Melanie Stoutzker Fundraising Partnership

“...she was terrific to work with; always available to discuss issues, offer advice and hands-on support about all aspects of cultivation, relationship development and asking.”

"...your fundraising feasibility study gave us the confidence to progress the [Inspiring People] project and begin securing support"

“[SFP's] feedback was insightful and constructive and we were impressed by their help in engaging prospective donors, support for the Board and guidance for the charity team."

"Professional and responsive, Stoutzker Fundraising Partnership offered what the Gallery sought from a fundraising consultant for our donor consultation project.”

“… Stoutzker Fundraising Partnership has proved to be an ideal consultant for our fundraising needs.“ was impressed by the strategic advice and the day to day support alongside that – we are a small organisation with limited resources so that was hugely appreciated.”

“Melanie laid the groundwork for me in such a way that she went beyond the brief; I found her to be supportive, intuitive and strategic…”

“…Melanie has the ability to help solve issues in a creative way – she keeps ahead of the curve and is progressive and forward thinking”

“...she was terrific to work with; always available to discuss issues, offer advice and hands-on support about all aspects of cultivation, relationship development and asking.”

“... she is driven, insightful and well organized … She understands what makes donors tick, how to get the best out of busy people like me – and I really enjoyed working with her.”

“…Melanie took advice from a wide variety of stakeholders, and strategically her recommendations have proved spot on.

“…her depth of experience and sound judgment became evident on both the strategic side and the delivery of practical solutions.”

Overview

Melanie has over 25 years' experience as a development professional in the UK; 10 fundraising for the Royal Academy of Arts and the Natural History Museum and 15 as a consultant with a range of heritage, cultural, arts and non-profit organisations. She has a passion for driving philanthropic support to increase access to and engagement with culture and heritage.

Melanie began fundraising in the US with a consultancy specialising in the cultural, charity and political sectors. Prior to that, she had a 7-year career in advertising as an account director for mainstream agencies and brands. Melanie takes a bespoke and personal approach with organisations; her aim is to help them develop successful long term philanthropic relationships.

Often combining strategic guidance with hands-on work for clients, Melanie has helped to meet the demand for support during capital, revenue and endowment campaigns, large projects, growth and development, staff change or transition. Following recommendations from her fundraising assessments, audits, consultations and feasibility studies, clients have often used her consultancy to guide them through the initial stages of implementation.

In 2006, Melanie founded Stoutzker Fundraising Partnership with a small team of expert associates, leading and collaborating on a wide range of fundraising client projects.

Work for clients includes:

combined campaign planning and implementation support
Capital, endowment, revenue and programme fundraising guidance and support
major gift programmes and solicitation of high net worth individuals
feasibility studies for capital and combined campaigns
audits and reviews of fundraising strategy, programmes, resourcing and skills
case for support development
prospect research management
Interim support for organisations in times of transition and recruitment
building effective volunteer leadership and management
staff and board level solicitation training
fundraising team building, recruitment and training
guidance on effective skills and resourcing