Northern Ballet Theatre: Fundraising Review

"DixonRaines informed the way forward for fundraising at NBT with the result that we have made a very good appointment as Director of Fundraising and have re-established relationships with important trust funds. Their involvement with NBT was at a high level within the organisation and was very helpful and consistently professional."

Mark Skipper, Chief Executive

In June 2005 DixonRaines was engaged by Mark Skipper, Chief Executive of Northern Ballet Theatre, to review NBT's fundraising. Income from fundraising had fallen significantly following a key sponsorship relationship coming to an end and he needed to know if the organisation was fundraising as much as possible in a difficult market place, or if more could be achieved. Following on from this, DixonRaines was asked to identify any weaknesses and suggest improvements which could be made.

DixonRaines undertook interviews and research in the summer of 2005 and presented its findings to the Board in September. The conclusion was that the corporate sponsorship market was indeed difficult, but that more could be achieved in individual giving and trust fundraising. DixonRaines recommended the appointment of an experienced Director of Fundraising at a higher level within the organisation and strengthening of NBT's Board in relation to fundraising.

NBT's Board accepted these recommendations and DR was asked to help with the process of recruiting a Director of Fundraising, a task which was successfully achieved within three months (five months to the start date). In the meantime, DR was also contracted to establish (in some cases re-establish) relationships with key trust funds and to prepare applications where appropriate.

The key outcomes of DR's engagement with NBT were:

• an assessment of NBT's fundraising including identification of weaknesses, recommendations for improvements and the setting of potentially realistic targets by fundraising source
• recruitment of a new Director of Fundraising
• engagement with key trusts, leading in the short-term to £35,000 new income and good longer-term relationships

Northcott Theatre, Exeter: Capital Fundraising Strategy

The Northcott Theatre in Exeter is an important provider of high quality drama and other performing arts for a wide area of Devon. It is popular with its audiences and well regarded for the high standards of its own productions. However, the building is outdated, offers poor levels of hospitality for its audience and raising issues of disability access.

The Theatre needs to raise £1.25M to help realise a scheme that will complete a major refurbishment of the building by Autumn 2006.

DixonRaines were invited to undertake a range of tasks to assist the Board and Senior Management by giving them an in-depth assessment of the likely success of this major project and by direct engagement in planning and implementation.

• To assess the feasibility of raising £1.25M by Autumn 2006
• To prepare a Case for Support and an outline plan for raising the money
• To prepare a detailed plan of fundraising from individuals
• To assist with appointing a Development Director and establishing a Development Office with the necessary systems in place
• To offer guidance and support throughout the project

We began by reviewing fundraising at the theatre to identify strengths and weaknesses and through research and interviews made an assessment of the level of income which might be generated. This initial research was positive and the Board and Management of the Theatre asked us to move ahead with preparing a Fundraising Plan and to guide them through its implementation on a retainer basis.

We have helped them appoint a Development Director, advised on staffing and other resources and on the management of the fundraising, helped set up an Appeal Committee, developed the Case for Support and advised on branding and fundraising materials. We continue to offer on-going strategic advice and support with the drafting of trust applications, sponsorship schemes, audience fundraising, corporate membership and events.

Royal Shakespeare Company: Marketing Strategy for 'The Complete Works' Festival

"DixonRaines provided us with clear and well-thought through marketing strategies that will contribute to the long-term development of the company, but also are pragmatic and achievable. Their balance of excellent marketing credentials and down-to-earth solutions are perfect for complex projects such as ours."

Kate Horton, Commercial Director

Katy Raines led this project to devise and implement a marketing strategy for the RSC’s ‘Complete Works of Shakespeare Festival’ in 2006/7 and to secure ticket sales for Stratford in excess of 600,000. An outline strategy, concept, timescale and budget were prepared for presentation to the senior management team.

DixonRaines led the procurement of a marketing agency to create a concept for the year, and advise on successful implementation throughout the campaign.DixonRaines will worked with the Marketing Team at the RSC to assist in the strategic implementation of the strategy, and to review progress at key points.

The Complete Works Festival finishes in 2007.

Tyne and Wear Museums: Customer Relationship Management Strategy

Katy Raines and David Dixon led this project to devise a complete relationship management strategy for Tyne and Wear Museums, and advise on relevant IT implementation.

The organization has 11 museums. The people with whom the organization engages are varied, from regional funders to schools and outreach groups.

DixonRaines devised a strategy for engaging with all their contacts, customers and stakeholders in a managed and structured way, to maximize possibilities for advocacy, marketing effectiveness and income generation.

It is hoped that the project will be implemented with ongoing assistance and support from DixonRaines.