BfN runs regular events throughout the year. You can find details of all our events here.
Upcoming events
EVENT TESTIMONIALS
Congratulations on your performance last night!
Clyde Williams, Executive Chairman of Sho-net,
I found the network meeting thoroughly enjoyable. It’s amazing how much BFN has achieved since its inception and you and your fellow committee members should be very proud!
Angela Sarkis, Chief Executive of the Nurture Group Network
Accept my congratulations on the successful AGM and the quality of the Speaker.
Kwami
Thanks for inviting me – I thought you put on a great event.
Paul Amadi, Chair of Institute of Fundraising
Thanks for a beautiful workshop. – the course content was appropriate; the presenter knows his subject and he is a master of the art of presentation; the venue was fantastic, and every participant and staff of the institute was very friendly and helpful! Well done.
Simbo – Belverdere
Our Events – Past and Present
Join Us For A Masterclass in Social Media- 29th March 2012
Join us for this special inspirational event on:
- Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
- Time: 6.30pm prompt - 8.30pm
- Location: 474a, Holloway Road,London N7 6HT
- Cost: £8.50 includes light refreshments
Join Us
for this great event!
Join Us For A Special Event - 7th December 2011
Join us for this special inspirational event on:
- Date: Wednesday 7th December 2011
- Time: 6.00pm prompt - 8.30pm
- Location: Premier Inn Hotel, 26,-37, York Way, King Cross, London N1
- Cost: £8.50 includes light refreshments
Orin Lewis from the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) will be our key note speaker on the night, where he will relay his amazing story of how the ACLT survived the funding cuts.
Hinging on the brink of despair with closure imminent, the ACLT defied all odds to successfully bounce back much to the astonishment of everyone and through their concerted fundraising efforts they were able to secure enough funding to not only stop them from folding but also to fund the project for a whole entire year and beyond!…
Come and learn first-hand exactly how CEO, Orin Lewis and his team did this….
If that is not enough, we have also secured some entertainment for you in the form of the spoken word poetry from the Poetry Lawyer David Neita.
A finger buffet, a chance to network and a pre Christmas social at the Bar and lots more, so join us for the last BFN event for the year!
Hope to see you there!
See here for further information on eflyer.
3rd August 2011 - Joint BBQ Extravaganza with the Network for Black Professionals (NBP)
The Black Fundraisers’ Summer Social
The Bfn would like to cordially invite you to our joint summer BBQ extravaganza
with the Network of Black Professionals on:
3rd August 2011
6:30pm until late
Venue: The Fence Bar & Kitchen,
67-69 Cowcross Street, Smithfield,
London, EC1M 6BP – 1 minute walk from Farringdon Tube Station (see map)
Ticket Prices:
Student Members – £15
Professional Members – £22
Non-Members – £30
Ticket price includes all food, 2 drinks
from a selection of beers and wines and complimentary fruit juice – see full menu
Due to licensing the minimum age is 18.
BfN Members get to attend at the Professional Members rate!
18th May 2011 - BfN AGM 2011
The Black Fundraisers’ Network AGM
Event : BfN AGM 2011
Date : Wednesday 18th May 2011
Start : 5.30pm prompt
End : 6.00pm
Venue : EHRC (Equality & Human Rights Commission) Tooley
Street Riverside, London SE1 2RG.
The BfN are currently in need of a:
- Vice Chair
- Secretary
- New Media Officer
- Fundraising Officer
- Database Officer
Should you be interested in one of the committee roles please email lara@bfn.org.uk in the first instance or call for a quick chat on 07507859333.
Committee role descriptions and nomination forms can be emailed if interested. Deadline for responses is Friday 6th May 2011.
Directions :- . The office is in the Norton Rose building, right next door to the Mayor’s office (GLA). Nearest tube is London Bridge – please exit the Tooley Street side (not Borough Street exit), turn right out of the station, walk past London Dungeons, cross the road and you will see the Hilton hotel on your left hand side. This is More London complex. Walk through the corridor towards Tower Bridge and number 3 is the last building on your right hand side as you emerge from the passage. See http://www.equalityhumanrights.com
18th May 2011 - BfN Bumper Network Meeting
The Black Fundraisers’ Bumper Network Meeting
Date : Wednesday 18th May 2011
Start : 6.00pm
End : 8.30pm
Venue : EHRC (Equality & Human Rights Commission) Tooley
Street Riverside, London SE1 2RG.
