Let's Talk Fundraising

Small charities make up around 96% of the UK charity sector, but despite their scale and impact, they can often feel overlooked in wider sector conversations.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fundraising, Tim Beynon is joined by guest co-host Rob Cope, Executive Director of Membership and Operations at CIOF, to explore the realities of fundraising in small charities ahead of Small Charity Week.

Rob shares insights from his role as Chair of Citizens Advice Lewisham, discussing the growing pressures on local charities, the importance of community-rooted support, and why small charities remain the “fabric of society”.

They’re also joined by Emma-Louise Singh and Emma Low from Nova Fundraising for a practical, honest and uplifting conversation about what it really takes to fundraise successfully as a small charity.

Together, they discuss:
  •  Why fundraising readiness matters 
  •  The Nova Octagon for effective fundraising 
  •  Building donor joy and donor love 
  •  Why small charities often outperform larger organisations on supporter relationships 
  •  The challenges of grant fundraising in today’s climate 
  •  Collaboration, storytelling and community fundraising 
  •  Legacy fundraising for small charities 
  •  How to avoid burnout and focus your limited capacity where it matters most 
  •  The importance of networking, peer support and finding your “tribe” 
There are also brilliant practical examples throughout the episode, from handmade donor thank-you gifts to transformational partnerships and community storytelling.

Meet the guests

Emma-Louise Singh, Director, Nova Fundraising
Emma-Louise has more than 15 years of fundraising experience across both large national charities and small grassroots organisations. Having built fundraising functions from scratch within small charities, she is passionate about helping organisations grow sustainable income, strengthen supporter relationships and build fundraising confidence. Her background includes individual giving, events and legacy fundraising.

Emma Low, Director, Nova Fundraising
Emma has held fundraising leadership roles across organisations including Crisis, Asthma UK, Diabetes UK and Womankind Worldwide. She specialises in helping small charities develop practical, relationship-led fundraising approaches and is particularly passionate about storytelling, donor engagement and fundraising strategy rooted in community impact.

Rob Cope, Executive Director of Membership and Operations, CIOF
Rob has worked at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising for more than a decade and leads its work supporting thousands of individual and organisational members across the UK. Alongside his CIOF role, he is Chair of Citizens Advice Lewisham, giving him first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing small charities today.

Connect with the guests
Useful links
Organisations mentioned in the episode
Be a part of the show

We really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...

Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

Creators and Guests

Host
Rob Cope
Executive Director of Membership and Operations, CIOF
Host
Tim Beynon
Tim has spent 20 years heading up charity comms teams and today runs The Good Studio, producing content - including this podcast - for charities and purpose-led organisations.
Guest
Emma-Louise Singh
Director, Nova Fundraising
Guest
Emma Low
Director, Nova Fundraising

What is Let's Talk Fundraising?

Let’s Talk Fundraising is the official podcast of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising. Exploring the issues, ideas and debates shaping fundraising today - it's hosted each month by Tim Beynon, together with a rotating co-host. From sector news and current affairs to ethics, wellbeing, leadership and best practice, each episode brings practical insight and thoughtful discussion with fundraisers and experts from across the UK. Whether you work in fundraising, lead a charity, sit on a board, or simply want to understand how fundraising supports charities to change lives, Let’s Talk Fundraising is your place to listen, learn and be part of the conversation.