Creative Australia's Knowledge Series: Building Donor Relationships Through Data: Simple Systems for Arts Fundraising | Michelle Stein

Knowledge Series | Mastering arts fundraising is our master course in arts fundraising. Presented by leading Australian and international experts, the webinars cover essential fundraising topics contextualised and relevant to the Australian cultural landscape. 

Building Donor Relationship Through Data: Simple Systems for Arts Fundraising

Presenter: Michelle Stein | South Africa  

Company: Handmade Fundraising   

Weblink: handmadefundraising.com

Synopsis:

 For many creative professionals, the idea of collecting and using supporter data feels overwhelming or unnecessary. Yet having the right information at your fingertips can transform your fundraising success - without complex systems or technical expertise.

In this practical, action-focused workshop, we'll explore how even the smallest arts organisations can build meaningful supporter relationships through simple, ethical data practices.

We'll explore:

• What essential information you should actually be collecting (and what you can ignore)
• Simple ways to gather supporter details that don't feel intrusive or awkward
• How to uncover hidden fundraising opportunities in the information you already have
• Practical techniques to connect personally with supporters based on their interests
• The TRACK system - a straightforward approach that helps you manage relationships in just 30 minutes a month

Whether you're starting from scratch or improving existing practices, you'll leave with practical tools that fit your reality. This isn't about complex databases or expensive CRMs - it's about creating a simple, sustainable approach that helps you build stronger connections and secure more funding for your creative work.

About Michelle: 

Michelle Stein transforms how arts and cultural organisations approach fundraising. A former British Museum and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa fundraising leader, she went from hovering awkwardly at donor events to landing multi-million pound gifts.

With senior development roles across two continents, Michelle now shares her expertise with others. She's trained thousands of fundraisers worldwide, showing that any organisation – yes, even small galleries and indie festivals – can attract significant funding with the right tools and mindset.

When not helping organisations unlock their fundraising potential, Michelle can be found swimming in tidal pools, running the South Africa Barefoot Shoes Instagram account, and hunting for podcast recommendations. She firmly believes that fundraising for the arts should be as creative as the work it supports.