BfN’s mentoring scheme is primarily focused on achieving longer term goals and developing the capabilities of black fundraisers. The scheme offers black fundraisers with an effective way of meeting and delivering targets whilst supporting the creative flair in fundraising which will ultimately drive projects forward. It is an effective way of learning from experienced professionals with impressive track records and gaining the confidence and skills needed to become competent in their chosen field of fundraising.
Objectives
BfN’s mentoring aims to:
- facilitate the exploration of needs, desires and skills to help fundraisers make lasting change.
- use appropriate techniques with mentees in order to identify solutions and actions.
- support mentees in setting appropriate goals and measuring goals in relation to Fundraising.
- creatively apply tools and techniques including facilitation and networking to achieve desire.
- ensure that every mentee develops professional competency.
Why mentoring?
BfN’s mentoring provides:
- access to a track record of in-depth of knowledge based relationships.
- mechanisms which helps mentees to learn, focus and deliver efficiently.
- access to professional support in developing new ideas and initiatives.
- members with enhanced fundraising skills through direct and practical advice and support
Who is BfN mentoring for?
- All black fundraisers
- Senior fundraisers beginning large appeals or setting up fundraising targets.
- CEO’s with lead responsibilities for fundraising.
- Fundraisers in need of a morale booster.
Mentoring Team
BfN’s mentoring is facilitated by experienced members of the network, through a well co-ordinated and practical approach.
Cost
BFN’s mentoring cost nothing at this present time for members. This may be reviewed in future to enable the Network to continue providing an efficient and effective mentoring service.
Outcomes
The scheme offers a practical system of support, which you can apply directly to your work.
- It’s an opportunity to focus on what you want and how you can achieve this.
- It helps you to focus on the future of your fundraising profession.
- It helps you to review your strengths and weaknesses.
- It helps you to be able to set achievable fundraising targets which you can implement easily.
Confidential
All issues between mentor and mentee are strictly confidential.
Action
BfN’s mentoring is carried out on an informal basis and the agreement on the duration of mentoring is between the Mentor and the Mentee. It is flexible and convenient. The Network already has identified Mentors within the BfN membership, (we are not restricted to obtaining Mentors solely from BfN).
Presently the demand currently outstrips the supply and we are still seeking potential Mentors who are experienced in fundraising and are willing to share their expertise with our members.
Mentoring Scheme
Mentees are required to complete an application form which is reviewed by a board sub committee which is also responsible for matching the mentee with the right mentor. The programme is monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that mentees get the best out of their relationship with their mentors. The evaluation also enables mentors and mentees to review any areas of concern. BfN’s mentoring programme also includes field visits etc.
Low Bureaucracy
BfN tries to keep the amount of paper work low. We encourage mentors and mentees to carry out the mentoring relationship in their own time. We also realise that they are all busy people and so we keep the amount of paper work down to a minimum.
Person Focused
BfN’s matches mentors and mentees using their own criteria taking into consideration personal and career circumstances. We are also able to provide mentoring through associations, meetings and the Yahoo groups and blog discussion forums.
