The Professional Fundraiser Podcast
Welcome to The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, the go-to podcast for insights into private-site fundraising and the evolving world of UK charities. Bringing you behind the scenes of fundraising for some of the country’s largest charitable organisations, the podcast shares real conversations, practical experiences and expert perspectives from professionals working across the third sector.Join fundraising leaders, industry experts and experienced professionals as we discuss what’s working in modern fundraising, share lessons from the field, and explore how fresh thinking and innovative approaches are helping charities build stronger supporter connections and deliver greater impact.Whether you work in fundraising, supp...
6. Halloween Special: Busting Fundraising Myths
Are fundraisers just pushy salespeople? And does recruiting more donors mean more cancellations?
In this Halloween special of The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, Kelvin and Paul tackle some of the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding professional fundraising.
From public perceptions of how charities raise money to the internal challenges and realities of the fundraising sector, the team separates fact from fiction and explores what it really takes to deliver successful, sustainable fundraising.
They discuss why fundraising is much more than bucket collections and volunteering, how professional fundraisers build long-term careers, and why...
5.5 We Interview our Charity Partners
We have a special minisode for you this month as we sit down with some of our fantastic charity partners!
Each year, we come together for our Autumn Company Day to reflect on our progress, look ahead at what’s next, and find inspiration to keep us moving forward through the colder months.
Katie, our Partnerships Manager, chats with our charity partners about their careers, their goals for the future, and, of course, what they love about working with us!
Tune in to hear from James at The Royal British Legion, Gemma at Al...
5. Innovation in Fundraising
How has professional fundraising innovated over the past few years? There have certainly been challenges that have motivated innovation within the sector, but there's always a time and place for innovation.
Kelvin and Gillian sit down to discuss innovation, and what it means for the sector. Where have we, as a fundraising agency, done something different? Do we think there's always room for innovation?
Kelvin shares one of his favourite examples of how innovation has been intelligent instead of relying on something technologically advanced to power a conversation.
Listen to find out more.<...
4.5. AI Efficiency in Fundraising
AI is everywhere, but what does it actually mean for fundraising?
In this episode of The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, Gillian chats with Sam about how our team is using AI to work smarter, improve efficiency and support fundraisers, while keeping the human connection at the heart of what we do.
Sam shares how AI is already being used across TPF, from analysing data and documents to helping teams manage emails, research information and streamline everyday tasks. They also discuss how AI is being explored in supporter care, including tools that can...
4. Fostering Successful Client Relationships
What does a truly great client relationship look like?
In this episode of the TPF Podcast, Kelvin and Katie, our Client Success Manager, explore what it takes to build strong, long-term partnerships between fundraising agencies and charities.
From managing expectations and having honest conversations to navigating challenges, celebrating successes and building trust, they take a behind-the-scenes look at how effective client management supports successful face-to-face fundraising campaigns.
They discuss why transparency matters, how to handle difficult conversations without making excuses, and the importance of listening, curiosity and...
3.5 Creating Scalable Fundraising Campaigns
Welcome back to The Professional Fundraiser Podcast!
In this short minisode, Kelvin talks about the key considerations for creating scalable fundraising campaigns, using the 4 P’s of Marketing: Product, Price, Place and Promotion.
But how do these traditional marketing principles apply to charity face-to-face fundraising, particularly in a challenging and ever-changing sector?
Kelvin explores how thinking strategically about each of the 4 P’s can help charities and fundraising agencies build campaigns that are not only effective, but repeatable, sustainable and scalable.
3. Beyond Diversity: Building Inclusive Workplaces
Creating an inclusive workplace is about far more than meeting targets or ticking boxes. In this episode of the Professional Fundraiser Podcast, Kelvin and Angela explore what diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) looks like in practice, and why great leadership starts with creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Together, they discuss the business and human case for diversity, the value of recruiting beyond our own "shadow", and how unconscious bias shapes everyday decisions. They also explore generational perspectives on DEI, the difference between diversity and discrimination, and the role education...
2.5. Authentic Leadership in a Unique Sector
Growing a business requires more than operational expertise, it demands personal, authentic growth as a leader.
In this minisode, Gillian sits down with Kelvin to explore what leadership really means, how it evolves as a business grows, and why staying calm under pressure is one of the most valuable leadership skills of all.
Drawing on personal experiences, from challenging management cultures to leading a growing fundraising agency, Kelvin shares practical lessons on building trust, empowering teams, and creating a culture where people can thrive.
In this episode, we...
2. Is Face-to-Face Fundraising The Right Move for Your Charity?
Is face-to-face fundraising the right move for every charity? In this episode of The Professional Fundraiser Podcast, TPF leaders Kelvin and Paul tackle this massive question head-on. They explore how geographic reach, budget size, and brand resonance determine whether face-to-face (F2F) is truly a viable channel for your specific organisation.
What We Cover:
The Reality of Reach: Why some niche or localised causes might actually achieve a better return on investment by forming coalitions, utilising internal volunteer models, or focusing on alternative fundraising streams.Quality Over Volume:...Minisode 1: The Power of Company Culture: Insights from TPF's Leaders
What makes people excited to come to work each day? In this minisode, TPF's People Manager, Angela, sits down with our Founder and CEO, Kelvin, to explore the real meaning of company culture and why it plays such a critical role in employee wellbeing, engagement, and business success.
Together, they unpack what culture looks like beyond office perks and social events, discussing how shared values, psychological safety, and inclusivity shape the everyday employee experience. Angela shares why workplace culture starts with how people feel when they walk through the door, while Kelvin explains the importance...
Ep 1: Buying Boats & The Changing Face of Fundraising in 2011
It was over ten years ago that Kelvin, TPF’s Founder and CEO, embarked on a mission to establish a more deliberate and enduring methodology for the fundraising sector.
Moving away from traditional door-to-door acquisitions and fleeting contributions from transient donors, he reimagined a strategy centered on cultivating meaningful donor connections and delivering superior results for our partners.
Following several pivotal and occasionally surprising experiences during his tenure as a General Manager in the industry, Kelvin recognised the necessity for a shift. This realisation served as the primary driver behind the bi...
