Meet the team

Mark Clay Mark has been a professional fundraiser joining Opera North in 1995, and he has never looked back. A keen writer, public speaker and advocate, trainer and relationship builder he is passionate about social equality and the support of vulnerable or marginalised communities, and the value of education and the arts. More...
Julie Eason is an experienced fundraiser who has held several Director of Fundraising, and interim Director of Fundraising roles, and raised millions for the charities she works for. A full member of the Institute of Fundraising, Julie specialises in supporting charities that genuinely empower those that benefit from their work, to lead and develop services. More...
Nick Hopkins has extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research, evaluations and project design. His specialisms include: financial inclusion, welfare reform mitigation, anti poverty and housing tenancy sustainment. More...
Rossanne Pellegrino is an experienced fundraiser who has worked in the Development Department at Tate gallery for over 8 years. Rossanne held various positions across Tate’s Development team More...
Sarah Reilly has built her career with charities and cultural organisations over the past 15 years, designing and delivering fundraising and communications strategies, building fundraising infrastructure, and growing and diversifying income. More...

Colour clash love up! – A rainbow coloured Pride participant hugs one of the stewards in her hi-vis vest

Hastings Pride

Julie was approached in January 2017 to help fundraise for Hastings’ first Pride festival. The event consisted of a parade, and a full day and evening festival. The festival was booked for the 27th August, and no funds were in place. Hastings Pride did not get set up as early as expected, as the Charity Commission sent the application back several times, and therefore fundraising was unable to begin until the end of April. The bands had all been booked (and fees agreed), well before Julie was able to get started. The pressure was on!

Hastings Pride’s late registration and status as CIC meant that there were limited grants and foundations that could be approached, but funds were secured from Awards for All (which has a relatively short turnaround).

The remainder of the funds needed for the event were secured by a combination of corporate fundraising, local pots, and statutory fundraising.

Despite the tight timeline, Hastings Pride not only happened but received positive reviews from all who attended and the LGBT press, including several who voted it the best Pride event of 2017.