In a funding landscape shaped by scarcity and short-term thinking, how do you fundraise successfully and sustainably? How do you juggle the role of a fundraiser – building relationships, running events, writing bids and more – without burning out?
That’s why we created: The Environmental Fundraiser’s Handbook, a video miniseries about why environmentalism isn’t broken, it’s broke.
What is The Environmental Fundraiser’s Handbook?
Across four episodes, The Environmental Fundraiser’s Handbook explores what it means to be a “good” environmental fundraiser in these complex times. We know the need for funding has never been greater. We also know this is a moment where so many are stepping up to tackle the polycrises we face. This video miniseries is a chance to hear from your peers with honest conversations about what actually works and how to do it without burning out.
Each episode explores a different part of the journey: finding your voice, understanding the bigger picture, creating meaningful relationships, and building community and wellbeing. You’ll learn from real stories, practical insights, and new ways of thinking about fundraising. Below is a taster of why you should listen now.
#1 Finding your voice
How can fundraisers communicate environmental issues with honesty, clarity and hope? Episode one focuses on how we move beyond fear-based or overly simplified messaging towards storytelling that is values-led, authentic and grounded in purpose. You’ll hear from:
- Rachel Orr, CEO, Climate Outreach
- Louise Krzan, Head of Philanthropy, Zoological Society of London
- Raysa França, Senior Philanthropy Advisory Manager, Impatience Earth
#2 Understanding the bigger picture
It’s easy to feel siloed as a fundraiser working on a particular issue or subject area. Episode two will help see your work as part of a wider movement and understand where environmental issues intersect with other issues. You’ll hear from:
- Patricia Cremona, Research Manager, EFN
- Jess Boyd, Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager, Environmental Investigation Agency
- Elizabeth Salter-Green, Founder – Director, CHEM Trust
#3 Creating meaningful relationships
Fundraising is often framed around targets and transactions, but at its heart, it’s really about relationships. Episode three explores trust-based partnerships between funders and fundraisers, and why honesty, transparency, and long-term thinking matter more than ever. You’ll hear from:
- Dr Sophia Cooke, Strategic Initiatives Lead, EFN
- Aruna Bahia, Sustainability Lead, Co-op Foundation
- Steve Jones, Chief Operating Officer, ORCA
#4 Building community and wellbeing
Burnout is now a systemic issue within environmental work and fundraising – so how can we protect and nurture better wellbeing as individuals and collectively? Episode four delves into how fundraisers can support one another through community, peer learning and shared practice. You’ll hear from:
- Jo Musker-Sherwood, Founder, The Rest of Activism
- Mohammed Towhasir, CEO, Become United
- Laura Perratt, Fundraising consultant, Prospect & Pitch
Why we brought nature into the video series
At the end of each episode, we offer a nature connection exercise with Andy Raingold & Chloe Revill from Change in Nature. Andy and Chloe work with people and groups to help them bring nature into their everyday work.
We know that those working in the environmental sector can sometimes, through no fault of their own, become incredibly nature deprived. We think it’s really important for those who are working to protect nature to (re)connect with the ecosystems, landscapes, wildlife, communities and people they love so much!
At the end of each episode, you’ll be offered a short nature connection exercise to ground you in the themes of each episode and how you might want to integrate some of the learnings into our work.
Don’t miss our helpful resources!
For each episode we have also provided a collection of helpful resources that build on the topics within each conversation and can help you learn more. You’ll find these resources and reminders of the key learnings and messages from each speaker on our dedicated page.
Podcast fans
Finally, for podcast fans, you can also listen to the series if you prefer. Search ‘The Environmental Fundraiser’s Handbook’ wherever you get your podcasts. Our dedicated page also provides direct links to our feed.
Tell us what you think
We hope you enjoy The Environmental Fundraiser’s Handbook! This is the first video series that EFN and the Green Fundraisers Forum has made and we would LOVE to know what you think. Let us know your thoughts by emailing us here.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all our contributors and partners for sharing their insights and helping make this video miniseries so successful. We want to especially thank The Onion Garden for hosting us in London and Studio Goldstar for producing this series.