Thoughts from the Study
Dealing with rejection
I was recently asked to contribute to Insight Magazine, a thought leadership publication on the topic of Philanthropy. I have used a shorter version of this article as my Thoughts from the Study this week.
In my experience, philanthropic thinking is accompanied by a high level of rejection; it demands vulnerability, considerable resilience, and a substantial reserve of positive energy. If one wishes to attract investment, all the aforementioned qualities are requisite, in addition to having a purpose and a compelling narrative. When executed correctly, philanthropic thought leads to the greater good, supporting initiatives and ideas that might otherwise fail to materialise.
My intention here is not to indulge in a self-congratulatory reflection, but rather to serve as a helpful reminder of my experiences in the realm of fundraising. Whilst the physical demands alluded to are not to be understated, they are dwarfed by the challenges of philanthropic fundraising, which represents the ultimate test of resilience.
The challenge
The challenge that became my narrative occurred on 15th June 2019, when I found myself in a team at the starting line of the world’s most difficult cycle race. The Race Across America (RAAM), often dubbed “the Everest of Cycling,” is a continuous, ultra- endurance event that begins in Oceanside, California, and concludes 3,078 miles later in Annapolis, Maryland. Traversing twelve states and encompassing over 190,000 feet of climbing, the race presents a plethora of formidable environments, including the traverse of Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth. We completed it in a little over six days.
The purpose
As we all know, climate change is a colossal issue that affects us all. Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems for future generations. My goal was to spotlight the ongoing work of the African Wildlife charity, Tusk, thereby raising much-needed funds to support their endeavours. With Prince William as a patron, I was confident that the royal endorsement would ensure the charity’s accountability and effective use of the funds.
Learning from past experiences
I was no stranger to participating in large- scale fundraising ventures or adventures. In 2012, my twin brother completed the Talisker Atlantic Row, spending 51 days at sea with a group of injured servicemen and raising one million pounds for a military charity. The event enjoyed coverage from ITV and benefitted from a substantial logistical and operational support team, highlighting the advantages of being part of a cohesive group.
Heeding advice from peers
In my quest for significant sponsorship, I reached out to several fund-management firms known for supporting similar ventures. With limited experience of persuading people to donate and to refine my pitch, I arranged a call with a world-record-holding cyclist who had recently circumnavigated the globe in 80 days. I anticipated a positive and motivating chat that I was on the right lines. However, the essence of his advice was a reality check: these companies sought substantial national exposure or groundbreaking achievements in exchange for their backing. I was also advised that they do not write cheques for less than six-figures. Despite some interest in my story, my proposals were ultimately met with polite refusal.
The importance of persistence
After countless in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and letters, and numerous rejections, I finally secured interest from a major American pharmaceutical company. My hopes were reignited, as it appeared my efforts to secure sponsorship for the race and raise funds for the global conservation charity were back on track. My excitement was short-lived, however; a day later, during a seven-hour training ride, I received a call from the company explaining they had to withdraw their sponsorship due to U.S. trading regulations preventing them from funding a British national, even though the event was in America. This setback was truly disheartening, sending me back to square one.
Entrepreneurial thinking
I remained determined to find support for a cause I passionately believed in. With only a few months before the race’s start, I had managed only to secure a sponsor for the bike and equipment, with a modest amount raised for conservation efforts. Many ideas came close to fruition. Realising the race coincided with the presidential election campaigns, I decided to reach out to a Democratic presidential candidate with the proposal of featuring her image on the support vehicles, which would be seen by thousands of potential voters en route. This idea was nearly successful, but timing constraints ultimately thwarted our plans. It was, however, a learning experience and gave me fuel to keep going.
Finding shared vision and purpose
My fortunes (or that of the charity) changed dramatically in a single day, thanks to prior networking and efforts to connect with the right people. A UK-based IT company, with whom I had been in discussions for six months, agreed to become a lower-level sponsor and cover additional race expenses. An American technology firm then reached out after a board member learned of my story through a friend. Lastly, a prominent European city bike manufacturer, seeking to expand its international visibility, offered sponsorship in exchange for my participation in a photoshoot, riding one of their bikes. Naturally, I accepted and within a day, everything fell into place.
Final thoughts
Philanthropy is often associated with the extremely wealthy, deemed best positioned to support large-scale projects. Many independent schools who are charities will have witnessed generous donations at their schools, contributing to buildings or scholarship endowments. Such donations are crucial for sustaining important work. However, through this journey, I have learned that philanthropy is not exclusive to the ultra-wealthy; it is a calling that can unite us in a shared objective. It involves rallying support for initiatives that surpass individual goals, aiming for a collective benefit that can significantly impact the lives of others and the broader world.
Wishing you all the best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations.
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. ...
Warmer weather is finally on its way! This week the children enjoyed outdoor play in the sunshine ☀️
Warmer weather is finally on its way! This week the children enjoyed outdoor play in the sunshine ☀️ ...
We are excited to invite local families to our new stay and play sessions. Our lovely Early Years team will prepare a range of indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, mud kitchen, sand play and a reading corner. The sessions are for children aged 18 months - 3 years old. There is no charge for these sessions but spaces are limited. All welcome! Please book a place via the link in our Instagram bio or send an email to admissions@broomfieldhouse.com. We look forward to welcoming you for a fun session at Broomfield House School! #stayandplay #toddlerstayandplay #earlyyearseducation #nurseryrichmond #nurserysurrey #stayandplaysurrey
We are excited to invite local families to our new stay and play sessions. Our lovely Early Years team will prepare a range of indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, mud kitchen, sand play and a reading corner. The sessions are for children aged 18 months - 3 years old. There is no charge for these sessions but spaces are limited. All welcome! Please book a place via the link in our Instagram bio or send an email to admissions@broomfieldhouse.com. We look forward to welcoming you for a fun session at Broomfield House School! #stayandplay #toddlerstayandplay #earlyyearseducation #nurseryrichmond #nurserysurrey #stayandplaysurrey ...
We offer parents transparency and open advice throughout the 11+ process which uses a deep understanding of every child, along with a highly effective data system that allows us to give personalised recommendations to each family.
We are particularly proud that our children have been awarded an amazing total of 14 scholarships to senior schools this year. Well done Year 6!
We offer parents transparency and open advice throughout the 11+ process which uses a deep understanding of every child, along with a highly effective data system that allows us to give personalised recommendations to each family.
We are particularly proud that our children have been awarded an amazing total of 14 scholarships to senior schools this year. Well done Year 6! ...
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌 ...
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.”
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.” ...
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield!
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield! ...
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife ...
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife ...
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️ ...
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️ ...
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife ...