Isn’t hiring a freelancer going to cost a lot of money?

I charge a competitive rate in line with my experience, and the industry standard.  At the risk of sounding coy, I’m not quoting it here as some people then do some rough calculations on the back of an envelope and decide I’m living the Life of Riley!  It doesn’t work like that - I have taxes, overheads, NI, a pension, marketing costs just like any other one man band. Most freelancers can only bill half of their working time, as they must also spend time winning new business, running the show and maintaining their networks and knowledge. Hiring a freelancer, provided you do your homework and have a clear brief should be considered an investment and it should repay you many times over.  It's also a lot cheaper than committing to hiring a permanent member of staff.  I'm happy to work with you short or long term, and I'm happy to do an initial job for you, so you can try me out.  

​

What is the difference between a fundraising consultant and a freelancer?

Consultants tend to give advice and strategic input, while freelance fundraisers tend to carry out practical tasks. In practice, the differences are blurred and most do some of each.  As you will have seen from the rest of this site, I mainly freelance; that is, I roll my sleeves up and raise money for you.  Sometimes, as part of that work, I help out putting together a mini-strategy for fundraising to help you focus.  In certain situations, if you needed detailed focus in an area that is not a specialism of mine - such as individual giving, statutory or legacy fundraising - I would recommend a colleague.

​

What’s all this freelance copywriting stuff?  Are you a trained and qualified copywriter?

No, but over the years I've carved out a niche for myself as a talented charity copywriter.  I just have this ability to absorb and synthesise large amounts of information quickly, understand what clients and the audience need, which combined with my fundraising experience, means I just have this knack of being able to create great charity copy that not only meets the brief but raises money, whether that’s a case for support, major donors brochure, or a trust application.  I am very lucky that on the quality of my work I now spend some of my time working as an associate consultant with one of the UK's biggest fundraising firms, Wootton George, as a fundraiser and copywriter.  Through them I've worked with many clients, helping them get their case for support just right, and I really, really enjoy the challenge and variety of clients I work for.  I have years of producing brochures, leaflets, annual reports, website copy, pitches, applications, project plans, etc under my belt too.     

​

How do freelance fundraisers charge?

Reputable consultants and freelancers charge for work done, either by a fixed fee (e.g. to do a fixed piece of work), or by a daily rate.  I charge a daily rate, invoiced monthly.

 

How do you price a freelance job?

You tell me all about your organisation, your project, what you need etc.  Depending on the job, I might need to come and meet you too, or we could skype.  I will then estimate (please note I said estimate) the number of days / hours I think the job will take – this quote includes all research time, writing, editing, etc.  For more complicated projects, or open ended jobs, I will quote you for the initial start up work, and also estimate the number of days - remaining, or per month - required.  Once I’ve done the initial work, you and I will then discuss things again, and reach an agreement. 

 

We will only pay you commission - you will work harder and we only pay for results.  OK?

 I will never work on commission - for a variety of reasons.  For a start it’s not ethical.  The Institute of Fundraising’s Code of Practice, to which I adhere, strongly discourages it.  It causes problems; it means fundraisers are tempted to cut corners to get the cash; it creates arguments about ownership of contacts and who ‘earned’ the money, and it damages long term relationships with donors.  But most of all I won’t do it because I have spent almost two decades learning my craft, and I think its only fair that I’m paid for my time and experience just like you'd pay an employee.  

 

Do you guarantee to raise funds?

The short answer is no.  I guarantee to produce work of the highest quality.  I guarantee to do my very best.  I cannot, and neither will any fundraiser worth their salt, guarantee to raise funds.  Competition for voluntary income is extremely fierce, particularly since many organisations have lost or suffered significant cuts to statutory grants and local authority funding.  Sometimes outstandingly good bids for funding get turned down.  It’s just the way it goes.  Sometimes it’s the organisation, not the fundraising that’s the problem, and donors are not convinced.  Money follows vision - sometimes there are internal issues with strategy, projects, budgets, and mission that are hampering success.  You can’t raise money in a vacuum.  The good news is I have a history of consistently raising money, often over target.  If I think you are unlikely to be successful in your current situation I will tell you rather than bill you for work that I believe is unlikely to succeed. 

 

Do we have to pay you up front?

No you don’t.  I invoice monthly and as a 'one man band' my payment terms are strictly 14 days.  This applies for one off jobs, open ended contracts, and short term projects.  That means if I’m working with you for a couple of months I’d still invoice each month, rather than at the end of the job.  

 

What about contracts, intellectual property, conflicts of interest and all that stuff?

Fret not.  By law we have to have an agreement between us.  I have a rather nifty little contract that I will send you once you’ve agreed to hire me.  I keep a copy of all work I produce for you, for my own records, but that work remains strictly confidential between you and I.

 

My boss / director / trustees are unconvinced / expecting miracles / fill in the blank.  Now what?

