#284 'How To Develop High Value Funding Partnerships', Craig Pollard CEO Fundraising Radicals

In this episode of Purposely, I’m joined by Craig Pollard, Founder and CEO of Fundraising Radicals, to talk about what it really takes to build high value funding partnerships that actually last.

Craig brings three decades of experience working alongside civil society organisations and funders in more than 100 countries. He’s seen what works, what fails, and where organisations quietly undermine themselves in the pursuit of money.

We talk about why high value fundraising is not about slick pitches or chasing the next grant round. It’s deliberate. It’s strategic. And it starts with being clear about your purpose and the role you want to play in the wider ecosystem.

Craig shares his thinking on trust, alignment, and why the best partnerships are built on shared values rather than financial need. We explore what it means to design for long term value instead of short term wins, and why uncomfortable conversations are often part of building something stronger.

There’s also a challenge here for leaders and trustees. Are you clear on what “enough” looks like? Are you building partnerships, or just securing income?

If you care about moving beyond transactional fundraising and building relationships that genuinely resource impact, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.