The first interns have joined BU’s Fusion Fundraising Academy – a new initiative launched to develop the next generation of fundraisers.
The six interns, all BU placement students, joined the Academy at the start of September. Over the coming year they will take part in workshops and masterclasses while completing placements with six charity partners.
Claire House-Norman, Director of Fundraising and Alumni Relations at BU, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have our first interns with us. I have been hugely impressed by their enthusiasm and professionalism, which has enabled them to learn a lot about the fundraising sector in a short space of time. The aim of the Academy is to ‘hot-house’ new talent. As well as providing a grounding in the skills required for a career in fundraising, the Academy also offers sessions in areas such as personal branding, networking and building resilience. This is designed to prepare our interns to be successful, whatever they go on to do.”
The Academy is supported by six core charity partners – Diverse Abilities, Forest Holme Hospice, Bournemouth Hospital Charity, Poole Hospital Charity, British Liver Trust and BU’s Orthopaedic Research Institute. The interns will complete placements with these organisations across the year, while also completing short projects commissioned by a broader mix of charities.
Intern Nicholas Roe said: “The Academy has provided me with an insight into a field that I hadn’t previously considered. It is a role that I believe anyone exploring a placement opportunity should give strong consideration to. The blend of academic underpinning, combined with practical experience at partner charities provides the perfect environment to develop the key skill set required to succeed, both in the field of fundraising and beyond.’’
With the first year of the Academy now underway, recruitment will be starting soon for the 2020-21 intake. To find out more email [email protected].
