"We now have the tools to work more productively and effectively than ever before in the history of mankind and emerging leaders will help us do this, but only if they are given the space, the belief and the investment."
Tony Elischer, 101 Fundraising, 2014
Over the last 7 years at The Elischer Foundation we have grown from Nicky Elischer’s inspiring idea to continue Tony’s legacy of supporting those who excel in fundraising to lean into their full potential, to an organisation working with over 100 fundraising leaders around the world. The initial seed that was sown by Nicky back in 2017, with the help of so many in our community, has been tended and nurtured to bring the foundation to the point where it is today.
Nicky has left the foundation a generous gift in her will which provides a solid platform to build a sustainable organisation which will ensure that our programme is available to many more exceptional leaders for years to come. We’re now looking ahead to the future and are committed to ensuring that the foundation remains fit for purpose, responds to the changing needs of fundraising leaders around the world, and most importantly continues to elevate the sector that we all love.
With that in mind, there are some shifts happening as we further strengthen our Board and take the organisation into its next stage of growth.
We are delighted to announce that Lisa Russel, former Director of the Foundation (and one of our first mentors!) has joined our Board of Trustees. Lisa will continue to support the foundation and will specifically be focusing on intentional strategies around increased diversity and inclusion. We are hugely grateful to Lisa for the work that she has done as Director for the foundation over the last few years.
"I am looking forward to ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusion continues to remain a priority for The Elischer Foundation. We recognise that future leaders will need to create and foster inclusive environments to allow truly diverse teams to thrive. It will take a collaborative effort to ensure that there is visibility and accessibility to our programme to people from all backgrounds."
Lisa Russel, Trustee
Further strengthening the board, Matt Smith, Managing Director at THINK, and Claire Singlehurst, Director of Talent at Macmillan Cancer Support, have joined the team.
Matt will be supporting the foundation as we re-energise our strategy and look to our future business development.
"It’s an honour to join the board of The Elischer Foundation and support the next generation of fundraising leaders achieve their potential. Both Nicky and Tony had a seismic impact on my career, so it’s a real privilege to join my fellow trustees and that play a pivotal role in this new era for the Foundation."
Matt Smith, Trustee
Claire will be working with the foundation as we further our work to nurture talented fundraisers to take the next steps in their career and grow in their leadership journey.
"Having been a mentor at the foundation, I have seen first-hand the incredible talent we have in fundraising, and the impact the foundation has on nurturing that talent. I’m excited to play a part as a trustee to support future leaders to be the best they can be and have the greatest impact. At a time when great leadership has never been more important, we have a responsibility as leaders in the sector to support and develop the leaders of the future, and I’m proud of the foundation for playing such a vital role in that."
Claire Singlehurst, Trustee
At the same time, Michelle Chambers, our longstanding trustee and champion of the foundation from its inception will step down from the board as she has reached the end
of her tenure. Mich has been a trusted adviser and friend to the foundation for many years and we are extremely grateful to her. The foundation would not be where it is today without her support and guidance, and the impact that this has had on the many fundraisers who have come through our programme cannot be underestimated.
"It has been a great privilege to serve as a Trustee for The Elischer Foundation and I am excited to see how the Foundation develops and grows during its next chapter."
Michelle Chambers, Former Trustee
Announcing our new Director!
With these changes, Laura Swan will be taking up the role of Director at The Elischer Foundation, a role that she has held in an interim capacity since August last year. With over 20 years experience in organisational strategy and fundraising for a range of charities, and a commitment to the wellbeing and professional development of high performing leaders, Laura is well positioned to take the organisation to its next chapter of growth.
"It’s an absolute honour to take on the position of Director at The Elischer Foundation and continue the organisation’s legacy of elevating the charitable sector to be able to provide more and better quality services. In my last few months with the foundation it has been very clear that we have a community of committed, experienced and inspiring individuals who do all that they can to lift our sector up every day. I am so looking forward to working with our mentees, our volunteer mentors and our partners as we move forward. It’s both an exciting time and a challenging time for fundraisers, and mentoring support is critical as our sector navigates what is to come."
Laura Swan, Incoming Director
If you’d like to know more about the foundation, please contact us on hello@elischerfoundation.org
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