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Laura Betts
Fundraising Manager at LOROS Hospice
Professional Background
Laura Betts is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of fundraising, with an impressive tenure at LOROS Hospice, which spans over six years. Starting her career as a part-time Fundraising Co-ordinator, Laura quickly became an integral part of the team, effectively handling donations via phone, drafting thank you letters, and providing essential administrative support for community, corporate, and event fundraising initiatives. Her passion for making a difference in the community has been evident throughout her journey, and she has consistently taken on more responsible roles within the organization.
Her ascent through the ranks culminated in her appointment as Head of Fundraising in October 2017. In this pivotal role, Laura oversees multiple teams including Community, Events, Partnership Development, Relationship Development, and Trusts and Grants. This extensive oversight enables her to drive fundraising efforts that generate an impressive profit of approximately £5 million annually, crucial for the continuation of the specialist care services offered to the residents of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Prior to her current role, Laura served in various capacities at LOROS including Fundraising Manager, Events Lead, and Partnership Development Executive. As Events Lead, she successfully led a team of three and executed a strategy that effectively doubled profits from event initiatives. A highlight of her achievements during this time is the Twilight Walk, an event that saw participant numbers soar by over 1,000, transforming the profit from £33,000 to an impressive over £100,000 in just three years. Such accomplishments underscore her capacity for leadership, innovation, and strategic vision in the fundraising landscape.
Recognizing that fundraising is a challenging endeavor—especially with numerous deserving charities vying for limited funds—Laura embraces the necessity for creativity and innovative approaches in securing contributions. She firmly believes that the pressure accompanying her responsibilities is offset by the profound job satisfaction she experiences, knowing that her efforts play a vital role in improving the quality of life for others during their most difficult times. Her unwavering commitment to LOROS and the community is a testament to her character and dedication to the field.
Education and Achievements
Laura Betts possesses a well-rounded educational background that underpins her successful career in fundraising. She studied at Ratcliffe College, where she laid the foundational knowledge that would support her future endeavors. Following her studies there, Laura pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Media Production at the University of Central Lancashire. This educational focus on media not only equipped her with essential skills for communication and presentation but also played a critical role in developing the marketing and promotional aspects of her fundraising initiatives.
Her time in media production has certainly translated well into her fundraising career, where effective storytelling is crucial for engaging potential donors and encouraging contributions. Laura understands the significance of utilizing multimedia tools and techniques to convey the impactful narratives of LOROS and the essential services they provide.
Laura's commitment to excellence is further reflected in her career trajectory, where she transitioned through several roles at LOROS, each time increasing her responsibility and impact. Her continuous professional development has prepared her to thrive in membership organizations dedicated to charitable causes, where the need for passionate advocates and experienced leaders is paramount.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Laura has amassed a wealth of notable achievements, particularly during her time as Head of Fundraising at LOROS. Below are highlights of her most significant contributions:
- Doubling Event Profits: Laura played a key role in significantly improving the profitability of events at LOROS, particularly through her leadership as Events Lead.
- Twilight Walk Success: Laura led the transformation of the Twilight Walk, increasing participating figures by over 1,000 and elevating profits substantially from £33k to over £100k in just three years.
- Oversight of Multiple Teams: As Head of Fundraising, Laura manages various teams effectively and continues to drive strategic initiatives that align with the goals of LOROS, ensuring the organization meets its annual funding requirements.
- Generous Fundraising Goals: Under her guidance, the organization is tasked with raising over £5 million every year to support the unique needs of the community.
Laura Betts embodies the essence of community-driven fundraising leadership. Her ability to navigate the complexities of fundraising while ensuring the compassionate care of those in need speaks volumes about her empathy, determination, and professional skills. With a forward-looking vision, she eagerly anticipates the many opportunities for growth and impact that lie ahead at LOROS.
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