News

We are thrilled with the news that our fundraiser Garry Donegan has been named Fundraiser of the Year for 2017 at the Scottish Fundraising Awards!

At a ceremony at Glasgow’s Doubletree Hotel on Thursday 3rd October 2017, Garry was presented with the honour which recognises exceptional dedication and success in fundraising.

The judging panel singled out Garry for his exemplary passion and his strength in building relationships – the key to great fundraising.

Garry joined Impact Arts in June 2016 and
submitted a successful £400,000 Cashback for Communities bid just three weeks into the job.

Since then, he has continued to work tirelessly to write and submit bids supporting Impact Arts’ vision. In his
first year, he submitted a total of 85 funding applications, helping to secure
our £1.5million turnover across over 50 funders.

Garry thanked the Institute of Fundraising, saying: “I could not be happier and more
honoured by this award.”

“I am very passionate about the work of Impact Arts and the third sector as a whole. I am privileged to be a part of it, and I honestly feel that the work that the other nominees do on a daily basis is equally deserving of recognition.

“I’d like to thank all my colleagues at Impact Arts. All our work and fundraising efforts are in collaboration with one another and our partners, which makes the process a very creative, effective and enjoyable experience – leading to more great work and benefit to children, families and communities.

“There is much we still want to achieve, but with a wonderful, hard-working team and the spirit of continual learning, development and relationship-building, I am sure we will continue to make great strides together.”

Impact Arts Director Fiona Doring said: “We are absolutely delighted for Garry. His tireless and thoughtful approach to fundraising is a true inspiration. He is always inquisitive, intelligent
and passionate about how our work fits with policy.

“As a fundraiser, Garry doesn’t work in a silo but
continually goes the extra mile for all colleagues – staying back to help clear
workshops, lending his digital expertise where needed, and giving presentations
when other key staff are unavailable. Nothing is too much trouble.”

“Garry became a dad for the first time this year and despite
the complete upheaval that a new baby brings, he has continued to give 110% to
Impact Arts.”

A full list of winners at the Scottish Fundraising Awards for 2017 can be found here on the IoF Scotland website.