Suzanne Duffy: The ROI of Fundraising Apprenticeships
Suzanne Duffy’s experience demonstrates the powerful return on investment that fundraising apprenticeships can deliver to charities. Since enrolling on the Level 3 Fundraiser Apprenticeship, Suzanne has rapidly developed new skills, increased her confidence and applied fresh strategies that have contributed directly raising income generation.
By combining on-the-job learning with targeted training, the apprenticeship supercharged her fundraising efforts – delivering a measurable uplift in results for her organisation.
A Career Change
Suzanne joined The Hardman Trust after a long career in health and social care. She was seeking a new challenge to allow her to learn and grow. “I wanted to work hand in hand with learning… so that I would feel confident in the role. I didn’t want to go into something and pretend that I knew what I was doing. I wanted to have the knowledge to back up any planning, any strategic plan.”
Starting as Income Generation and Communications Officer, Suzanne supported the CEO with fundraising, grant reporting, communications and social media. However, she lacked confidence in the formal processes and language of fundraising. “If somebody was using fundraising terminology, it gave me the absolute fear because I didn’t know what they were speaking about.” As the apprenticeship progressed, Suzanne began to feel more capable. “It helped alleviate some of that because it helped me to figure things out in my head.”
Her new knowledge quickly translated into results. In her first year, income increased by 35%, followed by a further 30% in the second year. “That’s the difference that having this learning can make for the organisation.”
She successfully delivered a match-funding campaign — a first for both her and the CEO — and secured significant grants, including a legacy grant of £125,000 and a multi-year National Lottery award worth £375,000. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t have the apprenticeship. I would have gone to pieces.”
Systems, Confidence and Strategy
Beyond income generation, Suzanne improved internal systems and co-designed a new Salesforce database that better supports donor management and reporting. She also strengthened donor relationships through regular check-ins and more creative storytelling in funding bids:
“You’ve got to know what’s happening across the organisation — in operations, in finance and in future plans — because you’re the one pulling all that together to tell the story to funders.”
The apprenticeship helped her manage the demands of being a lone fundraiser in a growing organisation. “It gave me the confidence to go for larger grants, to ask for more money, and to recognise that I can only do what I can do.” She also diversified income streams, introducing new approaches to individual giving and corporate sponsorship. “I wouldn’t have known how to do that before. Now I have the tools and confidence.”
A Measurable Return on Investment
Suzanne has since been promoted to Fundraising and Communications Manager and now leads on the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy. “This year, I’ll be building the strategy around fundraising and putting in my own targets. Last year, it was my CEO who had done that. Now, I have the confidence to do it myself.” She completed her apprenticeship with a distinction. “That final project really let me see the progress I’d made. It brought everything together and motivated me for what’s next.”
For charities considering a fundraising apprenticeship, Suzanne is clear:
“It’s a no-brainer. If you want your charity to grow, this is one of the best investments you can make. Your learning directly supports the work you’re doing.”
JGA provides a range of apprenticeships to support the needs of the voluntary sector. For example, to support investment in your charity’s marketing and/or events function. You can find out more on our voluntary sector page or by downloading our brochure.