The Institute of Fundraising has launched a new diversity 'access fund', which is designed to raise £10,000 to fund bursaries for the Fundraising Convention in July.

The fund aims to enable a diverse range of fundraisers to develop their skills and experience by providing bursaries for individuals to attend the IoF event, which is held at the Barbican in London.

The IoF will invite fundraisers who self-identify as BAME (Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background), LGBT+, or disabled to apply from 2 April 2019.

Successful applicants will receive bursaries for travel and accommodation costs, as well as a ticket for one or more days to the convention.

Last year, the IoF awarded bursaries to 23 people who would have otherwise been unable to attend and contribute to Fundraising Convention.

Commenting, IoF chair, Amanda Bringans said: “Our community currently lacks the real diversity it needs to fulfil its potential to support the causes we all care about. This is not only unacceptable but means that we are missing out on so much talent. That’s why we are asking for donations to support the Diversity Access Fund, an early step for us to achieve our ambition of a more equal, diverse and inclusive profession.

“We have already received many generous donations from the fundraising community and hope that with the support of fundraisers, organisations and partners within the sector, we can raise a further £10,000 so that more people from diverse backgrounds can attend Fundraising Convention.”

To donate to to the fund, click here.

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