And that is a wrap!
After a whirlwind few weeks on tour, it’s time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible success of the Ken Burnett Tour across Australia. From Perth to Brisbane, we soared through four cities, six events, and three time zones, welcoming over 220 amazing individuals—from CEOs and board members to brand new fundraisers just taking flight. Each person brought their energy, questions, and a genuine desire to create meaningful change within their organisations. The sense of community, purpose, and passion in every room was electric.
Thank you for being part of it. Your engagement, encouragement, and feedback mean the world. As I gather the presentation slides, questionnaire links, and a summary of the powerful themes and questions that emerged, I appreciate your patience—they’ll be flying your way soon.
With deep gratitude,
Michelle Berriman
Co-Founder & Chief Nester
Wow, how thrilling! Just one month to go.....Ken talks..
I'm getting really excited about coming to Australia in March for our four city seminar tour, which has been organised by the fundraising nest with the support of the Precision Group and DGB Global. It's actually more than 30 years since my first groundbreaking tour of four FIA chapters in your great country...
Session synopsis: Fundraising is evolving fast
Fundraising evolves. From the churn-and-burn, mail-them-till-they-bleed 1980s to the research-based, donor-based 2020s, fundraising has changed fundamentally, though so far, most of the benefits have yet to filter through, for donors. Now, the pace of change is accelerating and the fundraising landscape ahead is set to change more significantly than ever before, leading to — if we grasp the opportunities, if we get it right — a new era of responsible fundraising and a redefining of the ideal donor experience, ushering in massive benefits for fundraising organisations everywhere. In these sessions we also define common bad fundraising practices and the multiple risks these bring, and the damage they do if allowed to proliferate.
These sessions do more than focus on and define these risks and opportunities. They explore in detail how the necessary shifts will come about, the positive culture changes our for-change organisations need to make, and the massive benefits that will follow in both donor and fundraiser retention and in the growth of net funds raised, to help change the world for the better, for all.
Learning outcomes:
1. Understanding why and how fundraising has to change, and your role in its transformation.
2. Learn how fundraisers can offer their donors and their organisations much more than they do now, and how they themselves can benefit in the process.
3. Learn how to persuade your CEO, SMT and trustee board to enthusiastically buy in to the new era of responsible fundraising.
Ken Burnett - Inspirational speaker, writer and author
🌐Kens Website
Ken Burnett is a writer, communicator and inspirational speaker. He is author of several influential books on donor development and communication, including Relationship Fundraising, the Zen of Fundraising, Tiny Essentials of an Effective Volunteer Board, Storytelling Can Change the World, and The Essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 Exhibits and 155 Web links, all available from the publisher here.
Ken’s latest book is the revised and expanded Third Edition of his classic game-changing textbook, Relationship Fundraising. For more information see www.kenburnett.com
Chairman of Trustees at ActionAid from 1998 to 2003, Ken began his fundraising career with that charity in 1977 and since has been a leading fundraising strategist in the UK and around the world. He’s founder and a trustee for SOFII (www.sofii.org), the Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration and a trustee of the World Land Trust. Until recently Ken was an independent trustee of the UK Disasters Emergency Committee. In July 2015 he was invited as plenary guest speaker at the 1st China Fundraising Conference in Beijing – the only non-Chinese speaker at this event. Also in 2015 he co-founded The Commission on the Donor Experience with the aim of putting the donor, rather than fundraisers’ targets, at the heart of fundraising strategies, believing this will be more productive and sustainable for both causes and donors in the medium to long term. He has just proved to a famous British orchestra that they really can recruit new donors cost-effectively, in volume, and win awards while doing it.
For further information see http://www.kenburnett.com
For a more detailed biography see http://www.kenburnett.com/Biography.html
Michelle Berriman Co-Founder & Chief Nester 🌐Fundraising Nest
Michelle Berriman is a passionate leader with over two decades of experience dedicated to making a difference in the nonprofit sector. As the Co-Founder of The Fundraising Nest, she champions the belief that generosity has the power to transform lives—not just for those who receive it but for those who give it too.
Michelle’s work is grounded in authenticity and connection. She focuses on equipping fundraisers with the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to thrive, while fostering genuine relationships between organizations and their communities. Her dedication stems from a heartfelt commitment to creating change, empowering fundraisers to embrace their roles as catalysts for meaningful impact.
Known for her down-to-earth style and unwavering belief in the value of giving, Michelle is a sought-after speaker and mentor. She has inspired countless professionals to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Whether addressing a room of emerging fundraisers or seasoned leaders, Michelle’s message remains clear: fundraising is not just about raising money—it’s about creating a better world through generosity.
Above all, Michelle is driven by the knowledge that every act of giving can spark a ripple effect of positive change. Through her leadership at The Fundraising Nest, she continues to help organizations and individuals realize their potential to make the world a kinder, more connected place.
Luke Toebelmann CFRE - Associate Director 🌐DGB Global
Luke is a proud fundraiser.
Luke's fundraising journey started a decade ago, initially raising funds for a small First Nations charity. Throughout his career so far, Luke has worked across a variety of fundraising streams including community fundraising, corporate partnerships and major gifts. Now, Luke delivers capital and comprehensive campaigns across Australia with DGB Global, a professional fundraising consultancy specialising in major gifts and transformational fundraising campaigns.
Luke was recognised as FIA Young Fundraiser of the Year 2021. It was through this award that Luke was first introduced to Ken Burnett.
Whilst visiting the UK on a professional scholarship to attend the CIOF Fundraising Convention, Ken kindly welcomed Luke to his beautiful Suffolk home. Here, over a bottle of red wine, cheese platter and plenty of laughter, the third edition of Relationship Fundraising was discussed and plans were put in place.
Luke's fundraising journey has been heavily influenced by some of Australia's most respected fundraising professionals, including Peter Dalton, long-time friend to Ken and mentor to Luke.
Luke holds the highest accredited certification for philanthropic fundraising professionals, Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a member of the FIA State Committee in Queensland.
