N Rayson
formerly St Hilda’s College

Thank you for the ASI Scholarship I received in the September 2007 round to participate in the FIA’s Skills 3 Course for Senior Level Fundraisers.

The course provided me with a variety of learning opportunities.

The Group
Participants were varied in skill, experience, backgrounds and organizations. Having the opportunity to meet and work closely with such a diverse group of fellow fundraisers was extremely valuable.

The facilitators of the course, Peter Dalton and Di Clark are experts in their field and along with guest presenters, Brian Reid and Alun Evans provided prudent suggestions and valuable insight into the ‘reality’ of a Capital Campaign.

My experience
My role at St Hilda’s was to manage a Capital Campaign and the teaching of Skills 3 was focused on this methodology. Prior to my commencement at St Hilda’s College, I had not been involved with such a campaign and although I had 12 months experience, the course enabled me to re-evaluate my last 12 months of on the job training. Filling in a number of gaps in the process for which I was not involved at St Hilda’s. I refer to it as ‘reverse learning’.

The St Hilda’s Campaign was not a traditional one. Although it followed the main process and formula of a Capital Campaign it was a 12 month timeline which is extremely short.

Feasibility Study
One key element of a Capital Campaign is to conduct a feasibility study. St Hilda’s did not invest in one and following the authorisation from the College Council to proceed, a Consultant was appointed to work alongside an internal Campaign Manager, which resulted in my appointment.

The course project focused on the methodology of the Feasibility Study and how it is the cornerstone of a successful Capital Campaign. The study provides the foundations to build the case for support; appoint the Campaign Chairman and committee and most of all, set the fundraising target.

Result
Since the cessation of the course, I have received my Certificate of Completion from the FIA and positive feedback from the Course facilitators.

With my St Hilda’s College contract finished, Campaign target reached and building nearing completion I have recently moved into a permanent position at Deakin University. I believe my experience, coupled with my commitment to professional development and continual learning was well regarded.

Thank you again to ASI for the support of the scholarship to complete my final skills level.

The Review Panel for the March 2008 Round of funding will consist of:

Paul Ramsbottom - ASI Managing Director (and Chairman of the Fund)

Julie Willett - ASI Director Administration/Human Resources

Leo Papageorgiou - ASI Project Delivery Consultant (on rotation)