Ali James Consulting:
Helping Organisations Fundraise Better
ABOUT ME
Who is Ali James?
I am an independent fundraising consultant for the charity sector, with over 30 years experience, specialising in strategy, operations, and evaluation. I enjoy helping non-profit organisations to fundraise more strategically, effectively and efficiently, by offering practical advice and real world experience.
Whether you need an hour's advice, a complete project, or someone to cover a senior interim role, I can offer the flexibility, dedication, applied experience, and value for money that many of the larger consultancies just cannot offer.
I work across the charity sectors, but with particular expertise in education. I have also had recent clients in global health, conservation, and the arts.
Consultancy & Advice
From a few hours to a longer-term contract, I can offer practical assistance, help and realistic recommendations on a whole spectrum of fundraising & engagement, sharing my real-world experiences gained from 20+ years in senior management. I also advise high-net worth individuals on philanthropy.
Projects & Evaluations
Setting up from scratch, or planning a campaign? Perhaps your fundraising has suffered operationally? I can work on stand-alone, or longer-term projects, such as evaluating a development operation, devising a new programme, preparing an organisation for a campaign, or analysing data to better inform strategy and planning.
Training & Interim
Whether it is maternity cover for a senior post, or offering interim support to bridge recruitment issues, I have a lot of experience ‘helicoptering’ into a team and hitting the floor running to help out in a staffing crisis. I also have extensive HR, recruitment, and trustee & board training experience,
MY APPROACH
How I approach my consultancy
My aim with all my clients is to give them the tools to create strong and sustainable philanthropic cultures within their organisations. From facilitating long-term relationship building with donors, to managing thriving membership, supporter and/or alumni relations programmes, I completely tailor my work to their needs, goals, and stakeholders.
MY CLIENTS
Take a look at my happy customers
I have worked as a consultant since 2015. I was in-house consultant for a regular giving specialist for three years, and since 2018 I have been independent. Click the button below to see my portfolio of clients to-date, and the projects and work carried out.
PRO BONO ADVICE
Has your fundraising ground to a halt
I am happy to offer help and pro bono advice to small charities, as well as sharing recommendations on my website. Read my article on kick-starting your development operation, when you're falling short of your goals.
ACORN CAPITAL ADVISERS
Philanthropy Affiliate
I am also the Philanthropy Affiliate for Acorn Capital Advisers, a team of experienced wealth management and family office practitioners, who empathise with the complexities of multigenerational wealth.