Charity Questions by DSC

In this episode of DSC's Charity Questions Podcast, George sits down with two leading experts on philanthropy: Professor Beth Breeze, Principal of Harris Manchester College, and Theresa Lloyd, renowned adviser and researcher on major donor giving. Together they unpack the secrets behind attracting and sustaining support from wealthy individuals — and why it’s not about persuasion, but partnership.From exploring how to align values and passions, to overcoming the awkwardness of 'the ask', Beth and Theresa share stories, research insights, and practical advice for fundraisers at every level. They discuss how small and medium-sized charities can get in the room with potential major donors, why a strong culture of philanthropy across the organisation matters, and the ABC of good fundraising: Ability, Belief and Connection.Expect myth-busting on donor motivations, reflections on authenticity in fundraising, and even a few tips for mastering the million-pound ask. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn generosity into long-term partnership, this episode is a must-listen.Listen now and discover how mutual respect and honest communication make all the difference in major donor fundraising.

In this episode, George Knight is joined by charity consultant Rob Avann, who brings a rare perspective from having been a grant assessor, commissioner, trustee and CEO. Together, they dive into the world of fundraising and grant applications, exposing the common mistakes that can sink a bid and how to make yours stand out. Rob shares practical tips on building credibility, the importance of relationships with funders, and why listening to feedback is pure gold.But it doesn’t stop there. The conversation shifts into leadership during tough times and the role trustees and boards play in navigating uncertainty. Rob explains why governance is never a finished job, how constructive disagreements can be a strength, and why diversity of thought around the table matters. They also touch on the human side of impact, balancing numbers with stories to show the real difference charities make.Packed with insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing funding applications or steering their organisation through challenging times. Rob also shares his passion for mentoring leaders, offering advice on staying grounded and building networks of support. A thoughtful and practical conversation for leaders, fundraisers and trustees alike.

Is artificial intelligence the sector’s new secret weapon or just another buzzword to worry about? In this lively chat, DSC’s George Knight sits down with Dan Such, Director of Innovation at CAST, to unpack how charities, social enterprises and funders can put people at the centre of the digital revolution.Dan shares his journey from the classroom to leading CAST’s mission of amplifying civil‑society voices in tech, explains why an "AI intern" might be the most helpful (and cheapest) hire you make this year, and balances big‑picture ethics with easy, low‑cost experiments any organisation can try right now.In this episode:How generative tools such as ChatGPT are already saving small charities time on grant bids, policy briefs and multilingual helplinesThe Worthwhile AI sandbox and Digital Leads Network demystifying tech for the sectorEnvironmental and privacy risks you really need to know about before hitting “Generate”Three quick wins for leaders who feel behind the curveStick around for Dan’s hopeful versus dystopian ten‑year scenarios, some myth‑busting, and a brilliant reading list if you want to dig deeper.Enjoyed the conversation?Subscribe, leave a review, and join us at DSC’s AI Conference on 17 July for more practical insights.Links and resourcesCAST: https://wearecast.org.uk/Friends of the Earth AI and Climate reportDonald Clark’s book "Artificial Intelligence for Learning"National Lottery Community Fund AI Innovator in Residence

What happens when a career in conservation meets a calling in counselling? This week on the Charity Questions Podcast, George sits down with Mike Winstanley, Head of South and West Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, to explore the powerful intersections of ecology, eco-therapy and empathy.Mike reflects on his journey from birdwatching with his brother as a teenager to restoring rivers and now leading wildlife recovery efforts across Yorkshire. With anecdotes from decades in the field, including the monumental "Unlocking the Severn" project and the life-changing "MyPlace" eco-therapy programme, Mike shares how nature can heal both land and lives.They delve into rewilding (and its real UK limitations), the deep biodiversity losses we face, and why volunteering in nature could be the best thing for your wellbeing and your CV. From seabirds to shad, from policy to personal resilience, this is a rich, heart-filled conversation on why conservation isn't just about saving species. It's about saving ourselves.Join us for a thoughtful, honest and gently provocative episode full of passion, purpose and practical insights. And yes, the beavers get a mention too.

In this episode George talks with Rebecca Pooley, Talent Partner (and Founder) at RP Connections. RP Connections is a recruitment firm, specialises in assisting smaller purpose-driven organisations, such as charities and social enterprises, with their hiring needs. From how AI is affecting recruiting processes, to tips for offering better job offers and tips for those who are also looking for employment, if you are in one of these processes, you can't miss this episode! Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!

In this episode George talks with Janine Booth. She is a multifaceted individual, identifying as a Marxist, trade unionist, and socialist-feminist. She is an author, poet, speaker, and tutor. Janine is also a RMT ex-Executive member, affiliated with Workers' Liberty, and describes herself as Autie and Bi, as well as being a PUFC fan. Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!

Like every September for the last 3 years, we've had a new season of Charity Questions Podcast! In this first episode, George had the chance to speak with Sam Jayasuriya, author of The Change Flywheel and a coach who has worked as head teacher for 20 years. Don't miss out on Sam's coaching model and how it can help leaders in the charity sector create meaningful change. Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!

Struggling to hit your fundraising goals? This new episode is packed with actionable tips to help you take your fundraising to the next level! Michelle Benson, a seasoned fundraising professional, shares her insights. Learn how to: Turn Donors into Advocates: Discover the power of relationship building and how to cultivate loyal donors who become your biggest cheerleaders. Quality over Quantity: Focus on building strong relationships with a smaller group of donors rather than chasing a large number of one-time donations. Master Social Media Fundraising: Leverage LinkedIn to connect with potential donors in a genuine and impactful way. It's not about the hard sell, it's about adding value! Listen now and transform your fundraising strategy! #fundraising #charity #nonprofit #donors #socialmedia #success #MichelleBenson #CharityQuestionsPodcast

In this episode, George talks with AI expert Helen Olszowska and dives deep into the impact of AI on the charity sector. Here's a glimpse of what we learn: A Gap Between Sectors: While the commercial sector embraces AI, charities lag behind due to concerns about data privacy, transparency, and limited resources. Unlocking Potential: AI offers incredible opportunities for charities. Imagine using AI to analyze data for better fundraising strategies or automating tasks to free up staff time for impactful work! The Power of Chatbots: One exciting example is the use of chatbots to answer donor questions and provide basic support, saving charities money and enhancing donor experience. AI is a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize charitable giving. But charities must approach it strategically, considering both risks and benefits.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, on this episode, George had the chance to speak with Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, the UK's leading mental health charity. In the episode, Sarah talks about her background and what inspired her to pursue a career in mental health, the leadership values she uses as the leader of a big mental health charity, the challenges faced by female leaders, and more! Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!