Our Development Manager is nominated for Fundraiser of the Year!

Our Development Manager, Shona Blakeley is one of three nominees for the Institute of Fundraising’s Fundraiser of the Year award. Shona is responsible for raising funds for the Women’s Fund. The money raised is then distributed to community groups that empower women and girls to reach their full potential. The WFS is a constituent Fund of Foundation Scotland.

Shona Blakeley has been recognised for her inspirational work and the Institute of Fundraising Scotland will announce the winner at their Awards dinner on the 4^th October.

Fiona McLeod, Chair of WFS Development Board added, “Shona has a great combination of passion, business savvy, integrity and interpersonal skills. She takes time to build relationships, listening to donor needs and enables them to see the amazing impact their funding can have. Shona has the courage to ask donors for support because she sees first-hand the difference funding can make and knows the women and girls the WFS supports may not yet have the courage, staff or opportunity to ask themselves.”

The Women’s Fund support a diverse range of projects including dance and fitness classes, counselling and support services and workshops teaching skills such as DIY, music or craft-making. Shona Blakeley Development Manager, WFS added that the groups are her motivation: “The nomination is really a reflection of the Women’s Fund for Scotland. I raise funds so that we can keep making grants in Scotland. I’ve met many of the groups we’ve funded; they make me feel humble and inspired every single day.”

The Women’s Fund is on a mission to tackle inequality by funding community groups that build skills and confidence; improve health and well-being; build social networks and allow women to move on from violence. It supports projects run by and for women living in Scotland. The WFS are on a mission to make a difference not just individuals, but their family and needs of the community.

If you would like to help women across Scotland and make a difference to our communities, contact shona@foundationscotland.org.uk