Services
Get in touch to find out how I can help with your fundraising:
Fundraising strategy and planning
Funding and prospect research
Bid writing and review
Establishing a trusts and foundations portfolio
Interim leadership
Fundraising data and CRM support
Impact reporting
Troubleshooting
Sj
pickering
consulting
Experience
Includes
Assistant Director of
fundraising
Head of trusts
Senior Trusts Fundraiser
Trust Fundraiser
Fundraising & grants
Officer
Commissioned contract manager
Funding and Projects manager
Home-Start UK
Home-Start UK
Sands
Shine
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
NCT
Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice
About Me
Hello there
I’m Sarah-Jane, parent, dog owner, ardent Archers listener, theme park fanatic, fundraiser.
I live in Derbyshire with my husband James, our daughter Hattie and our dog Larry.
I’m really proud to be a Mum and one of the reasons I have chosen to set up my own business is to have the flexibility to have more time with my brilliant small human.
I love to travel. Since I was 5 I have been touring the coast of the UK anti-clockwise with my family every May. We started in Dorset and in 2023 we were in Argyll and Bute – still a long way to go. My favourite places so far have been Shetland and Harris.
Experience
My career in the charity sector began in 2009 as an Advisor at Citizens Advice. I assisted folks with various quandaries, from financial struggles to locating lost racing pigeons. It was an eye-opening experience that taught me so much about how charities function and the hurdles they face.
Fundraising wasn't always my goal, but as I began managing funded projects, I fell in love with matching the amazing work of charities with the passions of donors. My first big win was scoring a massive multi-year grant at double the amount I had requested - I was hooked!
Over the years, I've worked for several UK charities like Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Ramblers, Sands, Shine, and NCT, focusing mainly on Trust Fundraising, Project Management, and Development. One of my most memorable moments was being responsible for the Weasley Twins (James and Oliver Phelps) at Buckingham Palace during my time at DofE.
In 2021, I joined Home-Start UK, where I was promoted to Assistant Director of Fundraising. There, I led a team to deliver a strategy to diversify income, become data-driven and transform into a fundraising organisation. I have a real passion for all things CRM and enjoy talking about it endlessly. I also took the lead on grant-making, which made me a better fundraiser.
I launched SJ Pickering Consulting because I craved a fresh challenge. I'm a natural troubleshooter who thrives on problem-solving and setting things up for success. I wanted to work with a range of charities and good causes and make a difference along the way.
Testimonials
"SJ defines what it is to be a fundraiser...she makes it her mission to help people achieve their goals and does so with the highest level of commitment, compassion and success"
“I’m so impressed by your drive and your passion for this charity!”
“I love your take on things. You are great at cutting through the noise and you are so fun to work with.”
Get in touch.
Hey there! I'd be thrilled to have a chat and see if I could lend a hand with your fundraising efforts.
You can reach me at sjpickeringconsulting@gmail.com
Our company is limited by guarantee and our registration number is 15043770.
