CIoF Central South Regional Conference 2026

Getting Ahead in Fundraising and Tackling Sector Challenges

In today’s fast-evolving fundraising landscape, organisations must look beyond traditional approaches to stay ahead. This conference brings together sector leaders and practitioners to explore innovative strategies that drive income growth, deepen supporter engagement, and future-proof fundraising efforts.

Alongside this, we will address the critical challenges facing the sector; from economic pressures and rising costs to changing donor behaviours and increasing competition. Through expert insights, real-world examples, and collaborative discussion, attendees will gain practical tools and fresh perspectives to navigate complexity and unlock new opportunities.

Our full agenda will be announced soon but confirmed speakers include David Amos-Reeves, discussing leadership and career progression, Paul Williams and Lucy Futter from Trinity exploring collaboration in legacy marketing, and Jamie Feaver from Tim Henman Foundation.

Join us for a dynamic day of learning, networking, and inspiration designed to help you strengthen your impact and lead with confidence in uncertain times.

We are hugely grateful to our headline sponsor, Trethowans who are once again helping us to bring this event to life. Their support has made it possible for this new event to return for the third consecutive year, and we are delighted that it has become part of the annual calendar.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Central South Committee

If you register for this event you agree to abide by the declaration below and our Code of Behaviour for Training and Events.

Declaration

I share the Chartered Institute’s ambition to create a culture where everyone is not just safe, but able to truly thrive. I have read carefully and understand the Code of Behaviour for Training and Events. I hereby agree to abide by its requirements and commit to upholding the standards of conduct required.

I declare that:• I am not currently suspended due to an investigation by the Chartered Institute.

• I have not previously been found to have violated any of the behaviours outlined in this Code of Behaviour.

• I have not received sanctions by the Chartered Institute which prevent me from participating in this event / training.

In the event of a violation of this Code of Behaviour I accept that:

• My organisation (if relevant) may be notified of the violation and proposed course of action.

• Support may be withdrawn from me to attend the event, and I may not be invited to future events.

• The Chartered Institute is not liable or responsible for any legal actions brought against me and I will be responsible for all legal costs in such circumstances.

Info: Every conversation has the power to shape how people think, feel and act. As fundraisers, the words we choose don't just communicate our cause – they build trust, inspire generosity, create belonging and influence lasting relationships.

Info: You raise dramatically more money when you create surprise and delight – even beyond what your donor / partner / funder is expecting.

This keynote will help you understand why Wow Moments are so valuable, and give you lots examples and ideas to follow through with your own ideas for creating wow factor.

Rob is an award-winning trainer, an author and host of the Fundraising Bright Spots podcast and the Breakfast Club for Fundraising Leaders. He is the author of several fundraising books including The Fundraiser Who Wanted More. In more than two decades his training company Bright Spot has helped more than 50,000 fundraisers.

Info: What happens when your charity needs to evolve while continuing to grow income and inspire supporters?

Drawing on the Tim Henman Foundation's journey to a direct delivery model, this session explores how to navigate organisational change while keeping your mission at the heart of everything you do. Discover practical lessons on diversifying income through grants, targeted events and match-funding campaigns, managing changing stakeholder relationships and building support for a new direction.

Whether your organisation is undergoing significant change or you're simply looking to strengthen and diversify your fundraising, you'll leave with practical insights to help you adapt with confidence.

Info: "Getting Ahead in Fundraising: Shaping Supporter- Centric Cultures Fundraisers are often told that career progression comes from learning new fundraising techniques, increasing income, or managing larger teams. In my experience, the biggest opportunities for growth come from developing a deep understanding of supporters and learning how to influence organisational culture around them.
This session will explore my journey from volunteer fundraiser and fundraising manager through to leading customer and organisational transformation programmes in the charity sector. The session will focus on practical lessons fundraisers can apply immediately, regardless of job title, budget, or team size.
Drawing on experiences from frontline fundraising, supporter experience innovation, sector leadership roles and organisational transformation programmes, the session will examine how fundraisers can become advocates for supporters, break down organisational siloes, and influence change beyond their own

Info: Jess Pitman, Discover Adventure
Susan Blunt, Adventurous Ewe
Nicole Davies, HIOWAA
Panel Host: Michelle Duma from CIOF Committee

Challenge events can inspire incredible fundraising, but the participant journey shouldn't end when the medal is collected.

Whether your supporters are taking on a local 10k, cycling challenge, overseas trek or marathon, the way you steward them before, during and after their event can make a significant difference to both the funds they raise and their long-term relationship with your charity.

Drawing on experience from both charity and challenge event perspectives, this session will explore practical ways to motivate participants, maximise fundraising, create memorable supporter experiences and encourage event participants to become loyal donors, advocates and future fundraisers.

You'll leave with practical ideas that can be applied to challenge events of all sizes, helping you build lasting relationships that extend well beyond the finish line.

Event venue & nearby stays

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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