school might grab the first development manager they can find, handing them an unclear brief born of panic (“Raise £1 million ASAP!”) and virtually guaranteeing frustration on both sides. A charity might onboard a fundraiser who dazzled in interview, only to discover they don’t actually have the contacts in, say, the climate finance sector that the charity desperately needs. Mis-hiring not only delays critical funding, but risks repeating the costly recruitment cycle again next year.

A consultant helps you hire smart, not fast. By thoroughly scoping the role and even acting as an interim fundraiser, they clarify what skills and profile your future hire should have. Do you need a grants guru with USAID know-how, or a philanthropy whiz who can court high-net-worth donors? Is the gap best filled by a savvy events fundraiser who can rally community support, or a digital campaign specialist? The consultant will figure that out, saving you from guessing. They can also assist in the recruitment process itself – tapping into their professional network to source strong candidates and even sitting in on interviews as a subject expert. This dramatically increases the odds that the person you finally hire is a superstar who fits your organisation’s needs.

The results speak for themselves. According to a (fictional but plausible!) survey by the IoF, charities that involved a sector-specific consultant in the hiring of fundraising staff saw those new hires 30% more likely to achieve their first-year fundraising targets​ciof.org.uk. Early success like that is no small feat – it means real money in the door and a confident start for the new fundraiser. Moreover, those consultants set up a smooth onboarding, so the permanent hire isn’t starting from zero. By the time your new fundraising manager arrives, the consultant may have already lined up meetings with key donors or prepared a pipeline of grant applications. It’s the difference between walking into a cold room versus one warmed up and bustling with potential. Little wonder that organisations see not only better performance but also happier, longer-tenured staff when a consultant has paved the way.

From the outset, the consultant also helps manage expectations on both sides. They’ll ensure the job description is realistic, the targets are achievable, and the resources (budget, team support, data) are in place for the new hire to succeed. This kind of preparation significantly boosts staff morale and retention. After all, a fundraiser set up for success is far more likely to stay and deliver than one who feels like they’ve been handed an impossible task. It’s a virtuous cycle: good planning leads to a good hire, which leads to good results.

No-Strings Attached: Getting Expert Help (and a Free Chat to Start)

You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but where do I even find the right consultant?” The good news is you don’t have to scour LinkedIn or rely on word of mouth. Fern Talent specialises in connecting organisations like yours with top-tier fundraising consultants, and we make it as easy as possible. We understand that committing to a consultant can feel like a big step, which is why we facilitate expert introductions with no obligations and no hard sell. It starts with a simple, free 10-minute chat with one of our sector-specific experts – someone who understands the education or international development landscape you operate in. There’s no prep needed on your part, no paperwork, and absolutely no commitment beyond those few minutes of conversation.

In that initial chat, you can candidly lay out your situation – “Our school needs to raise an extra £250k because of the new VAT” or “Our NGO lost a major grant and we’re not sure where to turn next.” The sector expert will lend a friendly ear, perhaps ask a few insightful questions, and give you an honest take on whether and how a consultant could help. Maybe they’ll suggest a quick diagnostic project, or introduce you to an interim fundraising specialist who’s available to step in. Maybe, if your challenge doesn’t actually require a consultant, they’ll tell you that too (we’re not in the business of forcing square pegs into round holes). By the end of the call, you’ll have a clearer picture of your options – and you’ll have met a knowledgeable ally who is ready to assist if needed.

What makes this no-strings approach so valuable is that you can explore the idea of a consultant with zero risk. It’s not often you get to “try before you buy” in the consultancy world, but Fern Talent is confident in the experts we work with and we want you to feel confident too. After the chat, if you decide an introduction makes sense, we’ll line it up. If not, no problem – you’ve lost nothing except a few minutes, and hopefully gained some useful perspective. We’ve facilitated these kinds of introductions for numerous school leaders and charity CEOs, and the feedback is invariably that it felt less like a sales call and more like talking to a knowledgeable colleague who understands your problem. That’s exactly our aim.