Cost : £7.00 per person (Non-refundable) cost includes a light buffet
Following the AGM we have our Bumper Networking Event. We have a good array of speakers on the night including :
- Rajinder Mann, Executive Director of the Black Leadership Initiative from the, Network for Black Professionals speaking about their successful Mentoring scheme,
- Paul Sais Managing Director of Charity People the leading voluntary sector recruitment agency, talking about our partnership and how bfn members can benefit from this venture when up skilling themselves or looking for work in the sector.
- ‘Meet the Funders’ – staff from both the Big Lottery Fund and the Lloyds TSB Foundation, will be speaking about the range of funding programmes they offer and tips on securing that much needed grant.
PLEASE NOTE:
You will need to have booked in advance for this meeting by replying to this email and paid online using PayPal. Once booked, we will provide you with instructions on how to pay online. Confirmation of receipt of payment is all you need, to attend on the night. PLEASE DO NOT PAY WITHOUT HAVING BOOKED A PLACE.
Some of our past events
9th December 2010 - Essentials on Tax Effective workshop and Christmas Social at the CutBar Waterloo
A great workshop free to our members took place which lasted the whole day and was held at the Institute of Fundraising for those who wanted to maximise income for their charity or charitable cause, this was followed by an evening of fun at The Cut Bar in Waterloo . (See picture above)
All materials were provided free of charge, as was lunch and refreshments through out the day. The Trainer on the day was Panikos Efthimiou from CAF and Lee Grant from the Institute of Fundraising.
24th March 2010 - Invitation on Event Fundraising and Networking
See the BFN scope flyer that went out.
Please contact: Yvonne Stennett for Workshop Enquiries’
http://www.prescienceproductions.com
23rd April 2009 – BfN Network Meeting on Mentoring
The Black Fundraisers Network (BFN) launched a special presentation on BFN’s Mentoring Scheme. This meeting was a prelude to the official launching of the Mentoring Scheme.
Speakers included:
John Mensah CEO of Outreach Management Services, who is also BFN’s committee and Public Relations Officer and will be presenting on the night. John holds an MBA, and certificates in various areas including public relations, fund-raising and leadership. He has a wealth of experience in mentoring through his many years of work in the development sector at both local and international levels. John has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategies related to cultural integration, community development, advocacy, fund-raising, research and leadership.
Case stories :
There were practical case studies from BFN members who have benefited from the mentoring scheme. They shared their experiences with you. There was also a question and answer session, as well as networking opportunities.
Paul Amadi who is the Chair of Institute of Fundraising (IoF) also gave a talk on the objectives and activities of the institute. Paul, who works as a senior officer with RNID is the first black chair of the Institute of Fundraising, which is a professional body for fundraisers in UK. It supports fundraisers, through leadership, representation, setting standards, and training, and we champion fundraising as a career choice.
25th November 2009 – Angela Sarkis AGM Network Meeting 2009
16 October 2007 – 2nd BfN Event and networking meeting - National Centre for Black Philanthropy Conference in Washington DC and The Black Pound
The Black Fundraisers Network (BFN) held their 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on: Tuesday 16th October 2007 at Scope. The AGM involved a short presentation by Midé Akerewusi, Former Chair of BFN ,about a recent trip to the National Centre for Black Philanthropy Conference in Washington DC, where he represented BFN.
The AGM was followed by a Network meeting with Midé Akerewusi as keynote speaker. There was also an opportunity for Q&A’s. The meeting was highly interactive. Midé also delivered aBlack Pound Final
12th – 13th October 2007 – Forum 3 Event
The Blackfundraisers Network exhibits at a number of different events throughout the year, BfN are regulars at the renown Forum 3 recruitment event for charity personnel. This took place at the Business Design Centre, Islington
http://www.forum3.co.uk/
5th July 2007 – An Audience with Charity People
This special networking event included a seminar led by Natasha Waas (Director – Recruitment Consultancy) and Sarah Jenkins (Team Leader – Fundraising) of Charity People. Charity people is one of the UK’s leading voluntary sector recruitment agencies and a supporter of the Black Fundraisers’ Network.
As leaders in the field of fundraising recruitment, Natasha and Sarah provided information about:
Charity People and BFN Partnership
Finding your perfect fundraising role
Preparing your CV
Interview techniques
Selling your skills
This was a lively and interactive meeting, see presentation notes below by clicking link entitled ‘How to get the job you want’
16th Novemer 2006 – An Audience with Tim Campbell
An audience with Tim Campbell
Finding a voice presentation by Midé Akerewusi
29th June 2006 – BFN inaugural AGM
27 April 2006
Speaker Manny Amadi of ‘Cause and Effect’ Consultancy
MAKING IT TO THE TOP IN FUNDRAISING
Key lessons from experience:
Have passion for what you do the belief that you are making a difference, your areas interest, commitment to the cause.
