About Us

Our Approach

"Philanthropic fundraising provides the backbone and is the foundation of every single interaction that we have with our clients. It is incredibly important. I hope you can also experience the gentleness and depth of this profound practice".
– Sarah Barrer

Tfa’s Approach To Philanthropic Fundraising

The TFA Way

The way The Fundraising Agency works is shaped by the values it lives every day.

Thoughtful
Taking the time to understand what matters most, connecting the dots and designing practical strategies and advice that reflect each not for profits unique context. Drawing on deep knowledge of New Zealand’s philanthropic landscape, every recommendation is considered, integrated and built to last.

Friendly
Building genuine partnerships based on trust, openness and respect. Challenging when needed, always supportive, and committed to making the work enjoyable as well as effective.

Authentic
Speaking honestly, listening deeply and offering practical advice. There are no silver bullets, only thoughtful guidance, practical recommendations and a commitment to uphold purpose and honour donor intent.

A relationship led approach permeates every strategy and programme developed by The Fundraising Agency. By supporting organisations to take a considered, interconnected and planned approach to fundraising, charities build stronger relationships, inspire greater confidence and create the conditions for sustainable philanthropic growth.

Rather than building fundraising programmes in isolation, The Fundraising Agency works alongside Boards and leadership teams to create the clarity, confidence and foundations that inspire meaningful giving.

When a donor understands an organisation’s ambition and they trust it has the capability to achieve it, generosity becomes much easier.

Successful fundraising isn’t built on a single campaign. It’s built on an organisation that is ready to receive generosity, steward it well and turn it into lasting impact that is reported on decades into the future.

What working with us looks like

The best fundraising is based on relationships, and that is how we like to work – in partnership. We will champion and advocate for you but, most importantly, we will help you maximise the good you create by making fundraising easier.

We work initially with your Board and leadership; they are the guardians of your constitution and your purpose, and they establish the priorities that you ask people to support. Experience has shown us, and our clients, that this work approach works.

Creating the systemwide foundations for strategic fundraising success is complex and energy-intensive. If you are ready for it, we will work with you to create a practical approach designed specifically for your not-for-profit and its purpose, and we will guide you through each step gently, but at pace.

From inception to implementation, we have worked closely with Boards and leadership teams to design and build fundraising programmes ranging from early-stage starting out in fundraising through to complex major gifts programmes. We’ve also stepped in when existing campaigns need redesign and redirection.

Our specialist fundraising knowledge is strengthened by our understanding of the New Zealand NFP sector, and the insights and data we’ve collected from talking directly with hundreds of donors and supporters.

Experience reinforces that thoughtful and comprehensive preparation delivers better results, with less pressure.

Laying those foundations is challenging and complex work, but TFA will show you guide you through the journey.

We will learn about you: how you currently work, what systems and processes you have in place, what resources you will need.
We’ll take a systems view: what is necessary across your organisation to create the essential foundations for effective fundraising e.g. policies regarding donations; impact measurement and reporting.
We use real-world information: we bring our own experience, New Zealand related insights and client-informed data to create practical and informed plans that answer your needs, and those of your donors.
We build momentum through iteration: we test, refine and reiterate ideas to ensure they are practical and appropriate for you.

We knew about The Fundraising Agency and had worked with them early on in our campaign journey… if we were going to go anywhere, it was always going to be Sarah.

LEE ROBINSON, CANTERBURY CRICKET TRUST