As the second round of Fusion Fundraising Academy placements opens this January, we spoke to this year鈥檚 students to discuss their experience on this unique placement developing the next generation of fundraisers.
The six interns, all BU placement students, joined the Academy in September 2019. Since then they鈥檝e taken part in workshops and masterclasses while undertaking placements with six local charity partners.
Tom Galpin, Prospect Researcher for BU鈥檚 Fundraising & Alumni Relations Dept, said: 鈥淲e were blown away by the standard of this year鈥檚 applicants. We actually took on six interns instead of five because they were all so good.鈥�
The interns spend three days a week at their charity, where they learn fundraising skills first-hand, and the rest of the week at BU undertaking workshops, masterclasses, training and project work.
Tom continued: 鈥淭hey are being trained on all aspects of fundraising including trust fundraising, how to get a major donation, how to ask for money and charity law - and also transferable skills such as resilience.鈥�
Masterclasses have been taught by experienced fundraisers, including members of the BU Fundraising team. One session with HM The Queen鈥檚 former press secretary helped students practice meeting dignitaries.
Nick Roe, one of the current Academy placement students, said: 鈥淲e鈥檝e had the opportunity to meet people we would have never met before and I think that鈥檚 something I wouldn鈥檛 have expected to be doing a year ago.鈥�
It鈥檚 not just the students who have benefited from the Fusion Fundraising Academy. The interns work on projects for additional charities while on campus, undertaking research and presenting for smaller charities that don鈥檛 always have the resources to do the work themselves.
Tom added: 鈥淲hether major donor, community or trust fundraising, it鈥檚 well-know that there鈥檚 a shortage of fundraisers鈥� We recognise that there is this need in the industry.鈥�
The interns have fitted in well at their placement charities, and has featured its placement student, Charlotte Franklin, in their social media channels.
Academy intern Nick Roe continued: 鈥淭he Academy has provided me with an insight into a field that I hadn鈥檛 previously considered. It鈥檚 a role that I believe anyone exploring a placement opportunity should give strong consideration to.鈥�
Applications open for the next round of placements on 8 January and close 5 February. Find out more at - log in and search 鈥榝undraising鈥� under Placements.
