The Venue has grown significantly since opening in 1998 with lottery funding, expanding from 11 to 39 staff members and adding facilities like an art gallery and award-winning cafe. As a receiving and producing arts house, it focuses on education and community outreach. The business development department was launched in 2003 and has increased to five staff and volunteers fundraising through individual donors, corporate sponsors, and charitable partnerships. As the venue celebrates its 15th anniversary, focus will be on fundraising campaigns and events to engage donors and the community.

2. Lucy Wells
Business Development Manager

3. The Venue
 Opened in 1998 with Lottery funding
 Originally 11 staff - now 39 full time equivalents
 2 auditoria, art gallery, award-winning cafe bar
 Receiving & producing house
 ‘Cradle to grave’ approach with focus on
education/outreach community work
 Pivotal time: new CEO in March and 15th anniversary
year

4. Business Development
 Fundraising dept launched in 2003 with one person. Now 5
staff plus volunteer/s.
 2 managers, dividing work between corporate and
individual giving/trusts
 Ind Giving: Corporate:
 1000 + Friends/Patrons Sponsorship
 Donations/Legacies Business Club
 Charitable partnerships Advertising
 Events
 Honorary Patrons

5. Individual Giving Focus
 Friends/Patrons form vital giving pool;
development of scheme is crucial to building
donor ladder
 Development of philanthropic giving strategy
 Importance of Catalyst
 15th Anniversary year- focus for 2013. Fundraising &
PR opportunities: ‘Fifteen Fund’, launch & birthday
events, fundraising events, community
projects/engagement, displays in venue etc.
 Trusts & Foundations: close working with
education & outreach

6. Catalyst
 New staff
 Database
 Website
 Company-wide training programme
 Development of major donors/philanthropic giving:
rich list screening/ events
 Legacy programme
 Fundraising pack
 Investment in in-house producing (Jason) and
community arts engagement

7. Today’s Speakers:
 RSC: Graeme Williamson (Director of Development) &
Joe Foulsham (Major Gift Mgr)
 National Trust: Ian Oxley (Head of Membership,
Promotion & Sales)
 Birmingham Royal Ballet: Geoff Sweeney (Development
Director)
 Cargill: Liz Connors (Customer Services Manager)

8. THANK YOU & ENJOY THE
DAY!