Raise Charity Podcast

From Fundraiser to Freelancer: Surviving Burnout and Building Your Business

Have you ever quietly wondered: Could I go freelance?

For many fundraisers, freelancing can feel like the risky option. But what if stepping outside the org chart could actually bring more security, control and a more sustainable relationship with your work?

In this episode of Raise, Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles are joined by Bethany Helliwell-Smith, founder of Awen Coaching, to talk about her journey from in-house fundraiser to coach, facilitator and business owner.

After a career spanning telephone fundraising, Individual Giving, Major Gifts and Legacies, Bethany experienced burnout, furlough and three redundancies before the age of 30. But she hadn't fallen out of love with fundraising or the charity sector, she needed to find a different way to work within it.

We talk about the identity shift that comes with leaving the org chart, why the skills that make a great fundraiser can also make a great business owner, what you need to unlearn when you go freelance, and how to build a sustainable business without recreating the burnout you left behind.

And for anyone thinking about making the leap, Bethany has one particularly important message: Don't just recreate your employed life without the regular salary.

If you're considering freelancing, already building your own business, or simply wondering what else your fundraising career could look like, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Bethany and her work, including Freelancers for Good™, at Awen Coaching | Coaching, Facilitating and Speaking for the Charity Sector

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

How do you convince your organisation to invest in fundraising?

It's one of the biggest challenges fundraisers face. You know investment is needed to grow income, but how do you build the case? How do you bring your Board and senior colleagues with you? And how do you demonstrate that fundraising isn't a cost—it's an investment?

In this episode of Raise, Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser are joined by fundraising consultant Luke Genevrier-Mallett for an incredibly practical conversation about securing investment in fundraising.

Together, they unpack what it takes to develop a compelling business case, build confidence with decision-makers and create the conditions for sustainable fundraising growth. Whether you're a Director shaping an organisational investment strategy or a manager seeking additional resource for your own team, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put into action straight away.

In this episode, we explore:

* Why investment in fundraising is often misunderstood—and how to change the conversation.

* How to build a persuasive business case that resonates with Boards and senior leaders.

* Bringing colleagues and stakeholders with you on the journey.

* Different types of fundraising investment, from people and systems to campaigns, consultancy and innovation.

* Thinking about return on investment beyond simple financial metrics.

* Common mistakes that weaken investment proposals—and how to avoid them.

* How investment decisions look different for Directors, Heads of Fundraising and team managers.

* Practical tips for communicating risk, opportunity and long-term value.

* The importance of confidence, evidence and timing when asking for investment.

This is one of our most practical episodes yet, filled with real-world examples, honest reflections and actionable advice for fundraisers at every stage of their career.

Whether you're preparing your next budget, writing a business case or simply wondering how to have better conversations about investment, this episode will leave you with ideas, frameworks and confidence to help make your case.

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

On this episode of Raise we have Harpreet Kondel, Chair of the CIOF, and we are having an imperfect, important, and authentic conversation about talent in the fundraising sector.We dive into diversity, inclusion, hiring practices, line management, and so much more. This episode works on so many levels, whether your long in tooth in the fundraising sector and wanting to explore some critical thought questions or if your brand new to your leadership journey and need a bit of guidance.Some resources we talk about in this episode:The new CIOF strategy: https://ciof.org.uk/about-us/ciof-strategy/Maya Bhose’s work: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/exploring-new-routes-into-charity-employment-for-over-50s/Harpreet’s apprenticeship programme: https://www.jga-group.com/fundraiser-apprenticeship-level-3/Bias job description checker from Diverse Talent: https://app.diversetalent.ai/public/job-bias-checker-freeMusic from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

What if the thing you’ve been worrying about in your career… is actually your biggest strength?

In this episode of Raise, we’re joined by Rebecca (Bec) Allin to talk about non-linear career paths and why they might be your secret weapon.

Bec shares her journey into the sector, bringing experience from outside fundraising and carving her own path along the way. We talk honestly about how tough it can be to break into the sector (and why it can sometimes feel like there’s a “right” way in), as well as what happens once you’re in.

Because here’s the thing: progression doesn’t have to mean chasing the next job title.

We explore what it looks like to grow differently, whether that’s building new skills, moving sideways, or shaping a role that actually works for you. Bec also reflects on the pressure to compare yourself to others (we’ve all been there 👀) and why letting go of that timeline can be a game-changer.

If you’ve ever felt like your career path doesn’t quite “fit the mould”, this one’s for you.

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

Change is never easy, especially when it comes in the form of a restructure that brings uncertainty, pressure, and difficult decisions.

