GEMMA DOWNHAM
Transforming Fundraising into Lasting Impact
15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
I’ve worked as a fundraiser for 15 years, increasing Addenbrooke’s charitable income by introducing the UK’s first Grateful Patient Programmeand leading capital campaigns for a Children’s Hospital (£32 million raised) and Cancer Hospital (£8 million raised), starting from a place of zero prospects.
I’ve worked in all aspects of fundraising from community to corporate, marketing to major gifts and trusts & foundations.
I now work with fundraising teams to inspire them to be even braver, focused on the activities that will generate the highest return and understand what donors want when thinking about their largest gifts.
I work with hospitals and universities inspiring clinicians and academics to engage with their fundraising and development teams to increase income for their projects and organisations.
I specialise in helping NHS charities move from reactive fundraising to strategic growth — aligning fundraising with hospital priorities and building long-term donor relationships.
SOME OF THE GREAT Fundraising Organisations I’ve Been Proud to Support
How I Support Fundraising Teams to Achieve Greater Impact
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Bespoke team training
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Coaching to help fundraisers thrive and stay in charities for longer
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Consultancy to solve specific challenges
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Feasibility studies
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Fundraising Programme reviews
"Gemma is a breath of fresh air – she is ever passionate, practical and supportive. She never sees problems, only opportunities"
Cambridge University Hospitals
"Gemma is a wonderful fundraiser and we miss working with her. She’s fabulous at building relationships – she is thoughtful, entrepreneurial and most importantly, listens. We never felt like she was trying to sell us something. Her approach encouraged us to introduce other donors because we felt like we were in safe hands. She’s thoughtful and communicative when there’s no pending ask. More charities need a Gemma!"
"Gemma introduced the first Grateful Patient Fundraising programme in the NHS to Cambridge University Hospitals. Since then we have seen an increase in donations and increased staff engagement with the charity"
Maxillofacial Surgeon
Roland Sinker, CEO
Cambridge University Hospitals
