IoF launches specialist group for fundraisers in the culture sector

The Institute of Fundraising has launched a new special interest group (SIG) aimed at fundraising professionals in the cultural sector.

The group is the IoF’s newest SIG and is launched as the institute continues to build on its work supporting charities and other organisations across the arts arena.

Martin Kaufman, chair of the IoF cultural SIG, said the move has been driven by a recognition fundraising is becoming more specialised.

“This is an enormous step forward for the sustainability of cultural organisations in this country,” he said.

“Rising to the triple challenge of continuing budget cuts, a need to better reflect the diversity of our society, and increasing competition amongst art forms, this initiative will allow cultural fundraisers to work closely with the institute around advocacy and government lobbying, research and training.”

It will also provide a “terrific opportunity”, said Kaufman, to share ideas and experience both within the cultural sector but also with traditional charities, educational, medical and other sectors.

He added: “This moment has been a long time coming, but the enthusiasm with which it has been greeted by a large number of organisations speaks volumes about the current perception of how it is needed.

“The time is right, and we are going to seize it.”