Developing a fundraising strategy for a diverse foodbank charity
Fundraising - Acts Trust
“We found the report to be extremely thorough and insightful. The presentation was clear, and it’s given us a strong sense of direction with some very practical next steps. Rather than feeling daunting, the work ahead feels energising, which is a real credit to James and Kirsty. We’re keen to explore how we might continue working with them as we move into the next phase.”
Joe Taylor, Interim Finance Manager, Acts Trust
Background Info
Acts Trust is a Christian charity, founded by Alive Church (formerly New Life Church), Lincoln in 2006 as a social responsibility arm for church members, and with the vision to help combat poverty in Lincoln. With a focus on preventative work, the many initiatives established offer support to empower people to deal with issues relating to poverty before reaching crisis point. Key workstreams include a foodbank, a community grocery, cafés and a youth programme.
This variety of projects reflects the understanding that coming alongside people in crisis as a source of hope helps them feel valued and empowered, restoring their sense of worth and creating a foundation to address needs beyond the immediate crisis. Acts was interested in exploring how they could develop their fundraising to increase regular individual giving and corporate partnership giving, raise the profile of Acts Trust with potential donors, identifying trusts and grant funders who provide funding for larger organisations (over £1million income) and ensure diversity in fundraising income streams.
Brief
Joe Taylor, Acts Trust Interim Finance Manager, contacted Action Planning in October 2025 requesting consultancy support for developing a fundraising plan and assessing fundraising priorities.
The work would include undertaking a review of their existing fundraising activities and goals and presenting a comprehensive fundraising strategy. The charity wanted to be able to assess the effectiveness of their activities to date and to develop a sustainable plan to increase fundraising income and strategically coordinate their activities.
James and Kirsty Baker took the brief.
Process
James and Kirsty held an initial meeting with Joe and Acts Trust CEO Simon Hawking to outline the brief, followed by the completion of a scoping document to gather background information. A further meeting with Amy Colley, Relationship Manager, helped outline her role and involvement in fundraising, including challenges and successes.
These meetings and documents helped to develop a clear understanding of current fundraising activities, priorities, goals and plans.
Following this, we were supplied with a wide range of strategic documents, which enabled us to fully understand the fundraising landscape at Acts Trust, including successes and challenges. Alongside further research into the work of Acts Trust, we developed a strategy and work plan based on findings.
Outcome:
James and Kirsty presented a final comprehensive fundraising strategy – a dynamic working document to be used to grow fundraising income. This document was then used to inform a spreadsheet outlining the key priorities and a calendar of actions throughout the year. Again, a practical working tool to be used by the team to manage workflow and output.
We have offered ongoing fundraising support for single projects, or a regular weekly or monthly engagement.
Consultant’s insight:
We enjoyed working with the Acts Trust team to review current working practices, analyse potential and map out a clear path forward. The senior team is motivated and focused on driving the necessary changes to increase fundraising income and to diversify into new areas. This will help to strengthen the financial resilience of the organisation.