Summit Fundraising proudly takes a relationship-first, authentic approach to major fundraising. This approach not only removes the “ick” and discomfort so common with this area of fundraising, but it also works, you will raise more.
We help you build the best relationships with your major donors, and we put our client relationships first.
Specialists in major donor fundraising
We only focus on major donor fundraising and philanthropy, and our expertise is cutting-edge in this area. If Summit isn’t the right agency to support you, we’ll say so and recommend another expert who can better serve you.
We deliver
We take your investment seriously. At the start, we clarify what you’re trying to achieve and are transparent about the deliverables.
We have a reputation throughout the sector for supportive and practical input that accelerates your major donor fundraising, gives it momentum, and helps you raise more.
We work in partnership
We don’t work separately from you as “experts” with standard blueprints like some large agencies, consultants and trainers, but in partnership with you and your unique challenges.
We understand that every charity and culture is different and that there is no “one way” to develop your major donor programme. Whether it’s a workshop with your team, a trustee session, a consultancy project or 1-2-1 support, you’ll get a bespoke approach and recommendations with the curiosity and nuance needed to succeed with major donor fundraising.
We give back
We use our platform to raise awareness of key challenges in our sector such as: the patriarchy in fundraising, the need for flexible working, racism and the power imbalances in major donor fundraising.
Louise is a volunteer mentor on the Elischer Foundation, and runs the free Summit Major donor Fundraising Community of over 3,000 fundraisers and sector leaders which includes regular free Summit Power Hours.
We lead with our values so that you can trust us
We are honest and act with integrity – we won’t just tell you what you want to hear.
We never take commission or recommend others for a fee.
We pay all our speakers and those who help us deliver for you equitably.
Louise Morris
After starting my career at Unilever in sales and marketing, I grew income in a number of major gifts roles.
After a Director of Fundraising role, I set up Summit Fundraising in 2017 so I could get back to what I love and what I’m good at:
- Building the capacity, skills and confidence of the sector to raise more from the wealthiest, and to build and grow major donor programmes.
- Focusing on major donor relationships and transformational giving that has huge impact.
- Supporting fundraisers and leaders to have more confident and capable conversations in this space.
I named Summit after my love of mountains, and because of the “up-hill” struggle so many fundraisers and leaders have raising funds for their incredible work. I want you to be at the top of that mountain, not struggling at the bottom.
Summit Fundraising has now supported over 250 charities, from large brands to small, local and regional non-profits, across all cause areas, helping them develop major donor fundraising that raises more and that they can be proud of.
Get in touch if you’d like to explore working together to develop your major donor fundraising and raise more.
Wealth of Knowledge
I have loved working with Louise. She not only provided her own insight and intellect, but she also made me feel more secure in the approach I already had to major donor fundraising. Following 1-2-1 support around making an ‘ask’, and encouraging me to make these feel more like a conversation, I am now having just that with one of our biggest donors – a natural, not-stilted conversation – hopefully leading to great things!
Fionnuala Shakespeare
Advice for moving forward
Louise’s training has been a great experience and has really helped to accelerate our Major Donor fundraising at Sue Ryder. She made the training very relatable to the experience and size of our charity. The team came away from the training feeling enthusiastic and excited to move forward with brilliant tips and advice on how to do so.
Ciara Twiggins
Now confident to launch
When the opportunity came to tender for a piece of major donor work, Louise was my first choice. Within 6 months of working with Louise, we feel confident to launch our first major donor programme. She is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about major donor fundraising and generously shares her expertise.
Lizy Kacou
Engaging, clarifying & energising
Louise has a very engaging approach that demystifies what major giving is all about. The emphasis on approaching potential donors with curiosity and communicating with them like normal people was really strong and clearly changed perceptions within the group. Staff and trustees were energised and much clearer about their role in major giving and what their next step should be. Louise got us all thinking creatively about the solution.
Thalie Martini
Insightful and realistic advice
Working with Louise has been really great! She has helped us with a thorough review of our major gift fundraising potential and given us some clear, insightful and realistic advice on how to build our major donor relationships. I would certainly recommend her to others.
Sarah Williams
Secured a gift of £42,000!
I secured my first major donor gift of £42,000! I definitely wouldn’t have done that without all the knowledge I learnt on Major Donor Fundraising from Scratch. It has helped us launch our major donor fundraising and given us a clear structure of how to develop it. Louise has given us the tools, insight, confidence and knowledge we needed. I highly recommend Major Donor Fundraising from Scratch – it has been a pleasure to work with Louise.
Heather Carstens
Zero to a £25K donation!
Since the training, I’ve grown the level of support from major donors, including one from zero to a £25,000 donation with more pledged! Working with Louise moved us forward with our major donor planning & approach. We do things differently now, how we think about events, how we thank people, how we frame our asks/approaches.
Emma Mortoo
Re-engaged major donors
During the 6 months of the course, I was able to re-engage 10 major donors and obtain a gift from one that equalled their entire previous lifetime giving. The programme provides the confidence that I needed, which led to tangible results.
Shawna Barnes-Scullion
Great Learning Experience
The course content, speed, and delivery all made for a great learning experience. Louise was available to help and advise every step of the way.
Sarah Hulin
Feeling Inspired and Confident
Louise really knows her stuff and is a highly engaging trainer – I always came away from each session feeling inspired and more confident.
Steve Hawe
Wealth of knowledge!
Being new to major donor fundraising, Louise’s ‘From Scratch’ program was the perfect springboard. The high-quality content is delivered by Louise in such a clear way, and I really enjoyed learning from other fundraisers. I’ve come away a completely different fundaiser, with helpful tips and a wealth of knowledge to put into practice.
Ellie Tyers
I’ve raised over £340k
We raised over £340k from major donors working with Louise. We reached our income target for the year with 5 months to go. It’s nice to be at work and not be under financial pressure. Louise’s 1-2-1 support has been a space to reflect on what I’ve been doing, learn about what works and challenge myself to imagine what’s possible.
Phil Kerry
She built trustees’ confidence
The trustees liked Louise’s approachability and style & how much they were listened to. Her practical & manageable approach to major donor fundraising built the trustees’ confidence and has started their involvement, particularly the gentle pressure to plan what small step each of them could take.
Raj Athwal
I raised a £100k gift!
I exceeded my year one income target and secured the charity’s first six-figure gift! Take this course if you’re ready to dive into major gifts fundraising and want expert support to create meaningful impact and achieve big results. It’s a game-changer for your fundraising career.
Emma Morris
Previous Clients
