J Forbes
Fundraising Coordinator
ACON - AIDS Council of New South Wales

The first day (at the FIA Skills 2 course) began with a summary from Andrew Markwell about the possible career progression for a skilled fundraiser.

Alicia Watson spoke on how best to approach a large funding body such as a philanthropic trust. I learnt that to be an engaging speaker one needs to move out from behind the desk and connect with the class.

Evelyn Mason’s experience was well evident and she communicated it effectively. I discovered what was important about hiring a consultant from the consultant’s perspective.

Charlotte Grimshaw spoke on the value of research and I came by some new internet sources outside Google.

More…Jason Haigh made clear the importance of a good database system and IT normally travels well over my head, so to have it dissected in lay terms was great.

Creating effective promotional material with Tim Matthews taught me the importance of breaking it down into the problem, product, promise, proof and push.

Sell, sell, sell! Stuart McGill was excellent and his information about developing a clear sales process for our major donor program was enormously beneficial. It’s all in the close!

I have written a vast number of marketing plans but you still seem to learn something else to make them better. Paul Freeman was deft at making a bland topic interesting. The value of an untapped opportunity! Internet fundraising IS the way of the future and Matthew Bellotti taught me that persisting with the development of an internet strategy will pay dividends. Thank you to ASI for your support through your scholarship program. A very valuable addition to my skill base.

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