Proud to be shortlisted for the Insight in Fundraising Awards
I’m incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for a Data Hero Award at the Insight in Fundraising Awards, run by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
The awards celebrate excellence in data-led fundraising and communications across the charity sector, recognising individuals and organisations using insight and evidence to strengthen their work and increase impact. The ceremony will take place in April 2026.
I’m also proud that Bright Cause, the agency I’m part of, has been shortlisted for Partner of the Year - a really affirming moment for the way we work with charities: collaboratively, strategically, and with impact at the centre.
Why a Data Hero shortlist makes sense for comms
At first glance, “data” might not be the first thing people associate with communications roles. I don’t have “data” in my job title, and I’m not a data analyst. I’m a communications and brand professional working closely with fundraising teams and charities.
But the more I reflect on the nomination, the more it makes sense.
Data underpins much of what effective charity communications and fundraising already rely on. It shapes decisions, helps teams prioritise, and provides the evidence needed to make better - and often braver - choices.
Most comms professionals use data every day. We just don’t always call it that.
Why data and comms go hand in hand
In practice, data in communications isn’t about complex dashboards or chasing numbers for their own sake. It’s about using insight to make work more focused, realistic and effective.
That includes things like:
Understanding audiences - using insight to decide who we’re talking to, what matters to them, and how best to reach them
Shaping fundraising messages - testing and refining language based on what resonates, not just what sounds good internally
Choosing channels intentionally - prioritising platforms and formats based on performance, capacity and audience behaviour
Planning campaigns realistically - using past data to set achievable timelines and expectations
Defending priorities - using evidence to push back on unrealistic demands or last-minute changes
Measuring what matters - recognising when metrics like reach and impressions are meaningful indicators, especially for awareness and behaviour-change work
Used well, data isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about clarity.
Data can prevent burnout
For small comms and fundraising teams in particular, data can be protective.
It helps teams say no with confidence.
It supports prioritisation when everything feels urgent.
It reduces the constant sense of firefighting by grounding decisions in evidence rather than instinct alone.
In a sector where teams are often stretched and under-resourced, that matters.
A wider reflection on the sector
I think it’s encouraging to see data-informed communications recognised in its own right - not as something separate from fundraising or brand, but as part of how strong charity communications actually work.
Good comms isn’t instinct versus evidence. It’s the two working together.
Being shortlisted for a Data Hero Award doesn’t change how I approach my work. It simply reflects the reality that thoughtful, people-centred communications is already rooted in insight, evidence and learning - even when it doesn’t look like “data” on the surface.
I’m grateful to be shortlisted alongside some incredible people and charities, and proud of the work we’re continuing to build through Bright Cause.
