#220 'Fundraising', Ian MacQuillin founder of Rogare - The Fundraising Think Tank

Welcoming Ian MacQuillin, founder of Rogare - The Fundraising Think Tank, who on a recent trip from the UK joined Purposely host Mark Longbottom for a discussion on the evolving role of fundraising in charitable missions and the profession's future.

Ian MacQuillin's journey into fundraising began with a desire to probe deeper into the profession. His foundational belief, "Fundraising at its heart is about asking people to donate money to charity. If you don't ask, you don't get," is embedded in Rogare's mission to challenge and improve the fundraising sector.

Rogare, Latin for 'to ask', is an independent fundraising think tank established by Ian in 2014. Initially housed at the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy at Plymouth University under the guidance of Adrian Sargeant and Jen Shang, Rogare serves as a bridge linking the academic and practitioner branches of the fundraising profession. It functions as an engine that transforms academic theory and research into actionable ideas for fundraisers.

Unlike traditional think tanks, Rogare operates through a volunteer network, emphasising the importance of fundraisers having a stake in creating their own knowledge. Ian explains, "It's about looking at the issues we face, asking questions about them, and trying to synthesize new approaches and solutions."

Before founding Rogare, Ian's diverse career spanned various sectors, including journalism covering topics from waste management to the music industry and police affairs. This eclectic background provided him with a unique perspective and skillset to approach the fundraising sector innovatively. Ian reflects, "I never stayed in one sector, which allowed me to bring a broad range of insights into each new role."

The fundraising sector faces numerous challenges, particularly its status as an emerging profession. Ian notes,

"The jury is out about whether fundraising is a profession or not. There's no defined pathway into fundraising, no body of knowledge required to learn, and self-regulation is quite weak." Rogare aims to address these gaps by fostering a culture of critical thinking and professional development.

A significant focus of Ian's work at Rogare involves exploring fundraising ethics. He emphasises the importance of balancing the duty to ask for donations with the rights of donors. Ian elaborates, "If you're doing fundraising ethics, you must incorporate the amount of money you could have raised or chosen not to raise. Otherwise, you might be doing data privacy ethics, but not fundraising ethics."

Ian envisions a future where the fundraising profession is recognized for its critical role and operates with the highest ethical standards. He continues to advocate for systematic changes and innovations to propel the industry forward, stating, "We need to be setting and leading the agenda, not just following it."

Through Rogare, Ian MacQuillin's contributions are shaping the future of the fundraising sector. His commitment to asking tough questions, fostering professional development, and championing ethical practices is paving the way for a new era in fundraising. As the sector evolves, Ian's vision and leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the profession.