Sarah has specialised in philanthropic fundraising and strategy for almost 20 years.

Before entering the not for profit sector in 2008, Sarah built her career in retail, recruitment and event management consultancies, leading relationship management, business development and revenue growth. That commercial foundation continues to shape her work today, bringing together strategic thinking, relationship led practice and sustainable revenue generation.

What has kept Sarah in the sector is discovering that philanthropy is far deeper than fundraising alone. The more she has listened to donors, charities and communities, the more she has come to understand generosity as a profoundly human experience, one that enriches those who give as much as those who receive. That deeper understanding continues to shape Sarah’s work, helping people realise their ambitions through giving and ensuring organisations are ready to receive, steward and honour that generosity.

Since founding The Fundraising Agency, formerly Barrer & Co, Sarah has led the development of more than 250 fundraising strategies, including over 40 capital campaign strategies, and has led the implementation of 15 capital campaigns.

“I’ve sat down one on one with more than 800 philanthropists, listening carefully to what inspires them to give, what matters most to them and what holds them back.”

Sarah has led the development of more than 65 Major Gifts, Gifts in Wills and Corporate Partnerships Programmes, working directly with donors, staff, and board members.

Over almost two decades, Sarah has personally facilitated more than 70 Think Tanks and Focus Groups, bringing together highly engaged supporters to test ideas, strengthen programmes and help organisations move forward with clarity.

These conversations have shaped Sarah’s understanding of what motivates people to give, what builds trust and confidence, and how organisations can create opportunities for generosity that are meaningful for both donors and the communities they serve.

Sarah believes sustainable fundraising and long term growth begin with the Board. As guardians of an organisation’s purpose, Boards shape the culture, confidence and direction that enable philanthropy to flourish. This makes fundraising an organisation wide responsibility and creates the foundations for meaningful, lasting impact.

“When organisations are clear about where they’re going and why it matters, generosity becomes much easier.”