Founded in the 1970s by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has evolved from repurposing decommissioned liners to launching the world’s largest hospital ship, serving Africa’s most vulnerable communities. Staffed entirely by volunteers, its floating hospitals have provided free surgeries to nearly 3 million people in some of the poorest countries in the world. Since 2017, More Partnership has been on hand to support a transformation in fundraising at the charity that’s powering more live-saving medical treatment.

Partners in purpose
Five billion people worldwide lack access to safe, affordable surgery, and conditions requiring surgery kill more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB combined. Fortunately, in Africa, more than 44% of the continent’s population lives within 100 miles of a coast. When a Mercy Ship arrives, desperate patients are always waiting.

More Partnership began supporting Mercy Ships UK in 2017 with a feasibility study to assess its potential for greater impact through major giving.

“The study was a key milestone,” says More Partner Simon Pennington, who has been alongside Mercy Ships every step of the way. “We interviewed international aid donors, uncovering strong connection and a desire for deeper involvement. This boosted Mercy Ships’ confidence and shaped a strategy to help the charity raise its sights in fundraising.”

Despite leadership changes, More Partnership’s ongoing support has ensured continuity in fundraising strategy and ambition.

A comprehensive package of support
“One pivotal moment was the launch of the Global Mercy in Rotterdam in March 2022. Mercy Ships Global had raised a lot for the conversion of this amazing, state-of-the-art ship, and Mercy Ships UK had delivered a series of breakthrough gifts to equip it with the latest medical technology. It was an honour to be at the event and to spend time with the donors who had made it possible.” says Simon.

Later in 2022, Shree Junk joined Mercy Ships as Director of Philanthropy from Barts Charity, another More Partnership client.

Shree said, “Since I joined, Simon has helped to review fundraising proposals, advise on the shape and structure of the team, and shape our metrics and KPIs – giving me confidence in the decisions I’m making. More has also provided coaching, which has grown skills and confidence in the wider team too”.

Since 2020, Simon has served on Mercy Ships UK’s Income Committee, guiding fundraising strategy and stewardship.

In 2022, he led a learning session to help Trustees understand philanthropy and confidently represent the charity’s fundraising ambitions. This was followed by engagement workshops for Mercy Ships UK staff to strengthen understanding of what great fundraising looks like at all levels in the organisation.

Today, Simon continues to support Shree and her team, focusing on securing breakthrough gifts and relationships for Mercy Ships’ future.

The impact of our work
Mercy Ships has undergone a major transformation. In 2022, it launched Global Mercy, a hospital ship large enough to hold all eight previous Mercy Ships, vastly expanding surgical capacity. Beyond surgeries, Mercy Ships now trains local healthcare workers, provides modern equipment, and shares research to improve surgical care across Africa.

Fundraising has also been on an upward trajectory, with a shift in culture that sees fundraising asks now made with confidence. Alongside the creation of a highly successful corporate partnership event – Cargo Day – this culture shift has enhanced giving from all high value income streams.

“In the last year, there has been a stability and excellent leadership across fundraising and marketing, and Mercy Ships has been able to lay down long-term foundations,” says Simon. “We’ve been discussing legacy promotion, participation in a range of faith-based events, building a strong mid-value donor programme. There’s a very dynamic energy about the current team”.

Working with More
Shree said: “I have had the pleasure of working with More in two of my roles, though in much more depth as the Director of Philanthropy at Mercy Ships. You can always count on More to take the time to get to know your specific Charity and to not just give boiler plate answers and advice, which I believe sets them apart from a lot of other consultancies. Their yearly Burns Dinner has been a highlight in my professional calendar, and you can see from the other people you meet that More has made an impact on all the organisations they consult with.”

To find out more about the bespoke support we could provide your organisation, contact us on info@morepartnership.com or 01382 224730.