Katie shares the story behind Buxton’s iconic Crescent, how the Trust was created to ensure public access to this restored landmark, and how they’re bringing history back to life. She even joined this episode from their "hot air balloon" experience!

We dig into the realities of funding a small charity that looks, from the outside, like it must be “sorted” because it sits alongside a major heritage asset. Spoiler: It's not always as it seems.

Katie breaks down the true picture: no core pot of money, and the constant challenge of building a sustainable income mix through sponsorship, and grants.

You’ll also hear practical lessons on measuring and communicating impact: moving beyond “this activity happened” to the deeper “why it matters,” collecting impact evidence from across the organisation, and using accessible frameworks to stay on track.

Katie’s message to funders is clear: core funding keeps the legacy of project funding alive, sustains the essential work that can’t pay for itself, and helps small teams keep innovating and serving their communities. But please, please, please...Funders. Fund the boring stuff! Not just the fancy projects. Charities still need funds to employ staff, not just break out big new events.

If you wear multiple hats in a small charity. Delivery, fundraising, planning, reporting, and everything in between. This one’s for you.