A Belief Built Through Conversation
The Professional Fundraiser began with a simple belief, that meaningful human conversation still has the power to change outcomes. In a world increasingly shaped by distraction, speed, and digital noise, we believe there is still enormous value in real interaction.
Built Carefully. Grown Intentionally.
We have never been interested in becoming the loudest agency in the sector. Visibility alone means very little if the work behind it lacks consistency, care, or credibility.
What matters to us is trust, and trust is built slowly.
It is built through preparation, through showing up properly, through communication that feels clear and respectful, and through maintaining standards even when nobody is watching. It is built by hiring people who take pride in how they represent others, and by creating systems that support long-term quality rather than short-term volume.
The operational side of our business matters deeply to us. Training matters. Structure matters. Leadership matters. But culture matters just as much; because professionalism is not created through process alone. It is shaped by shared expectations, strong guidance, accountability, and people who genuinely care about doing this work properly.
Over time, those small decisions shape reputation. They shape partnerships. They shape the experience people have with the charities we represent.
A letter from our Founder & CEO
Kelvin Hopkins founded The Professional Fundraiser in 2011 with a clear vision: to build an agency that does things differently. From day one, he set out to challenge the stereotypes of the sector and raise the bar, through uncompromising standards, meaningful impact, and a commitment to doing what's right. Read more about Kelvin’s vision in his letter.
Our environment in motion
TPF, Illustrated
The illustration above sits proudly on the wall in the entryway of our office. Created by our very own Partnerships Manager and talented illustrator, Katie Hounsome, the piece captures the spirit of our work and lifestyle at TPF. Before Katie joined us at TPF to ensure our partnerships are always running smoothly, we commissioned her to bring our people, purpose and culture to life through her distinctive style. Her work is often inspired by the simple Art Deco posters of the early 20th century, combining this timeless aesthetic with bright, limited colour palettes. In capturing TPF in art form, Katie’s illustration celebrates our national reach, our commitment to the environment, our diversity and inclusion, and the warmth of the conversations that happen every day. Most importantly, it captures the living experience of the TPF family.
Our approach to leadership
Behind every organisation is a dynamic that shapes how decisions are made, how challenges are approached, and how culture develops over time.
The Professional Fundraiser was never built around identical personalities or perfectly aligned perspectives. It was built through shared standards, mutual respect, and a collective belief that fundraising deserves to be approached with greater professionalism and care.
The conversations behind the business matter just as much as the conversations happening in the field. This is where the philosophy of TPF becomes personal.
Where consideration is lived, not just listed.
Professionalism is about more than performance. It is about responsibility, to the charities we represent, the people within our teams, and the wider world our work exists within.
We believe responsible growth requires long-term thinking. That means looking carefully at the impact our operations create, reducing unnecessary waste wherever possible, making considered supplier decisions, and building systems that support a more sustainable future over time. The charities we work with are thinking about the future every day. We believe the organisations supporting them should do the same.
Our business is one where everyone is heard, included and valued. We make it a point to include rigorous EDI policies across our processes, so that everyone at TPF feels welcomed into a safe space where they are appreciated.
We believe integrity is what makes our work possible. We are transparent in how we communicate, considered in how we act, and consistent in what we deliver. Our clients and team trust us, and we take that responsibility seriously.