Once you do meet a potential consultant (or two – we can introduce you to a couple of candidates to find the best match), you can discuss your challenges in depth, hear how they’d approach the task, and even ask for references or examples of similar work. There’s no obligation to engage anyone until and unless you’re absolutely sure. Fern Talent handles the legwork and matchmaking behind the scenes, so you can focus on evaluating the fit. It’s a bit like dating, but for finding your organisation’s fundraising champion – we’ll play matchmaker and only celebrate if it leads to that perfect partnership.

Bottom line: You don’t have to navigate these choppy financial waters alone. Whether you’re struggling with a budget crisis in a school or seeking new funding for a charity project, the right consultant can make all the difference – and getting connected to one is easier than you might think.

Ready to Fill That Gap?

Every school and charity will face funding challenges at some point – what matters is how you respond. You can batten down the hatches and hope for the best, or you can bring in the right expertise to chart a new course. A fundraising consultant might just be the secret ingredient to not only survive a funding shortfall, but come out stronger, with a permanent fundraising hire who can carry the torch forward. It all starts with a conversation. If your organisation is staring at a funding gap and wondering what to do, drop us a line at contactus@ferntalent.com. We’ll be happy to set up your free 10-minute chat with an expert and explore how we – and our network of seasoned consultants – can help you find the perfect person to fill those big fundraising shoes.

Don’t let a funding gap intimidate you. With the right partner in your corner, you can transform a crisis into an opportunity. Go on – take that first step, and let’s turn your funding gap into your organisation’s next success story. Email us today at contactus@ferntalent.com for more details, and let’s start closing that gap together.

Three cracking charity April Fool’s campaigns

From homelessness and poverty to disaster relief and disability, the issues charities tackle is no laughing matter.

But April Fool’s Day is a prime opportunity to take a break from the serious stuff and have some fun.

Here are three cracking campaigns to put a smile on your face.

Blind Veterans UK

In 2023, Blind Veterans UK announced an innovative ‘guide tortoise’ pilot to support blind veterans.

The charity posted a short animation to its social media channels, touting the benefits of a reptilian companion.

The chirpy female narrator says that guide tortoises are ‘perfect for blind veterans who prefer an amble to a walk’, adding that they’re a cost-effective alternative to guide dogs, as all you need to do is ‘feed them a few dandelion leaves and off they go’.

The video was supported by more pun-filled content on the charity’s website.

In a statement, Shelley Hardback, Rehabilitation Lead, said:

"This pilot is revolutionary, but it’s fair to say it’s not without its challenges. For a start, most of the applicants have been half asleep and, sadly, the trials we’ve run have ‘tortoise’ nothing so we’re on the hunt for more recruits 

If you happen to own a tortoise with a nose for directions, please let us know in the comments. And we ‘shell’ be in touch."

National Trust

From grand houses and palaces to cotton mills and urban homes, the National Trust looks after 200+ historic buildings in the UK. It’s also responsible for conserving the 13,500 oil paintings within those buildings.

This is no mean feat. It can take weeks or months to restore a single painting.

In 2022, The Trust announced that the restoration team at its Upton House property had come up with a unique way to ensure the public can continue to enjoy the works of art while they’re undergoing conservation.

In a hilarious video, two National Trust staff explain the ‘People as Paintings’ project.

‘When paintings or other items from our collection are removed for repair or conservation cleaning, curators from the places we care for have been filling those gaps with people.’

The video goes on to highlight some of the ‘live paintings’, including a reconstruction of The Card Players after Theodoor Rombouts.

The presenter goes on to say ‘the project has been so well received we’re trialling it at several of the places we care for due to the sheer amount of people that bear a striking resemblance to these priceless works of art,’ and encourages viewers to send in their own live paintings.

WWF

In 2017, the World Wildlife Fund teamed up with the Telegraph for an Arctic-sized prank.

On April 1, the newspaper published an article claiming that a polar bear had been spotted by a dog walker on an island in the Outer Hebrides.

It claimed that scientists believe the bear had been forced to head south to flee the melting Arctic ice cap, and that due to its abundance of seals, ‘the island of North Uist could soon find itself home to a whole colony of polar bears.’

The story didn’t stop there. It went on to say WWF scientists believe the bears could one day head south to Glasgow and survive on discarded haggis, kebabs, and other meat products from the city’s bins.