This question seems to apply to most charities, God bless ‘em.  I understand, really I do, that taking on a freelancer can be a bit of an unknown quantity, particularly if resources are tight, or you've lost statutory grants you thought were a dead cert and now you have a big hole in your budget. I get it.  I will send you my CV, and I have references that you can check.  I’m happy to send a brief letter or email outlining my suggestions.  Your side of the bargain is to have a clear brief (I cannot emphasise this enough, even if you give the job to someone else, please have a brief!), and to have carefully thought through your strategy, projects and budgets.  What do you want, why, who benefits and what does it cost?  I can signpost you to other umbrella bodies and I know some really talented professionals who might be able to help.  What I really can't do is get involved in your politics or send you a 'draft strategy' (i.e. work for free).  The other thing to bear in mind, if you don't already have developed funding streams, is it takes time.  I appreciate this requires an element of trust, but freelancers aren't magicians; if we get all your ducks in a row, and strategically and diligently put the work in, the money will come.  It’s much better to agree your brief first, make sure everyone has realistic expectations, and then start looking for the right person to help you.  That person might just be me.    

 

What if I don’t like what you produce?

This has only happened to me once in 12 years of freelancing (due to the point above).  Fundraising, bid writing and copywriting are all about the audience, understanding what they need and their point of view.  For some trusts and foundations, there is a kind of 'ettiquette' to bid writing.  It might be that you don’t like something because it isn’t aimed at you.  This doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t any good.  Often organisations are drastically underselling themselves; being too modest about what they do and achieve.  Or they are so immersed in their work, they are unable to see their achievements from an outside perspective.  On your behalf, it’s my job not to hide your light under a bushel.  However, you get to approve everything.  You will see a first draft, and can make any comments and changes that you like.  You sign off the final version.  You are the client, and ultimately I can advise, but you have the final say.  

  

Why do we need you, surely we can do it ourselves?

Every time I took my car for a service I’d brace myself for the moment when the mechanic would start sucking his teeth and shaking his head.  I hate getting ripped off.  I still don’t service my own car.  I’ll be honest; I’ve met some rubbish mechanics.  I’ve also met some brilliant ones – currently a man called Percy who used to play rugby with my Dad.  Lovely bloke.  If you read the about me section you’ll see that I don’t actually think there’s any big mystery to this bid writing and fundraising stuff.  You can learn most of it; I’ve just had lots of practice.  I’m pretty good at it.  I’m all for coaching you and putting me out of a job if that is what is best for you.   

 

Have you got references?

Of course I have, and I will happily supply them.  You can also look at the testimonials on this site. 

 

How quickly can you turn work around?

It depends on the work, and on my schedule.  A short assignment can usually be turned around in a week.  Other jobs will need to be discussed individually. 

 

Where are you based?

I'm based in Shropshire, on the edge of the West Midlands, UK, but I'm also regularly in London.  I'm happy to visit you in person.  Initial cross-UK trips to discuss taking me on are free (as are initial Zoom discussions), thereafter I charge 46p per mile travel expenses (e.g. to attend a meeting) and bill for my working (but not travelling) time.  Once we've decided we like the look of each other, I generally share files with clients in a folder in the cloud we can both access, and we keep in touch by Zoom, email and phone, but I am of course more than happy to come in for planning and team meetings whenever you wish - some clients like to leave me to it, others much prefer a collaborative, team approach.  Whatever works for you, is fine with me!

​

My question must be infrequently asked, its not here.  Now what?

I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.  Just contact me. Also, have a look at the other information on this site – you might find what you are looking for there.

 

What other useful links and websites would you recommend?

The Institute of Fundraising is the most comprehensive, well established and professional of fundraising bodies, with a wealth of information and guidance

For books, courses, and other tips see the Directory of Social Change

Fundraising news, ideas and inspiration for professional charity fundraisers see UK Fundraising

For the latest news, tips and guidance on fundraising, management and governance, Third Sector Magazine is worth the subs

Business in the Community for all things corporate and CSR

For your local voluntary sector umbrella body (CVS) see the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) 

For trends and the latest reports on UK giving, see resources at ACF: Association of Charitable Foundations

​

What’s it like being freelance?  Do you really file your dog under your desk?  

Yes I do.  Well I did – she’s fully grown now and weighs seven stone so it’s becoming a bit of a tight squeeze.  She prefers sleeping upside down on the hall tiles.  When she gets bored she raids the bin and nudges my elbow for some fuss.  The latter is only a problem, I've discovered, if drinking coffee or having Heinz Tomato Soup at your desk for lunch.  Just one of the joys of working as a freelance bid writer and fundraiser – where else could you turn up to work in your pyjamas and scoff a whole bag of chocolate raisins without sharing them?  Being freelance has it's challenges, not least ensuring you've always got work on the go, but I love the freedom and variety it gives me.   

​

​

​