Third Sector

Lucinda Rouse shadows Charlotte Holmes, head of philanthropy at Leukaemia UK, to experience the day-to-day realities of a job in major donor fundraising.Charlotte outlines the range of approaches used to identify connections and nurture relationships with existing and potential donors, from individuals to trusts and foundations and corporate partners. She describes her career path, starting in the box office at Chelsea Football Club, and shares tips for anyone seeking to enter the philanthropy world. Lucinda follows Charlotte during preparations for the charity’s flagship fundraising event, Who’s Cooking Dinner? at The Dorchester hotel, and joins a staff and supporter visit to the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. There she speaks to Dr Noelia Che, whose research fellowship is funded by Leukaemia UK, and Professor Owen Williams, head of the institute’s cancer section.Lucinda is joined by Third Sector’s editor, Emily Burt, to reflect on the visits and consider the wider climate