Long-term, sustainable, strategic fundraising support for Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company, a well-established but small arts organisation that was yet to secure its first major gift

Client

Established in 1988, Shobana Jeyasingh is one of the world’s leading dance companies. It works across the UK and internationally to produce and tour dance works by artistic director and choreographer, Shobana Jeyasingh.

Brief

In 2010, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company had a strong three-year plan, but was in search of fundraising strategy. The choice was either to take on a freelance fundraiser or to use the same budget for some long-term, sustainable strategic advice.

Project dates
2009 to 2012

Sanjivan Kohli, former CEO, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company, says:
“In the arts it’s tempting to feel a bit defeated by the financial climate, but Rachel and colleagues were always upbeat, supportive and generous with their time and knowledge. From the start they understood the challenges of running a small arts organisation with limited resources. They just got to work identifying and researching prospects, setting goals, measuring progress – and played a key role in getting our first big donation (from the Garfield Weston Foundation). Somehow, they managed to change our entire internal mindset.

“When we finally had the strategy and the gift in place, it sent out a message to our stakeholders that we were making a big step change. It felt like a pivotal moment.

“Now we’ve got to the point where we have the strategy, we have the tools. But we wanted to keep More Partnership involved. Their culture of caring is helping us on our continuing journey.”