In this open and candid conversation, we’re joined by Ashley Hickman to explore what it really means to navigate change when the stakes feel high and the path ahead isn’t clear. Together, we unpack the emotional and practical realities of leading through restructuring, particularly when your own role may also be at risk.

Ashley shares thoughtful, honest reflections on how to show up for your team during ambiguous times—balancing transparency with empathy, and leadership with humanity. We also talk about the importance of taking care of yourself, finding trusted spaces for support, and staying grounded when everything feels daunting.

Whether you’re currently experiencing change or preparing for it, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical ways to lead and live through uncertainty.

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

In this episode of Raise, Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles sit down with Andy King of Fireside Fundraising for a fun and practical conversation about one of the biggest questions fundraisers face: when should you bring in outside help and what kind?

We unpack the differences between consultants, trainers, and freelancers, explore how each can support your organisation in different ways, and share honest advice on how to get the most value from working with external partners.

Andy’s report with Lesley Pinder on corporate partnerships: https://www.firesidefundraising.com/whycompaniesgive

This report explores why companies give and how fundraisers can build stronger, more strategic partnerships with corporate donors.

Andy King is co-founder of Fireside Fundraising, supporting charities with strategy, training, and practical fundraising insight. Fireside is known for bringing warmth, clarity, and real-world experience to organisations looking to grow their fundraising.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with a colleague, or leave us a review, it really helps other fundraisers find us.

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flowLicense code: LBBNKJRHF9ADYF2P

Raising the Bar marks the first Raise episode of 2026 and we’re kicking off the year a little differently.

In this special guest-free episode, Christine and Sian take the mic for a candid, reflective (and occasionally hilarious) conversation about what 2025 taught us, how we’ve grown along the way, and the lessons we’re carrying forward into the year ahead. From professional wins and challenges to personal moments that shaped us, this is an honest look behind the scenes of Raise and of us.

Expect vulnerability, laughter, and plenty of real talk as we share what it truly means to “raise the bar” in fundraising, leadership, and life.

Here’s to learning, evolving, and stepping into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and a sense of humour. 🎙️✨

Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flowLicense code: RWLGN1B8OVQLWBGL

In this honest and heartfelt episode of Raise, hosts Christine Neubeiser and Sian Wilkinson-Iles sit down with fundraiser Amber Scales to explore what it really means to learn to be yourself at work.

Amber shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, after years of navigating the charity and fundraising world without that understanding. Together, we unpack how self-awareness, neurodiversity, and workplace culture intersect, and what it takes to create truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

From advocating for yourself and finding your rhythm, to leading with empathy and building spaces where people can show up as they are and this episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no one “right” way to work.

Topics we cover:

Navigating the workplace before and after an ADHD diagnosis

Understanding your strengths and limits

Coping strategies for when things feel overwhelming

How leaders can build empowering, inclusive cultures

This is just the start of a much bigger conversation about neurodiversity and authenticity at work and we’re so glad to be opening it with Amber.

In this episode of Raise, Sian and Christine are joined by Ashby Jenkins, founder of Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, to explore how to build strong, strategic relationships with recruiters that can supercharge your career and help you build brilliant teams.

Together, we unpack how to get the most out of working with a recruiter, whether you’re job hunting, hiring, or planning your next career move. From understanding how recruiters work, to knowing what makes a partnership effective, this conversation is packed with practical tips, honest insights, and reflections on what makes the charity sector unique when it comes to talent.

Whether you're a leader looking to grow your team or a fundraiser thinking about your next step, this episode is full of valuable guidance on how to work smarter with recruiters.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment: https://www.ashbyjenkinsrecruitment.co.uk

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow

Ever wondered what truly fuels meaningful work? In this energizing and deeply affirming conversation, Sian Wilkinson-Iles and Christine Neubeiser sit down with the incredible Esther Kwaku to dive into the heart of it all: purpose and power.

Esther shares her powerful reflections on why purpose isn't just some lofty idea; it's your anchor. It's the very reason you show up, the wellspring of your joy, and the fuel that helps you step into your full potential, even when things get tough.

Join us as we explore how truly connecting with your purpose can transform the way you lead and work, no matter where you are in your career journey. Plus, Esther offers some fantastic practical strategies for how to find your purpose, rekindle that connection, and truly live it out every single day.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to lead with intention, work with joy, and stay deeply rooted in what truly matters. Cheers to raising money, voices, and glasses!

Facilitator. Joyful Work Coach. Speaker. Energiser | estherkwaku.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/hybridas/easy-flow