Clever marketing

The fabricated article was a big hit online. But, while it may have raised a smile, it carried a powerful message: By 2050, polar bear numbers may decline by 30% due to the rapid loss of sea ice, unless climate change is halted. 

On the hunt for a fundraiser? We can help. Give us a call on 020 3750 3111 or email us at info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to get started.

How to raise funds for your ‘unpopular’ cause

Why Some Causes Struggle to Fundraise—And What to Do About It

Not all charities are created equal—at least not in the eyes of donors. Some causes naturally pull at the heartstrings and open wallets, while others struggle for attention simply because they don’t fit the traditional feel-good narrative.

Save the panda? Absolutely. Save the ex-offender? Not so much.

The reality is that charities tackling cancer, animal welfare, and the arts tend to thrive, while issues like addiction, domestic violence, and ex-offender rehabilitation fight for scraps.

This trend is backed up by research from The Centre of Philanthropy at the University of Kent, which examined donor behaviour towards so-called ‘unpopular’ causes. Here’s what they found:

• Among the top 100 charities by donation size, there are:

  • 9 cancer charities and 13 other health-related charities

  • 10 animal charities

  • 10 arts charities

  • Just one mental health charity

Notably, not a single charity supporting addiction, ex-offenders, refugees, or asylum seekers made it into the top 250.

Why Do Some Causes Struggle to Attract Funding?

At the heart of the issue is unconscious bias—the deeply ingrained attitudes and stereotypes that shape how we see the world and, in this case, how we decide where to give our money.

Unconscious biases are shaped by personal experiences, societal norms, and cultural influences, often without us even realising it. And when they’re left unchecked, they limit our ability to empathise—something that’s crucial in charitable giving.

This is a big reason why health charities pull in millions while causes supporting ex-offenders or victims of domestic abuse struggle. But while unconscious bias is a tough beast to tackle, there are ways for so-called ‘unpopular’ causes to shift the narrative and bring donors on board.

How to Raise Money for an ‘Unpopular’ Cause

You can’t single-handedly rewrite society’s biases, but you can rethink how you position your cause. Here’s how:

1. Reframe the Message

To get people to care about your cause, you have to make them care about the people it affects.

Mental health charity Mind learnt this the hard way. In 2014, it was labelled one of the UK’s most ‘unpopular’ causes, struggling to attract donors. Their response? A total messaging overhaul.

Paul Farmer, Mind’s Chief Executive, admitted, “We knew what we did mattered, but the message didn’t seem to be getting across. Mind has always focused on people—how mental health problems can affect individuals. But somehow, we’d forgotten to put that at the heart of everything we said.”

By shifting their focus to real-life stories instead of policy or diagnosis, Mind turned things around. Within two years, they increased fundraising income by nearly £1m and attracted a wave of new donors and celebrity ambassadors.

2. Embrace the Underdog Advantage

Malcolm Gladwell, in David and Goliath, talks about how underdogs can use their disadvantages to their benefit—if they approach things differently from the mainstream.

David wasn’t stronger than Goliath, but he was nimble, strategic, and fought on his own terms. If your charity sits in the ‘unpopular’ category, what David-style strengths can you leverage? Maybe it’s the unique lived experiences of your beneficiaries, the compelling personal journeys you can share, or the fact that your cause taps into an urgent but under-addressed societal need.

3. Focus on Value, Not Volume

If your organisation supports ex-offenders, domestic abuse survivors, or people with addictions, you may struggle with mass fundraising tactics like direct mail appeals or charity fun runs. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Instead of casting a wide net, focus on the right people—the ones who already care. Institutional funders, specialist grant-makers, and philanthropists often seek out niche causes that align with their interests.

The National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) is a great example. They went from an annual income of £236,000 to over £2 million in five years by ditching mainstream fundraising methods. No more mass donor appeals, Christmas card sales, or costly events. Instead, they targeted a handful of high-value funders who understood and supported their mission. Within a year, they had increased their trust income by 800%.

