Testimonials

“AGCF engaged Kim in an interim management role, as our CEO for a period of eighteen months. She provided us with strategic direction, increased our brand awareness; educated women about the 8 gynae cancers and worked diligently with Government and supporters to increase our funding. At all times Kim was thoughtful, passionate, enthusiastic, easy to work with and thoroughly professional”.

Di Langmack, OAM – Chair

“Kim provided us with invaluable advice to help us to achieve our fundraising goals. She took the time to listen to our fundraising history and understand where we wanted to take Just Peoples before providing us with personalised insights and sound advice tailored to Just Peoples, drawing from her wealth of experience and understanding of the philanthropic space. As a small team, it is vital that we hone our attention on the right things so that we can grow our impact and raise more funds to support our grassroots projects. Kim shared with us some great strategies to develop a stewardship plan to nurture our donor base and increase the lifetime value of our supporters”.

Johanna de Burca, Co – Founder

“As an organisation we were new to the world of Philanthropy, Kim Downes has lead us on our journey into this world, by providing advice and support that has both challenged our thinking and inspired us to see the possibilities.”

Marianne Shearer, Community College Gippsland Board Chair

“Kim is professional, knowledgeable and provides great practical advice and support. The community groups and organisations who attended the sessions had positive feedback and left with a constructive plan for action. Kim is was able to help groups and individuals apply some key principles in a successful way”

Audrey Matthews, Community Development Officer – Health and Wellbeing

“Bright, bubbly and incredibly knowledgeable about all things fundraising, Kim was great to have on the MGGS team. She provided sage advice with strong insights that enabled us to develop the staff, grow the culture of philanthropy at the School, and solidify our direction in what was a difficult 2020 year!”

Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director – Marketing and Community Engagement

“Kim was engaged as a consultant by Alphacrucis College when we were in the very early stages of establishing our Advancement Department. Her experience and steady hand helped us set a positive direction for the development of our Major Gift and Bequest program. Kim took the time to get to know the organisation and helped us develop the necessary documents associated with our early campaigns. We consider Kim’s initial involvement as invaluable to the current success of AC’s Advancement Department.”

Neil Scott, Advancement Director

“Kimberly Downes worked with our Centre at a critical period in establishing our fundraising program and profile. We found her experience and practical wisdom immensely helpful as we developed a stronger and more confident public profile, established website fundraising capabilities and began a focussed program for attracting donors and bequests. With Kimberly’s excellent assistance the Centre was set on a new and positive trajectory.”

Professor Stephen Pickard, Executive Director

“Kim was one of the first people I met when I started my journey in the NFP sector and has remained a close friend and advisor since. I have worked with Kim on many projects and Giving Days for various organisations across Australia, and can first-hand attest to her professionalism, attitude and ability to get the job done’. She provides clarity and reason to her clients, taking into account each of their own unique circumstances. It has been a pleasure to partner with Kim and I look forward to many more together.”

Shuie Gestetner, Director – Charidy Australia and Asia – Pacific

“I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating closely with Kim on developing a best-practice Fundraising Strategy for March of the Living (MOTL) Australia. Kim is a consummate professional, bountiful in knowledge and practical ideas, with a remarkable work ethic and the quickest production and turn-around of top-quality documents that I have ever encountered. The three- month collaboration was interesting, productive, fun and resulted in exactly what we had hoped for. If you need an outstanding Fundraising Consultant, look no further…”

Robbie Franco, Vice President – March of the Living, Australia

“Kim was fabulous to work with. Her knowledge of the philanthropy sector is great, and in particular her knowledge about donor acquisition and retention was extremely useful. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Kim.”

“Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.”

Lisa Milani, Chief Executive Officer

“It has been an absolute gift to work with Kim. She opened up our minds to the ins and out of philanthropy and stewardship, helping us foster a culture of philanthropy and laying the foundation to have a greater community impact.

Kim’s support was invaluable and she was able to offer us continuous learning by being available to run ideas past, help build our skills and offer direction and advice.

We are truly grateful and look forward to more ways that we can work together in future.”