We're thrilled to announce that arts and heritage fundraising leader Helen Geary has joined More Partnership.

With 20 years of experience in all aspects of fundraising, Helen brings deep expertise in and passion for the arts and heritage sector. Her addition will bolster the More team as we grow our support across the sector, with current and recent clients including the National Trust, English Heritage, Historic England, the National Theatre, and the Barbican.

During her six-year tenure as Director of Fundraising at Lichfield Cathedral, Helen transformed the organisation’s project-based needs into coherent fundraising programmes to sustain long-term growth. She secured new donations from funders such as the Heritage Fund and Arts Council, introduced a successful legacy giving strategy, and doubled income through an upgraded membership scheme, all of which culminated in £7.5 million raised for capital projects and operating costs. These efforts enabled major restoration projects alongside newly commissioned work, preserving and developing the cathedral as a thriving cultural and community resource.

Through her career and trustee roles in the arts and heritage sector, Helen has developed strong expertise in securing National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council funding. At Lichfield, this involved building strong relationships with these key funders, successfully positioning the cathedral as a significant heritage site and aligning the cathedral's vision with their funding goals.

Before Lichfield, Helen occupied the first fundraising role at Bimingham City University, leading the charge in a £10 million campaign for the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. In doing so, she established fundraising governance and structure at Board level, facilitated cultural change within the organisation and developed a prospect identification and cultivation strategy that secured the University’s first-ever six and seven-figure gifts.

Alongside her day job, Helen is passionate about nurturing fundraising talent. For three years, she's been an active mentor for Evolve programme, a partnership between Young Arts Fundraisers and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, guiding arts fundraisers as they start their career or take a leadership role. She is skilled at helping fundraisers see where their role fits into a wider context and using that insight to give them confidence to move forward in their careers.

Helen’s career has also seen her contribute to the development of major institutions like the Courtauld Institute of Art and the National Theatre. As a consultant, she’s supported a range of NHS charities and she contributes her skills further through trustee positions at Sinfonia Viva and Classics for All.

On joining More Partnership, Helen said: “I am passionate about what philanthropy can enable within the arts and heritage sector. Sometimes it’s hard for cultural organisations to see this potential clearly. In joining More Partnership I’m very much looking forward to helping the sector fully recover from the pandemic period and flourish in the years ahead.”

Maarten Vervaat, Managing Partner at More commented: “There is a lot to be done to support and empower our colleagues within the cultural and wider charity sector. With Helen on board, we are excited to offer an enhanced set of skills and experience to advance their great ambitions.”

Curious about how Helen's expertise can move your organisation forward? You can contact her by email on hgeary@morepartnership.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.