Trust fundraising research and bid writing
Our Trust fundraising consultants understand that great Trust fundraising is all about collaboration amongst the team, staff and trustees, and engaging fully with potential donors.
Abbey Solutions has 21 years experience in Trust fundraising research and support. Our trust fundraising consultants can develop detailed pipelines and prepare bids to charitable Trusts and Foundations on your behalf.
Our approach is highly focussed. We never just rely on information gathered from a donors’ website or online directories. We will always make an approach by phone or email in the first instance, to ensure we have the latest information before making an application or developing a pipeline.
We work in all fields, from children’s charities through to environmental causes. Our research is backed-up by a database of over 2,000 Trusts and Foundations that is updated monthly.
With consultants based across the UK, we understand the local landscape you are working in. The charities we are working with reflect our nationwide reach and local approach.
Some of the charities our consultants have worked with include Royal Hospital Chelsea (Home of the Chelsea Pensioners), Waterloo Uncovered, MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians), Amref Health Africa, Mencap, Shelter, lifelites, United Response, Combat Stress, RSPB Northern Ireland, Campaign for National Parks, Hope for Justice, and many more.
“John Abbey’s strategic input was underpinned by a solid understanding of smaller/medium charities. This meant that in addition to strategic advice we also benefited from useful practical advice.” Campaign for National Parks.
Our success – Raising money from Trusts and Foundations
Recently we secured a one off grants of £1 million (2024) from a single Trust. Previous to that our largest grant from a UK Trust was £3 million.
Sometimes the same amount of effort goes into securing large grants as it does securing much smaller donations.
Trust research – Our approach
Getting the latest information from Trusts is crucial and this can only be done if you talk to the administrator or Trustees. In our opinion sending out applications without verifying criteria, and having that conversation with the Trust significantly reduces your chances of securing a grant.
We cannot stress enough the importance of verbal contact and at the very least making email contact.
Our Networks
After 20 years of writing appeals, meeting with Trustees and administrators, law firms and accountancy firms that manage many of the Trusts’ affairs, we have built up strong relationships with most of the large foundations and many of the medium sized Trusts around the country. We also have links with many large trusts that are simply off the radar.
We have unparalleled insight into what donors are looking for and the approach charities should be taking in these difficult times.
What we can do for your charity
We can work with your team to further develop the Trust pipeline, carry out tailored training, or help with developing new appeals.
If Trust fundraising is new to your organisation we can become your Trust fundraising team until it’s up and running and you feel confident enough to employ a Trust fundraiser. We can also provide cover during leave or sickness.
What you will always get from us is highly detailed research and clear powerful proposals that tell the story, detail the impact and have the financials to back it up.
Whether you are a large established organisation that wishes to build on the success you already have with Trust fundraising or a smaller charity that wants to access local funds, our trust fundraising consultants will be able to assist you in building a robust and sustainable income stream.
Our services include:
- Trust/Foundation health check
- Developing a structured plan with a robust pipeline
- Develop and write bids, appeals and case for support
- Trust fundraising training
- Recruit experienced Trust fundraisers
