Kate Parsons

Charity communications and philanthropy

Supporting charities and non-profit organisations with clear, thoughtful communication design. From campaigns and donor materials to reports, stories and community engagement content, I help non-profits share their work with clarity and confidence.

Institute of Fundraising Introduction to Fundraising Certificate. CPD includes: Using and Managing Data in Fundraising; Trusts Fundraising; Bid Writing; GDPR Compliance; Corporate Fundraising; Fundraising for the Arts.

“Kate’s design skills and knowledge of on and off-line media communicated a clear and resonating campaign. Building relationships with diverse stakeholders, alongside the stewardship of donors and supporters, Kate was able to build up a network of financial supports.” CEO, Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust

case for support / writing and design

Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust: case for support document

One-year (part time) contract as Development Manager to maximise the final year of an HLF match-funding opportunity. I reframed the ask and redesigned campaign branding highlighting AVCT's importance to the community: heritage,  green space, educational and cultural offers sited in a deprived ward.

Charity communications insight

image of 'red dog', painting by Kate Parsons. This section shows industry insights and creative projects of graphic designer, illustraotr, artist, writer, content creator Kate Parsons, Swindon, Wiltshire

Creative miscellany and insights

event management

Arnos Vale: Spring Eternal fundraising gala

video link to film shot at Arnos Vale fundraising gala, showing in-kind support from entertainers, service and atmosphere as well as guests including the Bristol mayor George Ferguson

Video © Harrison Dowling Media

Watch the video above. Event design and branding, organisation and management (working with trustee, Lindsay Telling), gaining sponsorship and in-kind support. Reduced costs from planned £21K to just £1,600 by switching to an informal menu and entertainment (better matched to AVCT's brand). 70 invited guests. Raised £7,500 – ROI 1:4.7. Stewardship of non-attendees raised further £2,250.

The cost reduction was achieved by engaging the community to support our fundraising events. Their support and the Trust's gratitude is reflected in the Spring Eternal event programme (above) I produced.


Also see: brand work for Willows Counselling Service

charity communications

Emmaus Bristol

I worked (part-time) as Marketing and Donations Officer. Lots of database work, supporter stewardship, social media campaigns; presentations and networking. I continue to produce (freelance) Emmaus' quarterly newsletters (print and e-news). One of many newsletters, below:


philanthropic proposal and reports

University of Oxford Development Office

Kate Parsons was employed by the University of Oxford development Office to write philanthropic proposals and donor reports. She designed parketing and advertisements using Oxford University photo library images

Employed part-time to write philanthropic proposals (to foreign High Commissoners, high-net-worth individuals and businesses) and donor reports. I also created ads and mailers targetting segmented donor audiences for the Oxford Thinking fundraising campaign.



charity communications / education

Explaining homelessness: Emmaus Bristol primary schools’ presentation

 

Click to see the primary schools' presentation. Part of my work as Marketing and Donations Officer was community outreach to encouage support. This included visiting schools to talk about homelessness and Emmaus' work. 


case for support / infographics

Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre: annual review

As I was overseing the charity's new branding, this logo-less annual report doubled as a case-for-support document. Charity statistics are presented as infographics.

Also see: GRASAC fundraising mailer in Maps and infographics