Five Essential Tips for Writing a Standout Fundraising Cover Letter

Having read hundreds of fundraising cover letters over the years, I’ve noticed that most people either overcomplicate things or undersell themselves. The best cover letters aren’t the longest or flashiest, they’re the ones that tell a clear, personal story that connects the dots between who you are, what you’ve achieved, and why you want this job.…

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Spotlight on Excellence: Kevin Mounce, Head of Trusts and Foundations at Starlight Children’s Foundation

In today’s Trusts and Statutory fundraising world, competition has never been fiercer. With rising demand across the charity sector and a limited pool of available grants, funders are inundated with applications that increasingly look and sound the same. Standing out requires more than polished proposals — it demands a disciplined strategy and genuine relationships built…

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The Future of Fundraising: Navigating Change, Technology and Donor Behaviour in 2025

Fundraising doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Today’s fundraisers must stay plugged into the latest economic shifts, respond to cultural trends and anticipate the needs of an ever-evolving donor base. In 2025, the sector faces both significant challenges and exciting opportunities, as charities adapt to a changing landscape and innovate to maintain public support.   Economic…

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Market Insight: Fundraising Recruitment in 2025

As we move through 2025, the fundraising recruitment market is showing some clear trends — and plenty of opportunity for skilled professionals ready to take their next step. High Demand for Fundraisers As expected, demand for high-value fundraisers remains strong. In particular, specialists in corporate partnerships and philanthropy are highly sought after. We’re seeing: More…

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The Invisible Workforce: Why We Need to Act for Young Carers

At Merrifield Consultants, we’re proud to work with charities and not-for-profits who are striving to create a fairer and more inclusive society. One group who often go unnoticed, yet carry some of the heaviest burdens, are young carers. A recent emergency roundtable in Oxfordshire, led by Be Free Young Carers, put a much-needed spotlight on…

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Record Registrations and Rebuilding Trust: What the Charity Commission’s 2024-25 Annual Report Tells Us

diverse background ladies talking coffee

In the Charity Commission 2024-25 annual report, it’s clear that the charity sector continues to show extraordinary resilience against a backdrop of financial, geopolitical and social pressures. “Many charities continue to face intense financial strain,” the Commission states, but also acknowledges how trustees are stepping up, making difficult decisions while keeping beneficiaries front and centre.…

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Reflections on 2024: Membership Recruitment Challenges and the Role of Temporary Support in 2025

2024 has been a challenging year for everyone, and the not-for-profit sector has felt the strain in unique ways. Restructures have been a recurring theme, with many organisations needing to make difficult decisions, including redundancies. The knock-on effects of these restructures are already becoming clear, and we anticipate an increase in temporary support roles in…

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2024 Takeaway for Marketing and Communications in NFP Sector

The Not-for-Profit market has been undeniably challenging, this year’s trends reflect a sector in flux, responding to external pressures such as advances in technology, and the cost demands that comes along with recruiting top talent for organisations. There are several factors that have influenced the NFP marketing in 2024, below will highlight how these trends…

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