The Great Fundraising Masterclass usually receives very positive feedback but it is unusual for every delegate to share detailed responses to the event. Yet that was what happened following the Masterclass held in May 2025 in Edinburgh.

The delegates were from a variety of charities, as usual, but from early on there was a distinctively positive and supportive atmosphere as they learned about Great Fundraising and started sharing their challenges, hopes and aims for their organisation.

The responses, all posted publicly on LinkedIn, started appearing the morning after the two-day event.

Here they are.

The two other delegates responded privately with very positive feedback. None of the delegates were asked for feedback at the time, or to share their responses publicly. (The responses are of course their own, and not those of their employer).

Leigh-Ann Little, CEO of The Oxygen Works

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Great Fundraising Masterclass with Revolutionise International Ltd, and I can honestly say it has been one of the most transformative learning experiences of my career.

Let me start with a bit of honesty: I’ve spent nearly a decade in the third sector, supercharging my knowledge in how to support communities, becoming a trained Hyperbaric Oxygen Technician and Safety Director, steering a charity through a global pandemic, and project managing the rebuilding of our physical centre after a devastating flood. I’ve focused on growth, reach, capacity building, and worked to establish The Oxygen Works as the centre of excellence for oxygen therapy in Scotland.

But here’s the realisation: I’ve come this far and only now realise I know “hee haw” (to quote a good Scottish term!) about fundraising and how to actually grow a charity!

This course delivered a moment of sobering clarity. While I’ve organically known there are two strands to the work, delivery and funding, I’ve paid far too little meaningful attention to the latter. The masterclass helped connect those dots (the red and the blue…IYKYK) in a deeply emotional and inspirational way. There were so many lightbulb moments, I think they should be offering sunglasses as standard!

It wasn’t just the content (which was exceptional). It was the people in the room. From my wonderful colleague Jenni to the other inspiring individuals who pour their hearts into creating change, it was a privilege to share space with you all.

Alan Clayton, you are, without a doubt, a genius. Your words and insight have prompted a complete reframe, and I’m devouring your book already.

Kerry Vandersypen and Howard Lake, your delivery was candid, compassionate, often witty, always impactful. Kerry, your mastery of the mic drop silence is next level. The trust and safety you both fostered in under 48 hours was nothing short of mastery itself.

I leave energised, emotional, full of a desire to learn more, and Jenni and I have a to-do list the length of the Royal Mile. But most of all, I leave committed to doing better by those who fund the work, as much as those who benefit from it.

LinkedIn, 25 June 2025

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Hannah Gillies, Manager at Home-Start Lorn

Last week I attended, The Great Fundraising Masterclass, organised by Revolutionise International Ltd. It was a great learning experience, filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and invaluable lessons on what makes effective fundraising. Over the course of the event, I had the opportunity to engage with inspiring individuals who share a common passion for making a difference.

Leaving the masterclass, I feel energised and eager to bring the knowledge and strategies I’ve gained back to my team at HOME-START LORN.

The sessions provided me with a fresh perspective on fundraising, transforming what often feels like a daunting task into a series of actionable steps. Fundraising, especially in the third sector, can be intimidating. However, for the first time, I feel confident in my understanding of not only the significance of individual giving but also in how to strategically approach it for maximum impact and success.

The masterclass emphasised several key strategies that I found particularly enlightening:

* Understanding Donor Motivation: Recognising what drives individuals to give and tailoring our approach to align with their values.

* Building Relationships: Fostering long-term relationships with donors rather than focusing solely on one-time transactions.

* Strategic Planning: Developing a well-thought-out plan that outlines clear goals, target audiences, and a roadmap for achieving fundraising success.

A huge thank you goes out to Kerry Vandersypen, Howard Lake, and all the other attendees who contributed to this learning experience. Although I have left with a substantial to-do list, I’m excited to begin implementing these strategies and exploring further collaborations with the other attendees!

LinkedIn, 25 June 2025

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Christianne McKenzie MCIOF (Cert), Senior Supporter Retention & Development Manager, Trussell

Last week I spent two days with a truly brilliant group of humans on Revolutionise International Ltd’s Great Fundraising Organisations course. It was cathartic, thought-provoking, emotional at times… and exactly what I needed.

I’ve come away with fresh clarity, a long to-do list, and a huge amount of love for this sector. It was so valuable to reflect on what great fundraising looks like when it’s driven by purpose, trust and emotional connection. How we must make it easier for supporters to act on their instincts to help, without overcomplicating the message.

Big thank you to Kerry Vandersypen, Howard Lake and the whole group for your honesty, generosity and humour. You made it a safe space for us all to be real about the joys and challenges of our work.

Also feeling very grateful to work for an organisation that genuinely invests in the learning and development of their staff 💚

LinkedIn, 26 June 2025

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If you want to experience the Great Fundraising Masterclass, do explore the upcoming courses from Revolutionise. As of June 2025, they are being run in multiple countries.