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Louise She/Her
Major Donor Fundraising specialist - helping charities raise more large gifts
Professional Background
Louise is an accomplished fundraising professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in major gifts fundraising, having collaborated with more than 100 charities and non-profits to enhance their fundraising capabilities and increase their income. As the founder and director of Summit Fundraising Ltd., Louise has dedicated her career to empowering organizations to build confidence in major donor fundraising and secure substantial gifts. Her remarkable journey in the fundraising sector has been bolstered by her deep understanding of the common barriers that prevent charities from realizing their full fundraising potential. She has successfully developed strategic approaches and practical solutions that have consistently yielded positive results for her diverse clientele.
Prior to founding Summit Fundraising Ltd., Louise held significant roles in various prestigious organizations. She served as the Director of Fundraising at Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, where she played a pivotal role in cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders to support the hospices’ mission. Her expertise expanded further during her tenure as the Head of Relationship Fundraising at Action on Hearing Loss, where she oversaw major donor, trust, and corporate partnerships, enhancing funding streams and fostering enduring relationships. Furthermore, Louise’s experience as Corporate Fundraising Manager at Samaritans and her time at Tommy's, the baby charity, have enriched her knowledge across different causes, allowing her to hone her skillset in diverse fundraising environments.
Louise's foundation in fundraising is complemented by her corporate background at Unilever, where she commenced her professional journey. As a graduate trainee and account manager, she gained invaluable experience in managing relationships and understanding corporate dynamics—skills that would later prove essential in her fundraising roles.
Education and Achievements
Louise’s educational background is as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She studied A-levels in History, German, Politics, and Music at Wycombe High School, achieving top grades (A) across the board. Her academic journey continued at the University of Warwick, where she earned a BA Hons in History, further developing her analytical and critical thinking skills, which are integral to her work in fundraising. Additionally, Louise holds a distinguished Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy, underscoring her commitment to understanding the motivations behind giving and the psychology of donors.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Louise has achieved notable successes that have significantly impacted the organizations she has worked with. Her approach to major donor fundraising has not only increased income for the causes she supports but has also instilled confidence in teams to tackle fundraising challenges head-on. By identifying the specific needs and goals of each charity, she tailors her strategies and cultivates an environment where fundraising can flourish. Louise’s passion for helping organizations navigate the complexities of major donor fundraising is evident as she guides them through the intricacies of securing large gifts. Her ability to engage and persuade boards and teams to invest in major donor fundraising initiatives reflects her skillful communication and relationship-building abilities, further solidifying her reputation in the sector. A recognized leader in fundraising, Louise is not only a practitioner but also a trustee, allowing her to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of charitable organizations.
In addition to her hands-on experience, Louise's role as a thought leader in fundraising has positioned her as a trusted advisor within the sector. Organizations seeking to elevate their major donor programs have found her insights invaluable as she brings a combination of strategic acumen and genuine care for the charities she serves. By focusing on the unique aspirations and challenges of each organization, Louise helps to craft compelling fundraising narratives that resonate with donors, amplify their missions, and ultimately drive greater impact.
Summary
Louise She/Her is a seasoned expert in major donor fundraising, bringing over 13 years of experience to the table. She has worked closely with more than 100 charities and non-profits, helping them enhance their fundraising capabilities and securing larger gifts. Louise's dedication to the non-profit sector, combined with her corporate experience at Unilever, equips her with a unique skillset to address the challenges charities face in fundraising. As the founder and director of Summit Fundraising Ltd., she is passionate about empowering organizations to develop the confidence they need to successfully approach major donor fundraising and overcome any obstacles that may stand in their path. With a strong educational foundation and a wealth of professional experience, Louise is a valuable asset to charities looking to maximize their fundraising potential.
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