Akram Khan Company

To mark their 20th anniversary, the Akram Khan Company wanted to explore their potential for diversifying their income and fundraising for their participation and professional development programmes. They appointed Nicole to develop a fundraising feasibility and strategy and provide recommendations on how to establish a new fundraising programme.

Nicole reviewed the charity’s business model and programme plans. She benchmarked the Company against similar organisations to assess the climate and scope for securing funding. She consulted with staff and trustees and interviewed several philanthropists and High-Net-Worth donors. Prospect research identified additional trusts, foundations, and individuals with an interest in dance and performance.

The project included the creation of a Case for Support by Nicole’s Associate Leo Crane at creative studio Figuration. Leo developed a compelling story for funders that could be adapted for different communication channels. ‘Opportunities for Support’ were developed, including an entry level giving scheme to kick-start the fundraising, through to packages designed to attract larger sums from trusts and immediate networks.

This project gave the Akram Khan Company the evidence – and confidence – to appoint an inhouse fundraiser to implement the recommendations. They also had the ammunition to respond quickly to the impact of Covid-19 and launch new fundraising initiatives around their anniversary digital content. Nicole’s involvement with the Company also helped position fundraising as an important strand of Trustee engagement. As a result, she was also asked to join the Board.

“I was super impressed with the scope and breadth of Nicole’s work in helping us understand and develop new approaches to fundraising. Her non formulaic patient approach rooted itself in the characteristics and values of our company. She understood our needs and guided us to a workable fundraising programme without us ever feeling compromised. All delivered with a warm professionalism that never went faster or slower than the speed of trust.”

– Farooq Chaudhry OBE, Executive Producer, Akram Khan Company

Photo: Xenos, © Jean Louis Fernandez