I’m a major donor specialist, consultant, trainer and international speaker. I’ve got nearly 20 years of major gifts fundraising experience and have increased income in a range of major gift fundraising roles and as a Director of Fundraising.
Since founding Summit Fundraising, I’ve worked with fundraisers, senior volunteers and leaders at over 200 charities, helping them build better donor relationships and raise millions more in large gifts they can be proud of.
I have a distinction in the Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy and specialise in how to apply the latest research to developing strong major donor relationships. This complements my comprehensive marketing and sales background, having started my career at Unilever.
I’m a member of Consultants for Good, a volunteer mentor on the Elischer Foundation programme and a proud trustee of Women and Children First.
Major Donor Fundraising you can be proud of
Too often, this area of fundraising is viewed through a transactional and short-term lens: a wealthy person has money, and your cause needs money, right? It can become very uncomfortable, though, if you’re under pressure to get money in for your charity quickly. Why?
Because this area of fundraising is about so much more than just the money.
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Summit Fundraising proudly takes a relationship-first, authentic approach to major fundraising. Not only does this remove the “ick” and discomfort, but it works and has already attracted over 2,500 fundraisers and leaders to the free Summit major donor fundraising community. You can join for free here.
Many non-profits I start working with are low in confidence with major donor fundraising, lack relationship management skills, are short on time, lack process, and have failed to raise more.
I’ve helped over 200 charities have the confidence and practical tools to build the strongest major donor relationships, and helped them collectively raise millions.
If you’re interested in doing the same I offer:
- Bespoke, specialist major donor consultancy to improve major donor fundraising programmes or set them up from scratch.
- The flagship Summit Major Donor Fundraising from Scratch programme – upskilling you, your non-profit and the sector to raise more.
- One to one mentoring & coaching sessions for fundraising leaders, fundraisers and CEOs.
- Training for fundraising teams, senior teams and trustees.
“I’ve raised over £340k from major donors in the 8 months Louise and I worked together. We reached our income target for the year with 5 months to go. It’s nice to be at work and not be under that financial pressure. Louise’s coaching has been a space to reflect on what I’ve been doing, learn about what works and challenge myself to imagine what is possible”
Phil Kerry, CEO, New Horizon Youth Centre
Some small actions to make fundraising more equal
I am acutely aware of the lack of diversity and equality in fundraising, when we should be one of the most welcoming and inclusive sectors.
I only work with organisations and individuals that tolerate and celebrate difference. From climate change, social justice movements and faith-based causes, to hospice care, medical research and homelessness, I work across the spectrum of our fantastic sector, with anyone who aligns with these values.
I try to make my sessions as accessible as possible. When you register to attend any event or training I ask if there is anything I can do to make my content accessible to you and do my utmost to make that happen, whether that’s for a dyslexic or neuro-diverse member of the team or someone with a hearing loss or visual impairment. And I provide captions on all my social media videos and recorded events, as well as image descriptions.
I’m aware of my white privilege and how it’s helped me get to where I am. I’m committed to anti-racism and am on my own learning journey. I aim to lift up and promote those of colour doing amazing work through my platform, whether that’s as a Summit Power Hour speaker, or in my weekly Summit community newsletter.
For any speakers that join me on my Summit Power Hours I pay them £100 or offer to donate this to a charity of their choice.
I’m a huge advocate of flexible working and closing the gender pay gap. I only recommend recruiters who I know promote these values and job shares. I won’t share or comment on any jobs that don’t #ShowtheSalary or aren’t #NonGradsWelcome.
Please let me know how I can improve. I’m always open to hearing from you.
I knew Louise would be good but she surpassed expectations! Louise worked brilliantly with our trustees and immediately captured their trust and respect. I’m really pleased that together we’ve been able to reinvigorate our plans for major donor relationships
Matthew Robert, Development Manager, SHINE
Outside of fundraising I’m a keen rock climber and mountain biker (Summit was named after this), and love to travel. I’m a Scout leader for my local group, and I love spending time outside with friends and family, gardening and reading.