Always have a plan.
Understand your boss’ and what makes them tick. Serve their agenda.
It’s important to always push yourself.
Some Experiences of Manny’s various roles:
Divided the fundraising into, corporate, major gifts and regional.
Plan, strategy, recruit local population to committees
There is need for nervous tension to motivate oneself and take on the challenge
Relationships are important. It will determine how you walk into a room and get people to agree with your plans/ideas.
In fundraising its important to connect with others who have the same ideas – identify common interests and collaborate.
Get on and make things happen – what’s the plan? Do it.
Carve the country into regions.
Get support from captains of industries and Lords and Ladies..
Be ready to go from street level to Board room in relating to different people.
Determinants of successful out come influenced by economic climate, corporate sector and social climate etc.
Secure ‘air cover’ – someone who knows what you are doing who will be supportive and give helpful advice/feedback.
Find sponsors who are well respected who you can sound out ideas with periodically and who will look out for you.
Credibility is highest at the start of a new job. The challenge is to make that last and build on it. It is important to understand what you are trying to achieve quickly and “make your mark”.
Establish the connection between raising and spending the money.
From experience, in the process of raising the money a barrier got in the way eg ‘Brand’… there is a need to communicate the ‘brand’ eg ‘young people’.
It’s important to combine fundraising with marketing.
The higher you go up the organisation the more politics there is.
Race was never a conscious barrier. Sometimes a sense of isolation in terms of lack of representation from BME groups at events. However, the main emphasis was to focus on being the best he could be. If anyone appeared racist a personal strategy adopted was to keep it externalised because that was their problem.
Practical Tips
Get resources on fundraising from the internet.
About You
How are your skills set?
Fundraising could involve; selling, advising, planning and influencing etc
- Plan your career path.
- Be honest about yourself.
- Gets feedback from others regarding your skills?
- Identify your values and what motivates you?
- Find passion and make things happen.
Going into Business
- Where do you want to go? What type of business? What are the risks?
What assets do you have?
- Check your relationships.
- Who amongst them are potential clients?
- Use your relationships to open doors to opportunities.
- Build networks from different sources.
- Financing. Again relationships are important.
Dealing with very important people? Overcome your fear.
- They are human beings too. Find out what matters to them. What’s their agenda? Plug in from there.
Summary
- Find your passion
- Plan your career – how you intend to get there.
- Sponsors ‘air cover’ (boss and other sponsors outside the organisation)
- Hunger – to ‘learn’, improve and develop.
- Relationships and networks are important to connect across the organisation at every level. See it as ‘journeying’ with other people around you.
- Moral authority can come from who you are and how you interact with other people. Harness relationships. They could also be useful for future connections.
- Enjoy what you do!
Join us for this special inspirational event on:
- Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
- Time: 6.30pm prompt - 8.30pm
- Location: 474a, Holloway Road,London N7 6HT
- Cost: £8.50 includes light refreshments
Join Us
for this great event!
Join Us For A Special Event - 7th December 2011
Join us for this special inspirational event on:
- Date: Wednesday 7th December 2011
- Time: 6.00pm prompt - 8.30pm
- Location: Premier Inn Hotel, 26,-37, York Way, King Cross, London N1
- Cost: £8.50 includes light refreshments
Orin Lewis from the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) will be our key note speaker on the night, where he will relay his amazing story of how the ACLT survived the funding cuts.
Hinging on the brink of despair with closure imminent, the ACLT defied all odds to successfully bounce back much to the astonishment of everyone and through their concerted fundraising efforts they were able to secure enough funding to not only stop them from folding but also to fund the project for a whole entire year and beyond!…
Come and learn first-hand exactly how CEO, Orin Lewis and his team did this….
If that is not enough, we have also secured some entertainment for you in the form of the spoken word poetry from the Poetry Lawyer David Neita.
A finger buffet, a chance to network and a pre Christmas social at the Bar and lots more, so join us for the last BFN event for the year!
Hope to see you there!
See here for further information on eflyer.