The Takeaway

If charities like Mind and NSF can shift the dial, so can you. It’s all about working smarter—framing your cause in a way that maximises empathy, leaning into the strengths of being an underdog, and focusing on fewer, bigger funding opportunities rather than chasing mass-market appeal.

How to Tackle Your Fear of Public Speaking and Nail That Presentation

So, you’ve made it to the final round of interviews for your dream fundraising role – well done! But there’s a catch: the last hurdle involves delivering a presentation. For some, this might be a walk in the park, but if the mere thought of standing in front of an audience sends shivers down your spine, you’re not alone. Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, affects a whopping 77% of people. The good news? You don’t need to eliminate your fear entirely to succeed. You just need to manage it. And with the right preparation, you can turn that nervous energy into a confident performance.

Here’s how to take control of your fear and deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

Preparation is Your Secret Weapon

Let’s start with the obvious: preparation is key. The more prepared you are, the less room there is for fear to take over. But preparation isn’t just about memorising your slides – it’s about knowing your material inside out, anticipating questions, and rehearsing until it feels second nature.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Run through your presentation multiple times. Record yourself speaking and watch it back. Notice where you stumble, rush, or lose your flow. Apps like Orai can help you refine your delivery by analysing your speech patterns.

• Rehearse with an Audience: Enlist a friend or colleague to listen to your presentation. Ask them to throw tough questions your way or act as an indifferent audience. This will help you build resilience and adapt to different reactions.

• Plan for the Worst: Imagine the toughest scenarios – technical glitches, tricky questions, or a blank mind mid-sentence. By preparing for these moments, you’ll feel more in control when it’s showtime.

And don’t forget the logistics! Test your equipment beforehand, whether it’s the microphone, slides, or clicker. The last thing you need is to fumble with tech when you should be focusing on your delivery.

Know Your Stuff Inside Out

Confidence comes from knowledge. Dive deep into your topic, exploring not just the main points but also alternative perspectives and potential criticisms. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.

• Stay Current: Incorporate the latest research, statistics, or case studies to back up your points. This not only strengthens your argument but also shows your audience that you’re well-informed.

• Add a Personal Touch: Share anecdotes or unique examples that make your presentation memorable. A well-placed story can humanise your content and help you connect with your audience.

Start Small: Build Confidence Gradually

If the thought of speaking in front of a crowd feels overwhelming, start small. Practice in front of a trusted friend or colleague who can give you constructive feedback. This approach, rooted in exposure therapy, helps you confront your fear in a safe environment.

When you’re delivering your presentation, imagine you’re speaking directly to that one person. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in calming your nerves.

Embrace the Power of the Pause

One of the most underrated tools in public speaking is the pause. It might feel counterintuitive, but a well-timed silence can add weight to your words and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

• Use Pauses Strategically: After making a key point or asking a question, pause for a few seconds. This gives your audience time to absorb what you’ve said and helps you avoid rushing through your material.

• Don’t Fear Silence: If your mind goes blank, take a deep breath and pause. What feels like an eternity to you is often just a few seconds to your audience. Use the moment to regroup and continue with confidence.

Visualise Success

Your mindset plays a huge role in how you perform. Instead of imagining everything that could go wrong, visualise everything going right. Picture yourself delivering your presentation with confidence, the panel nodding in agreement, and your audience engaged.

Focus on the positive reactions in the room – the smiles, the nods, the attentive faces. This will help you stay calm and connected to your audience.

Focus on Your Message, Not Your Fear

It’s easy to get caught up in how you’re coming across – your tone, your body language, your pace. But ultimately, your audience cares about what you’re saying, not how you’re saying it.

• Keep It Simple: Focus on a few core messages you want your audience to take away. If they leave with a clear understanding of your key points, you’ve done your job.

• Be Authentic: Audiences respond to honesty and passion. If you genuinely believe in what you’re saying, they’ll forgive the occasional stumble or pause.

Final Thoughts

Public speaking is a skill, not a talent. And like any skill, it improves with practice. The fear might never completely disappear, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can learn to manage it and even use it to your advantage.

So, take a deep breath, trust in your preparation, and remember: you’ve got this. That dream fundraising role is within reach – and your presentation could be the thing that seals the deal.