Creative New Zealand
Giblin Group capability building workshops and coaching equips arts-based organisations with skills to develop sustainable funding partnerships.
In late 2016, Giblin Group began working with Creative New Zealand (CNZ) to assist their investment clients with building fundraising capability in order to broaden their revenue streams beyond their core funder (Creative New Zealand) and build financial sustainability.
The annual coaching programmes involved a wide spectrum of arts organisations from across the country. Whilst each annual programme followed a best practice methodology, the programme for each client was individually tailored to meet their respective needs and address challenges, opportunities and priorities and to ensure that each client concluded the programme with tangible outcomes. The interactive and practical approach to the one-on-one coaching sessions enabled effective tailoring of coaching content throughout the programme. Using case studies inspired areas of opportunity for each client.
Fundraising methodology focus areas for each participant included:
- Developing their compelling case for investment (focusing on community outcomes);
- Increasing knowledge of the various funding streams and engaging a wider spectrum of funders;
- Understanding how to develop and retain strong funding partnerships;
- Best practice methodology for funder approaches/applications;
- The role of governance in fundraising;
- How to take a more systematic, proactive and diversified approach to revenue generation.
Throughout the programme, each participant was guided through developing a Revenue Generation Strategy, which provides a detailed roadmap as to how to leverage funding opportunities across the private and public sector (central government, local government, corporate partnership, trust funding, private giving and community fundraising revenue streams).
As a result of the coaching programme, all clients were able to identify areas of opportunity for potential additional funders based on shared community outcomes and objectives. By being able to articulate their organisation’s story and their contribution to community wellbeing outcomes, each client built upon their confidence in making ‘the ask’ to a wider range of potential funders.
The intensive capability training programme entailed a mix of one-on-one tailored coaching sessions and group workshops, which were held in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, to bring governance professionals together and share learnings about fundraising success, challenges and opportunities. The workshop were interactive and practical which enabled robust discussion and sharing of ideas and insights with each other.
The lessons learned by these arts-based organisations are universal and can be applied beyond the arts sector.
Clients have included:
- Footnote Dance Company (Wellington)
- McCahon House (Auckland)
- New Zealand Dance Company (Auckland)
- New Zealand Dance Festival, NZ Trio
- Blue Oyster Gallery (Dunedin)
- BATS Theatre (Wellington)
- CoCA – Centre of Contemporary Art (Christchurch)
- Basement Theatre (Auckland)
- Enjoy Contemporary Art Space (Wellington)
- Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Black Grace (Auckland)
- Fortune Theatre (Dunedin)
- Red Leap Theatre (Auckland)
- Te Pou Theatre (Auckland)
“The coaching enabled us to develop our existing fundraising activities and look for new opportunities. Giblin Group made sure that the initiatives we developed were ‘on brand’ for Basement… Thanks to the coaching we have managed to secure some new sponsors for this year’s show.”
– Sam Snedden, Business and Industry Development Manager, Basement Theatre
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whanau”.
– Jonty Hendry, General Manager, BATS Theatre
“Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Revenue Generation Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing the strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future”
– Grace Ryder, Gallery Director, Blue Oyster Gallery
Image credit: Red Leap Theatre Company
Since 2011 I have worked with Jenni and Christine on a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives in support of the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project. With their help and expertise, we have raised more than $28.8m from central government and Lottery sources. The Giblin Group are a pleasure to work with and have provided great advice on many occasions concerning communications and public engagement. I can certainly recommend their services.
Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Funding Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing this strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future.
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whānau.”
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”