The hidden history of fundraising

Lucinda and Andy are joined by the fundraising historian Marina Jones to track the development of the fundraising profession and perceptions of charity fundraisers through the ages.

Marina, who is leading a history project for the think tank Rogare, traces the roots of fundraising back to the time of Moses. She draws parallels between contemporary fundraising methods and instances of their use centuries before, as well as past mistakes that could be avoided by better knowledge of fundraising history.

She recounts some of her favourite fundraising stories, including a cathedral tower which was constructed by incentivising donors through a reprieve on a ban on eating butter during Lent.

Also in the episode, Andy and Lucinda discuss the recent appointment of three interim chief executives to lead ActionAid UK, and a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in Comic Relief’s recent Red Nose Day telethon.

Read more about Rogare’s history project here.

Do you have stories of people whose lives have been transformed for the better thanks to your charity? If so, we’d like to hear them! All it takes is a short voice message to be featured on this podcast. Email lucinda.rouse@haymarket.com for further information.

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