What does it mean to you to be the winner of the 2017 Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year Award?
To be recognised by peers in fundraising is an honour. Particularly in that the Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year Award acknowledges someone who has shown consistent excellence and best practice through their actions, leadership and intellect.
Also, for me, awards provide the chance to acknowledge excellence in the sector and I was able to acknowledge in my acceptance speech, the quiet achievers who contribute so much. I think it is important that when we recognise the more publicly known leaders and practitioners, that we also pay tribute to the many who have played such a vital role in contributing to fundraising and working with, mentoring and supporting the award winners to get them to where they are. Fundraising is very much a team effort.
How has winning this award impacted your fundraising career, or how do you think it will in the future?
To be recognised as a leader in the profession is no doubt a positive for anyone’s career. And as regular deliverers of professional grant-seeking training and services acknowledgement of my years of hard work and proven track record is certainly positive for Strategic Grants.
Would you encourage people to nominate someone for an individual award? Why?
Yes.
I for one would never nominate myself for an award and I know many that also wouldn’t. So it is a great way for professionals’ colleagues and peers to recognise someone they believe to be deserving of this acknowledgement.
I am a proud recipient of the Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year 2017 as I have and always will apply ethical, best practice to fundraising. And that is to be encouraged.
