Helping individuals and organisations create meaningful change through philanthropy

Sam Davies

Passionate about the power of philanthropy

I have over 25 years’ of experience in leading strategic fundraising and stakeholder engagement for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Throughout my career, I have been been involved in a range of projects spanning education, health, academic research, community engagement, arts, wellbeing, disability and access.

My fundraising career began during my final year at the University of Warwick as a student caller in 1997. Following graduation, I spent two years managing telephone campaigns at 22 institutions as a consultant. I then joined Warwick full-time and built up one of the UK’s most successful annual giving programmes.

In 2008, I took up the challenge of establishing a fundraising and alumni engagement operation from scratch at the University of Brighton and during my tenure, we received national and international awards for our fundraising progress and innovation.

Most recently, I served as the Head of Philanthropy & Alumnae Engagement at the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and a de facto consultant for its 25 schools to help each build capacity and results locally, considering their unique context. I led on achieving a major step change in bursary fundraising, via a fivefold increase in income over 3 years as part of the GDST’s 150th anniversary.

My approach and values

As a philanthropy and stakeholder engagement specialist , I gain great pleasure from working with causes that focus on addressing significant societal issues, advancing education and enhancing access for all.

Transformative philanthropy

I’ve seen the transformative power of philanthropy in many settings – it’s an enabling force that allows individuals and organisations to reach their fullest potential.

Philanthropy isn’t just about money – it’s about partnership, belief, and encouraging both confidence
and empowerment.

The way I want to help charities and individuals create meaningful change is also about partnership, belief, and encouraging both confidence and empowerment.

Bringing causes to life

I’ve devised and delivered campaigns and communications bringing organisations to life through beneficiary stories and illustrating the vital role donors, partners and their contributions play.

These campaigns and communications have always matched the needs and interests of key audiences whilst effectively conveying priority messages (informed by evidence and experience) in a truly authentic way, thereby compelling action in others.

Naturally curious

I am naturally curious with a lively intellect, which
helps me becoming familiar with the organisations I work with.

You can't simply apply carbon copies of previous structures or strategies when working with new organisations.

I devote time to understanding the environment, culture and ambitions. I familiarise myself quickly with new contexts and can rapidly assume an integrated role to generate quick and informed results for new clients.

Relationship building

My outstanding relationship building, communication and negotiation skills have been fundamental to my success.

I consider myself adept at working through others (for example, senior management teams, board members, volunteers), harnessing the potential of their skills, position, knowledge, and passion for shared success.

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed close and productive relationships with colleagues at all levels.

A product of philanthropy

Philanthropy is personally significant to me.

As an 11-year-old from a disadvantaged background, my life was changed through an educational intervention which enhanced my confidence, critical thinking and expanded my horizons.

This was a pivotal ‘hand up’, rather than a ‘hand out’. Wanting to give back was one of the main reasons for me pursuing a career in the charitable sector.

The inspiration behind Graced Consulting.

This is my amazing daughter, Grace Davies. Bringing me smiles and joy on a daily basis since June 2012, she inspires me to be the best person I can be and to use my passion and expertise to help others. (And yes, I know she is a mini-me!).

I have named my consultancy after her - Grace D - and look forward to making her proud for many years to come.