3rd August 2011 - Joint BBQ Extravaganza with the Network for Black Professionals (NBP)
The Black Fundraisers’ Summer Social
|
The Bfn would like to cordially invite you to our joint summer BBQ extravaganza
with the Network of Black Professionals on:
3rd August 2011
6:30pm until late
Venue: The Fence Bar & Kitchen,
67-69 Cowcross Street, Smithfield,
London, EC1M 6BP – 1 minute walk from Farringdon Tube Station (see map)
Ticket Prices:
Student Members – £15
Professional Members – £22
Non-Members – £30
Ticket price includes all food, 2 drinks
from a selection of beers and wines and complimentary fruit juice – see full menu
Due to licensing the minimum age is 18.
BfN Members get to attend at the Professional Members rate!
|
18th May 2011 - BfN AGM 2011
The Black Fundraisers’ Network AGM
Event : BfN AGM 2011
Date : Wednesday 18th May 2011
Start : 5.30pm prompt
End : 6.00pm
Venue : EHRC (Equality & Human Rights Commission) Tooley
Street Riverside, London SE1 2RG.
The BfN are currently in need of a:
- Vice Chair
- Secretary
- New Media Officer
- Fundraising Officer
- Database Officer
Should you be interested in one of the committee roles please email lara@bfn.org.uk in the first instance or call for a quick chat on 07507859333.
Committee role descriptions and nomination forms can be emailed if interested. Deadline for responses is Friday 6th May 2011.
Directions :- . The office is in the Norton Rose building, right next door to the Mayor’s office (GLA). Nearest tube is London Bridge – please exit the Tooley Street side (not Borough Street exit), turn right out of the station, walk past London Dungeons, cross the road and you will see the Hilton hotel on your left hand side. This is More London complex. Walk through the corridor towards Tower Bridge and number 3 is the last building on your right hand side as you emerge from the passage. See http://www.equalityhumanrights.com
The Black Fundraisers’ Bumper Network Meeting
Date : Wednesday 18th May 2011
Start : 6.00pm
End : 8.30pm
Venue : EHRC (Equality & Human Rights Commission) Tooley
Street Riverside, London SE1 2RG.
Cost : £7.00 per person (Non-refundable) cost includes a light buffet
Following the AGM we have our Bumper Networking Event. We have a good array of speakers on the night including :
- Rajinder Mann, Executive Director of the Black Leadership Initiative from the, Network for Black Professionals speaking about their successful Mentoring scheme,
- Paul Sais Managing Director of Charity People the leading voluntary sector recruitment agency, talking about our partnership and how bfn members can benefit from this venture when up skilling themselves or looking for work in the sector.
- ‘Meet the Funders’ – staff from both the Big Lottery Fund and the Lloyds TSB Foundation, will be speaking about the range of funding programmes they offer and tips on securing that much needed grant.
PLEASE NOTE:
You will need to have booked in advance for this meeting by replying to this email and paid online using PayPal. Once booked, we will provide you with instructions on how to pay online. Confirmation of receipt of payment is all you need, to attend on the night. PLEASE DO NOT PAY WITHOUT HAVING BOOKED A PLACE.
Some of our past events
9th December 2010 - Essentials on Tax Effective workshop and Christmas Social at the CutBar Waterloo
A great workshop free to our members took place which lasted the whole day and was held at the Institute of Fundraising for those who wanted to maximise income for their charity or charitable cause, this was followed by an evening of fun at The Cut Bar in Waterloo . (See picture above)
All materials were provided free of charge, as was lunch and refreshments through out the day. The Trainer on the day was Panikos Efthimiou from CAF and Lee Grant from the Institute of Fundraising.
See the BFN scope flyer that went out.
Please contact: Yvonne Stennett for Workshop Enquiries’
http://www.prescienceproductions.com
The Black Fundraisers Network (BFN) launched a special presentation on BFN’s Mentoring Scheme. This meeting was a prelude to the official launching of the Mentoring Scheme.
Speakers included:
John Mensah CEO of Outreach Management Services, who is also BFN’s committee and Public Relations Officer and will be presenting on the night. John holds an MBA, and certificates in various areas including public relations, fund-raising and leadership. He has a wealth of experience in mentoring through his many years of work in the development sector at both local and international levels. John has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategies related to cultural integration, community development, advocacy, fund-raising, research and leadership.
Case stories :
There were practical case studies from BFN members who have benefited from the mentoring scheme. They shared their experiences with you. There was also a question and answer session, as well as networking opportunities.
