We have just launched the results of our research into what charities want from grant-makers, and what a model grant-maker looks like in the eyes of charities. ‘Taking nothing for granted’ is an extensive piece of research and here is a blog outlining what we believe are some of the hallmarks of a model grant-maker.

The diamond jubilee celebrations are over. The bunting is being put away.

Charities have a new big brother. A new set of what is right and what is wrong about how they should think and behave.

Two weeks ago at Tenter Ground we transformed our main meeting room downstairs into a pop up ‘swap shop’ and traded our old, unwanted or unused clothes, shoes and accessories with each other in the name of fashion, recycling and the climate. Swap shops, freecycling, swishing or even - as Joanna Lumley has now coined on behalf of M&S’s new initiative – “shwopping” are a growing phenomena that encourage us to swap our old or outgrown garments with colleagues/friends/family/strangers instead of throwing them away and buying new clothes.

We were inundated with applications for our recently advertised post of administrator. The competition was really fierce.

Sadly, my time at nfpSynergy is winding down and someone new will soon take my place. I thought I would take this time to reflect on my work and share my experiences so that applicants can know what being an Intern with the Business Development team is like.

Legend has it that we’re living in a brave new world of community minded companies and business like charities. So a partnership between a company and a charity is now a partnership of equals with shared values and a common goal, right?