Happy anniversary to us!
On 5th October 2021, we officially launched Roots + Wings to the world! As we approach our one year anniversary, we wanted to share our list of the top ten highlights from our first year of operation.
We are so proud of all we have achieved in our first year, and very grateful to the amazing clients who have chosen to work with Roots + Wings.
We have worked with some incredible clients in our first year - could you be next?
Our highlights from the past year
First of all - the reason we started Roots + Wings was to make a difference for the non-profit sector. We've worked with an incredible range of clients this year - local, national and international charities of all sizes and a wonderful range of causes (pictured above). Thank you to everyone who chose to work with Roots + Wings this year!
This time last year, we were lucky enough to work with designer Kim Whyte of Figgydoo to develop our branding. One year on, we've had lots of compliments on our visual identity and we absolutely love it!
In October 2021, we launched our website. We'd love you to take a look around if you haven't already - and let us know what you think!
A core part of our Roots + Wings values is to redistribute privilege throughout the charity sector by supporting non-profit organisations led by people who face systemic discrimination and whose organisations can’t afford to pay for consultancy. In our first year we have supported some truly inspirational small charities with pro bono work. If you know a charity who might need pro bono support next year, please put them in touch with us.
In November 2021, we launched the Roots + Wings Collective - a group of collaborators who share our values and our commitment and passion to make transformational change in charities and non-profit organisations. The Roots + Wings Collective is an inclusive movement, not an exclusive club. If you’d like to join, drop us a line.
In March 2022, we both spoke at the Hospice Income Generator Network Conference. Shivonne shared top tips for fundraisers looking to become organisational leaders and Lucy shared 5 lessons about in-memory fundraising based on personal experience of hospice care.
In April 2021, we launched the Coaching Circle for Leading Women in collaboration with Brita Fernandez Schmidt. The first cohort of this intimate coaching group will soon be finishing the six-month course. Watch this space for opportunities to join the next cohort!
In June 2022, we sponsored our first sector event - the Fundraising Everywhere Small Charity Virtual Conference. As part of our support, we offered a free 'Power Hour' of consultation time to delegates. This was really successful and something we want to do more next year.
Rather unexpectedly, we have worked with many Trustee Boards this year. If you have read any of our blogs, you'll know that we have some pretty strong views on the importance of having the right people on your Board at the right time. The Boards we have worked with have been open, curious and willing to pivot and embrace change. But we have also seen what happens when the wrong Board is in place. The crisis management projects we have led this year originated from Boards without the right experience or guidance. If you are a trustee or CEO and want a chat in confidence about Board training and development, please get in touch. Our Collective is full of former CEOs, former Senior Execs and current and former Board members. Nothing shocks us, and our problem solving approach is led by our values and deep experience.
This year has been all about passion projects. How lucky are we?! We have worked with the most inspirational leaders and teams, across all aspects of organisations. We've loved working alongside you; whether we reconnected again after weeks or years, or whether we met you this year by chance or introduction (or because, like Shivonne you are also obsessed with our Roots + Wings Inspiration Officers, Milo and Minnie the Shih Tzus!). We have also been so grateful for the support, collaboration and guidance we have received from our peers in the sector. We would particularly like to thank Alan Gosschalk, Beth Upton, Jane Curtis, Susie Hills, Nikki Bell, Simon Scriver, Jayne Hardy and Vic Hancock Fell.
Find out more about Roots + Wings and how we could help you overcome fundraising, communications, or other challenges you’re facing. If you would like to work with us, drop us an email on hello@rootsandwings.studio