Paul Amadi who is the Chair of Institute of Fundraising (IoF) also gave a talk on the objectives and activities of the institute. Paul, who works as a senior officer with RNID is the first black chair of the Institute of Fundraising, which is a professional body for fundraisers in UK. It supports fundraisers, through leadership, representation, setting standards, and training, and we champion fundraising as a career choice.
The Black Fundraisers Network (BFN) held their 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on: Tuesday 16th October 2007 at Scope. The AGM involved a short presentation by Midé Akerewusi, Former Chair of BFN ,about a recent trip to the National Centre for Black Philanthropy Conference in Washington DC, where he represented BFN.
The AGM was followed by a Network meeting with Midé Akerewusi as keynote speaker. There was also an opportunity for Q&A’s. The meeting was highly interactive. Midé also delivered aBlack Pound Final
The Blackfundraisers Network exhibits at a number of different events throughout the year, BfN are regulars at the renown Forum 3 recruitment event for charity personnel. This took place at the Business Design Centre, Islington
http://www.forum3.co.uk/
This special networking event included a seminar led by Natasha Waas (Director – Recruitment Consultancy) and Sarah Jenkins (Team Leader – Fundraising) of Charity People. Charity people is one of the UK’s leading voluntary sector recruitment agencies and a supporter of the Black Fundraisers’ Network.
As leaders in the field of fundraising recruitment, Natasha and Sarah provided information about:
Charity People and BFN Partnership
Finding your perfect fundraising role
Preparing your CV
Interview techniques
Selling your skills
This was a lively and interactive meeting, see presentation notes below by clicking link entitled ‘How to get the job you want’
An audience with Tim Campbell
Finding a voice presentation by Midé Akerewusi
Speaker Manny Amadi of ‘Cause and Effect’ Consultancy
MAKING IT TO THE TOP IN FUNDRAISING
Key lessons from experience:
Have passion for what you do the belief that you are making a difference, your areas interest, commitment to the cause.
Always have a plan.
Understand your boss’ and what makes them tick. Serve their agenda.
It’s important to always push yourself.
Some Experiences of Manny’s various roles:
Divided the fundraising into, corporate, major gifts and regional.
Plan, strategy, recruit local population to committees
There is need for nervous tension to motivate oneself and take on the challenge
Relationships are important. It will determine how you walk into a room and get people to agree with your plans/ideas.
In fundraising its important to connect with others who have the same ideas – identify common interests and collaborate.
Get on and make things happen – what’s the plan? Do it.
Carve the country into regions.
Get support from captains of industries and Lords and Ladies..
Be ready to go from street level to Board room in relating to different people.
Determinants of successful out come influenced by economic climate, corporate sector and social climate etc.
Secure ‘air cover’ – someone who knows what you are doing who will be supportive and give helpful advice/feedback.
Find sponsors who are well respected who you can sound out ideas with periodically and who will look out for you.
Credibility is highest at the start of a new job. The challenge is to make that last and build on it. It is important to understand what you are trying to achieve quickly and “make your mark”.
Establish the connection between raising and spending the money.
From experience, in the process of raising the money a barrier got in the way eg ‘Brand’… there is a need to communicate the ‘brand’ eg ‘young people’.
It’s important to combine fundraising with marketing.
The higher you go up the organisation the more politics there is.
Race was never a conscious barrier. Sometimes a sense of isolation in terms of lack of representation from BME groups at events. However, the main emphasis was to focus on being the best he could be. If anyone appeared racist a personal strategy adopted was to keep it externalised because that was their problem.
Practical Tips
Get resources on fundraising from the internet.
About You
How are your skills set?
Fundraising could involve; selling, advising, planning and influencing etc
- Plan your career path.
- Be honest about yourself.
- Gets feedback from others regarding your skills?
- Identify your values and what motivates you?
- Find passion and make things happen.
Going into Business
- Where do you want to go? What type of business? What are the risks?
What assets do you have?
- Check your relationships.
- Who amongst them are potential clients?
- Use your relationships to open doors to opportunities.
- Build networks from different sources.
- Financing. Again relationships are important.
Dealing with very important people? Overcome your fear.
- They are human beings too. Find out what matters to them. What’s their agenda? Plug in from there.
Summary
- Find your passion
- Plan your career – how you intend to get there.
- Sponsors ‘air cover’ (boss and other sponsors outside the organisation)
- Hunger – to ‘learn’, improve and develop.
- Relationships and networks are important to connect across the organisation at every level. See it as ‘journeying’ with other people around you.
- Moral authority can come from who you are and how you interact with other people. Harness relationships. They could also be useful for future connections.
- Enjoy what you do!
