Today we bring you a special message from Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive. He tells us about charity fundraising, what your support is achieving and his promise to you.
You may have come across some media stories about charity fundraising recently.
I've been an RSPB member for 43 years, and I've always cherished my relationship with my charity. I'm lucky enough to be the RSPB’s CEO now, and I know that the loyalty and commitment of our members is one of our main strengths. Without your support we would not succeed.
You give the RSPB the ability to stand up for nature when we need to; through your voice, your time and your money.
Your support and your money
It is getting tougher to save nature. Quite simply, we can’t give nature a home at the scale needed without money and, to do that, we need to raise charitable funds.
It helps us buy land, like Abernethy, where we're restoring the Caledonian Forest for capercaillie, red squirrels and crested tits; it helps us defend special places, like Minsmere where our long-term presence is down to you; and it helps us protect vulnerable birds like roseate terns.
RSPB’s science is cutting-edge and, whenever we ask you for money, it's because there is a real conservation need informed by long-term research and evidence.
Thanks to you, our membership is growing.
I'm proud to say that last year, we spent £3.2 million more on direct conservation than we spent the previous year. Indeed, on average across our range of fundraising activities, for every pound we invest we raise around £4 for charitable purposes.
Our annual review shows how we spend your money.
Our fundraising promise
The long and short of it is that we always meet fundraising standards and guidelines – and we aim to exceed them. Take a look at our fundraising promise for more.
To help us recruit members and fundraise, we have worked in partnership with a small number of agencies for a long time - their staff are an extension of our team. We draft in their skills during times when we need extra help or where they are experts in their area.
Our agencies must comply with the same standards we do, and we pick them ourselves. My colleagues help to train the staff themselves and ensure that they continue meeting the high standards we set.
Giving your feedback
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and learn. I welcome all feedback and my team will investigate all concerns or complaints promptly and considerately.
I know that we couldn’t save any of the birds, wildlife and special places that we do without you. Nature is increasingly under threat and we need your commitment and support more than ever.
I can't stress enough that:
They are three simple, but important points, and my promise to you.
Thank you.
Dr. Mike Clarke RSPB Chief Executive
Ps. If you want to change how we contact you then either email or phone our supporter services team on 01767 693680 (Monday–Friday 9 am–5.15 pm).