Paul Dennett

I trace my interest in fundraising back to when I was put forward by my local comprehensive for the Winchester College scholarship exams, and had the good fortune to win a place. I only had that opportunity because unknown benefactors believed so much in the importance of an excellent education that they had given sufficient funds to pay all my fees.

Something the late Dr Henry Drucker said to me very early in my career also had a big impact. He pointed out that major donors weren’t being beguiled or bullied into giving, nor generally acting on a whim. Instead, they were making informed decisions that their gift was the best and most rewarding way to use those funds rather than, say, buying a new car or paying for an exotic holiday.

At the time I thought it sounded a bit cheesy, but all my conversations with philanthropists since then have shown how right Henry was – the act of giving is one of the most satisfying things they do. It has certainly made fundraising so much easier, knowing that I’m doing a favour to the person I’m asking!

Areas of expertise

Fundraising start-ups; audit; feasibility studies; interim management; prospect management; internal communications and culture; data management; higher education; schools; museums and galleries.

More clients

Carbon Disclosure Project; Christ’s Hospital Foundation; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust; Goldsmiths, University of London; Institute of Physics; Institution of Chemical Engineers; Jesus College, Oxford; Latymer Upper School; Moorfields Eye Hospital; National Gallery; The Open University; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Specialist Schools and Academies Trust; Toynbee Hall; Winchester College.

Before More

Four years setting up the development office at the British Library; eight years at University College London, starting out as a telephone fundraiser, moving through a variety of roles and ending up as Deputy Director of Development (with responsibility for leading the major gift and corporate fundraising teams); advising the Jill Dando Fund on its successful £1 million appeal (during my time at UCL).

Outside More

With three young children there doesn’t seem much time for keeping up pastimes right now, except for cooking (I used to be a chef). Any spare energy tends to get channelled into doing up the house and garden, as it’s good to do something physical when you’ve been using your brain so hard all day.