Rebecca Rendle

I felt I couldn’t say no when my new boss at CSV asked me to run the Lord Mayor of London’s fundraising appeal in 1990. I was 24, a junior press officer and had just moved to London. I knew nothing about fundraising, was terrified but didn’t want to be a wimp.

The following two years were a baptism of fire: pounding the City streets, experiencing the full pomp, circumstance and tradition of the mayoral year and the liveries; watching money pour in to help thousands of kids learn to read across the UK. We had the courage to ask for, and get, four gifts of £250k from major corporates – among many others. I was amazed. I learnt such important lessons about the power of asking, of having vision, of dedicated leadership and of the transformative impact of giving.

And Iain More was my consultant throughout. Not just any consultant. I still remember him ploughing up and down the Golden Lane swimming pool, raising money for our campaign in a sponsored swim – above and beyond all the advice and encouragement he gave us. The experience got me hooked, it’s why I’m still involved in fundraising today – and why I’m here at More, following in Iain’s footsteps.

Areas of expertise

Feasibility studies; interim management; major gift fundraising; working with companies; strategic advice, audit and mentoring; start-ups; fundraising communications.

More clients

Birkbeck, University of London; Cancer Research UK; Christ’s Hospital Foundation; HEFCE; Imperial War Museum; Keble College Oxford; Higher Education Policy Institute; Institution of Chemical Engineers; Pegasus Theatre; Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company; SOAS; The Soil Association; Somerville College Oxford; University College London; University of Westminster; V&A.

Before More

Having the time of my life doing an English degree and lots of student politics at Oxford during the 1980s; running the 1990-91 Lord Mayor’s Appeal for a nationwide schools programme at Community Service Volunteers (CSV); establishing the communications and fundraising team at CSV; heading up CSV’s youth volunteering programme and a team of 120 staff; consulting for Oxford Philanthropic with Henry Drucker, with fascinating clients from Tate to the Labour Party; consulting for Iain More in the early days of the company; having the privilege of being Fundraising Director for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres before returning to the More fold in 2006.

Outside More

Bringing about social change through volunteering – I was among the first members of the Stonewall Group and now I’m on the board of Attend, the health and social care volunteering charity; being as active and healthy as possible – swimming, pilates, hiking, attempting to relearn how to sail (after growing up by the sea in beautiful West Wales); cooking with my partner for friends.