Fundraising from trusts and foundations is a more sociable job than you might think. Development Manager Gina Fletcher takes us through the steps of her rewarding career.
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When I got my first serious job at participatory arts charity darts, it meant moving to a small town in Yorkshire that I knew little about.
I joined as Project Co-ordinator and offered general support for the management and delivery of projects. I progressed to Project Manager for the Neighbourhood Renewal and Heritage Lottery-funded projects and eventually was promoted to Arts Development Manager.
I led the programme of work for adults and communities – securing funding, developing the vision and delivery plan for projects, and managing the reporting. When the programme was at its busiest I managed a team of five and multiple projects, including working with adults with a long-term health conditions and long-term unemployment.
I was very close to the creative delivery of the projects and saw the positive impact of the work for participants. It was a really inspiring environment and gave me a brilliant grounding for what I went on to do next.
When darts asked me to return as a trustee in 2010, I jumped at the chance. I’m currently Vice Chair and it’s been so enlightening to see how the company has had to adapt in response to funding changes while staying true to its ethos.
