Orchard Fundraising Limited

27/04/2026

A fundraising strategy should be more than a document that sits on a shelf.

It should help shape decisions, clarify priorities, and make sure time and effort are focused where they matter most.

The strongest strategies are realistic, practical, and built with support across the organisation, helping fundraising work in practice, not just on paper.

We’ve shared some of the key things that make the difference between a strategy that looks good and one that actually works.

Read the full post here: https://orchardfundraising.co.uk/effective-fundraising-strategy/

02/04/2026

Individual giving is under pressure, but charities have an opportunity to respond.

The latest UK Giving Report shows fewer people are donating, and many are reassessing what they can afford.

But giving isn’t disappearing, it’s changing.

People are becoming more thoughtful about where and how they give, placing greater emphasis on trust, connection and impact.

We’ve shared a short blog looking at what’s behind these changes, and what it means for charities right now.

https://orchardfundraising.co.uk/charity-individual-giving-trends/

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has recently published its UK Giving Report 2026, offering a snapshot of how the public supported charities over the last year. ​The difficult takeaway from the report is that levels of individual giving appear to be under pressure. With fewer

04/03/2026

Trust and foundation funding can make a huge difference to charities — but it’s becoming increasingly competitive.

We’ve been reflecting on what genuinely helps applications stand out. Often, it’s not about writing more. It’s about clarity, alignment and showing impact with confidence.

We’ve explored this in more depth in our latest blog. If you’d like to take a look, you can find it here: https://orchardfundraising.co.uk/what-trusts-look-for-in-charity-applications/

24/02/2026

One of the most common frustrations we hear from charities is:

“We’re doing really good work – so why aren’t funders backing us?”

In our experience, it’s very rarely the work that’s the issue. Applications that stand out tend to have three things in common:

• Strong alignment with the funder’s criteria
• Clear, compelling evidence of impact
• Engaging storytelling that strengthens the case for support

It’s not just about explaining what you do. It’s about making it easy for a funder to see the fit.

17/02/2026

When is the right time for a charity to seek fundraising support?

It’s not always about waiting for the “perfect” moment — but it’s not simply “the sooner the better” either.

Timing matters. And so do strong foundations.

We’ve shared some reflections on recognising when the moment feels right, and why getting the basics in place first can make all the difference.

You can read the full blog here:
https://orchardfundraising.co.uk/when-to-seek-fundraising-support/

09/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who nominated a charity for our 10 for 10 pro bono fundraising initiative.

We've been struck by the quality and care behind the nominations and are now closing applications while we work through the shortlist.

29/01/2026

To celebrate turning 10 this year, we're offering pro bono fundraising support to ten grassroots organisations through our 10 for 10 initiative.

We've shared a bit more about why w're doing this, and who it's for, in the blog below.

Please do take a look or pass it on if you know a small charity that could benefit.

As we celebrate ten years of Orchard Fundraising, we’re marking the occasion by offering pro bono fundraising support to ten grassroots organisations. Over the past decade, we’ve worked with many small and medium-sized charities and seen first-hand how challenging it can be to deliver vital work...

20/01/2026

This year, Orchard Fundraising turns 10 🌱

To mark the milestone, we’re offering something back: pro bono fundraising support for ten grassroots charities through our 10 for 10 initiative.

If you’re part of a small, UK-based charity rooted in community need, or you know one that could really benefit from some focused fundraising support, we’d love to hear from you.

You can nominate your own organisation, or a charity you admire.

Find out more and apply here: https://orchardfundraising.co.uk/10-for-10/

Please do share with anyone who might benefit.

05/01/2026

As we start to settle into 2026, we’ve been reflecting on what 2025 brought for charities and fundraising teams.

It was a challenging year for many, but also one full of resilience, creativity and commitment.

We’ve shared some thoughts on what we saw across the sector, and what we’re taking forward into the year ahead.

As 2026 starts and we shift our focus to planning for the year ahead, it also feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on everything 2025 brought with it. It was another challenging year across the charity fundraising sector: the cost-of-living crisis continued to reshape how and when people...

18/09/2025

AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a tool for transformation! In our latest blog, we explore how AI can enhance charity fundraising efforts. Read more here:
https://www.orchardfundraising.co.uk/post/the-value-of-ai-in-charity-fundraising

Whether you're a trustee already exploring AI or you're just starting to consider its potential, there's no doubt that AI has value. The trick is knowing how to approach it. By understanding the opportunities and the risks, you can use AI in a way that strengthens rather than distracts from your mis...

12/08/2025

After securing approval for your project, you may find you need a helping hand. Our latest blog post provides insights on what to look for when choosing a Fundraising Consultancy or a Fundraising Freelancer to support you.

The champagne cork has popped and you have finally got approval for the project. Now the real challenge starts: fundraising to make it happen. Whether it’s nurturing a natural habitat, funding for peer support groups, new wheelchair-accessible vehicles for young people or indeed any other project,...