Fundraising
Manchester Camerata can only deliver the impact that it achieves through a combination of commercial income and philanthropic contributions.
In 2022-23, we began to see positive results from our work in the previous year to develop and implement a more strategic approach to our fundraising to support the board’s aspiration to consolidate our strong position and achieve long-term sustainability.
The operating environment in 2022-23 was challenging, as the cost of living crisis impacted donors and meant that there were competing demands on major philanthropic trusts and funders.
We are honoured that our donors have remained so committed – and in fact that some have chosen to increase their giving.
In line with our wider strategic and charitable objectives, one major area of focus has been securing sustainable funding for our plans to develop a sustainable pipeline of future talent. Advanced discussions have taken place with donors to support our Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellowships which will provide structured pathways to support young musicians as they develop their craft. More established musicians will be supported too, for instance in 2022 we secured multiyear chair sponsorship for our principal cellist from Ron and Jill Robinson.
All of our fundraising activity is underpinned by collaboration, with staff working closely alongside our donors to fully understand their motivations and requirements. In Autumn 2022 we undertook an in-depth philanthropic consultation with our donors locally and internationally, in support of this aim.
The learning generated by this consultation will ultimately lead to the production and implementation of an endowment fundraising strategy. We are in the process of consulting internally and externally on the content of that strategy and exploring the potential for a future campaign.
Looking Forward
With a strategy in place and a pipeline of major donations, our fundraising work has been instrumental in helping the organisation achieve a secure financial position that will provide a base for delivering impact. In 2022-23, combined with commercial income, our revenue topped £2 million for the first time.
We have also started the process of registering with the Fundraising Regulator to demonstrate our commitment to operating in a legal, open, honest, and respectful way that gives our donors the reassurance that they deserve. Thanks to the skills of our team, the close relationships we have with funders, and the clarity of our vision and purpose we go into 2023-24 with confidence that the strategy we have implemented will come to fruition in the coming year.