Power of the Thrive forum
A wealth of ideas and new contacts ensured that a Thrive-inspired forum gave the 70-strong audience refreshing ideas on how to tackle the challenges in 2009.
Business people and charity representatives came together for the session: New Year, New Conscience/New Year, New Connections – How to make a difference in 2009. The interactive workshop, hosted by Pinsent Masons on Tuesday, enabled the different sectors to gain an insight into how to create effective partnerships.
Thrive enthusiast Mark Triggs, who introduced the session which was organised by Birmingham Future, shared his views about how fresh ideas can make the difference.
“Charities are desperate for money and need to think of ideas that will work in today’s climate,” said Mark. “If people have an idea then it is important to see different ways of making it work and see the evolution.”
He cited Thrive inspired successes like the Suit Amnesty held in the autumn and the guided walks, encouraging office workers to discover more about the city’s heritage.
Jonathan Fortnam, partner at Pinsent Masons LLP, took time to share his ideas with charity representatives and other business people.
He said: “It was great to get together with so many of the local CR leaders at the start of the year and notwithstanding the challenges that both business and not-for-profit sectors face in the coming 12 months.
“We were delighted to host a time that has resulted not only in greater awareness of all the inspiring works that local groups and companies are involved with, but also to talk about what the business and not-for-profit sector might do together to further our joint objectives successfully and also to continue THRIVE’s successes, such as the Suit Amnesty.
“As we were reminded, communication and relationships are key: representatives of both of the sectors need to listen to each other in order to understand their respective aims and objectives and having done so, together build a strategic programme of involvement with each other to the ultimate benefit of all concerned.
“It was fantastic to see that happening over our time together today, in some cases from a new start. For myself, I really enjoyed meeting some of the local not-for-profit partners we have been able to support through our CR programme and to reflect on how we have both benefited from working together, whether on small or large projects.
“I am confident that we will see CR thrive in Birmingham in 2009.”
Presentations gave the audience ideas on how to rethink and review strategies for 2009. These included one from Anna Stanley of Goodyear Dunlop, a company working closely with Fidelis Hynam of Birmingham Children’s Hospital to create effective fund-raising initiatives.
Other ideas came from Louise McCarthie, regional fund-raiser for MENCAP Midlands, the charity supporting people with learning disability and their families, focused on looking for fresh alternatives to traditional fund-raisers.
Her presentation, ‘Beyond the Black Tie Ball’ showed why 48 per cent of charities will still be investing in corporate fund-raising initiatives.
Louise said: “It might mean that traditional ways of fund-raising, like the black tie ball, may not be the best way.
“We need to think differently and refresh our ideas. Corporate entertainment budgets might be reduced but there are still other ways of getting involved.”
She said businesses may be deterred from continuing links because they are concerned that they cannot match what was raised in previous years.
But Louise said all donations are welcome and added: “We are happy with lower figures but it is important to be effective and work on partnerships.”
Olivia Amarty, founder and chair of Martha’s Oasis and the driving force behind Sisters with Voices, runs courses targeting young women in Birmingham who are under achieving or running the risk of getting pregnant.
The charity has recently featured in the Channel 4 programme Secret Millionaires which enabled entrepreneurs to make donations after discovering first hand the work of the volunteers. Olivia sees the national exposure as a turning point. – the millionaire Kavita Oberoi donated £25,000 and is now on the charity’s board.
Olivia explained why it was important that the young women had access to mentors who can spare an hour a week during the course programme.
She said: “I believe every individual can make a difference and it is up to each of us to make that happen.”
