We've all heard of Philanthropy. But what does that mean as a day to day job?I caught up with Leadership Gift Lead, Lynsey Golding to find out more.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) s sector leading Philanthropy team raised c£40million last year and we have high ambitions and a clear strategy to grow. Following the launch of our ‘More Research, Less Cancer’ campaign in February 2024, more than ever we are keen to expand our networks, cultivate, ask and steward philanthropic individuals. Our goal is to connect and collaborate, offering opportunities to support our life saving research in a meaningful and impactful way, such as supporting a PhD student through their programme. You could play a key role in taking supporters on that journey, and make them feel brilliant about supporting Cancer Research UK. This week I caught up with Lynsey Golding, our Leadership Gift Lead to take a deep dive into Philanthropy at CRUK and chat about her team....

How long have you worked for CRUK? 

I’ve just celebrated my 10 year anniversary! 

What did you do prior and how did that set you up for success in your role? 

I worked for a smaller charity for 5 years, Young Lives v Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) – starting off as an intern in their special events team before moving into their major gifts team. I became the lead fundraiser for a capital appeal in my final role there, before moving to CRUK, initially to raise gifts of £10k upwards to build the Francis Crick Institute. I raised 2 x £1m gifts by the end of the campaign which were incredibly proud moments for me. My career in philanthropy has grown from there and I now lead a super team of 4 fundraisers and hold relationships with some of our key donors and senior volunteers. 

How would you describe what a Philanthropy Manager does to someone outside the industry? 

One of my donors once reassured me that:

“you are not a biologist, nor are you an oncologist, but you have a very important role connecting us to opportunities where we can help solve problems and have an impact” 

A Philanthropy Manager builds authentic relationships with donors, often over years, to understand and engage them with CRUK to a point where they feel excited to make a financial gift to fund an aspect of our work. Opportunities range from directing it towards our research at the Francis Crick Institute, to donating to fund a PhD student, enabling the donor to get to know them and their project.

It’s a role requiring “polite perseverance” but is incredibly rewarding;

I’ve worked with some really amazing people (both colleagues, and donors!) and been to some very cool offices and events venues (including 11 Downing St!) If you’re curious about people, this is a great role! 

Tell us about your team?

We have two Senior Philanthropy Managers and two Philanthropy Managers in the team.  One of our Managers moved over from the Corporate Partnerships team, where she previously worked in account management and brought her transferable skills. One of our Senior Managers has worked for a range of UK-based charities, mostly fundraising from trusts and foundations, but originally started out as a music journalist! But day to day we all manage a portfolio of new prospects and existing donors, combined with a range of strategic projects that underpin our fundraising growth and success. 

What do you love about working in the philanthropy space for CRUK? 

All our donors have their own motivations for being interested in our work; for some, it’s a personal story about a loved one, instilling a strong desire to see improvements in early diagnosis. For others, it’s supporting first-class science to make a step change in solving a global problem.

I really enjoy getting to know our supporters and figuring out how best I can continue to inspire them to support us.

Some I’ve known for 10 years now - they may not give a new gift every year, but they act as our ambassadors and influencers in their business network and social circles, and it’s both a privilege and a great pleasure to work with them.  

What skills and behaviours do you think set you up to be a successful Philanthropy Manager? 

One of my team was close to giving up on a donor who had given £50k a year for 2 years, but had not responded to anything for 12 months. She discovered a new opportunity to introduce him to one of our scientists in the specific area he lives in, and suddenly it sparked a response. He was keen, and also dropped in that he wanted to give us another £50k. Being a relationship manager in Philanthropy is a rollercoaster! Goosebump moments and also times where you think someone is never going to respond. But

We are curious, creative, tenacious optimists, who know that we have an incredible opportunity for wealthy individuals to have an impact in cancer research, and hopefully enjoy the journey with us! 

Why is it an exciting time to join your team?  

We publicly launched the More Research, Less Cancer campaign in February this year. It’s the largest philanthropic campaign ever led by a UK charity, and we’ve been delighted with the reception!

Over the next 5 years we’re aiming to raise £400m to accelerate progress across 4 key strategic priorities

.We are nearly halfway, but we have lots more to do and lots more people to meet! There’s a great buzz around the campaign both internally and highlighted through great media coverage, so after 7 years of planning, I think it’s a perfect time to come on board. 

Describe your team in three words? 

Passionate, curious, optimistic! 

Tell us about development and what we can offer?

A unique aspect of development here is that we have an amazing set of senior fundraisers in the Philanthropy team, with decades of experience across the charity sector and higher education (both in the UK and abroad). The opportunity to learn from them and develop your skillset as a Manager is really exciting. We have a strong Learning & Development offer that is specific to Philanthropy and a range of CRUK talent schemes which we’d be happy to tell you more about. 

How do you like to manage flexible working within the team? 

We have a sector-leading flexible working culture, which is supported from the top of the organisation.

I have 2 small children and am able to juggle pick-ups/drop-offs/other needs and fulfil my working day around it.

In Leadership Giving we have our team day in the Stratford office on a Tuesday when we’re all together, then typically one or two other days in the office depending on donor meetings/other internal activities, and also where best you enjoy working!  

What would you say to someone who wanted to join CRUK as a Philanthropy Manager? 

This is a hugely rewarding role and the collaborative team ethos makes CRUK an enjoyable place to work. If you’re looking for a way to use your relationship building skills and passion to make a difference in a cause driven environment, we’d love to hear from you. 

We are now recruiting for a Philanthropy Manager in Lynsey's team. If you want to know more please reach our to Lynsey Golding or myself or you can click on the link to apply