About us
Tony Elischer Foundation supports and nurtures individuals with talent and passion for fundraising to help to ensure the development of high-quality committed fundraisers in the UK and around the world.
Throughout an illustrious career of over thirty years in fundraising, Tony Elischer was known and respected as a highly inspirational and accomplished fundraiser and leader. Tony was passionate about drawing out the talents of individuals and influenced countless aspiring fundraisers to learn and progress to become the next generation of fundraising leaders.
This foundation has been set up in his name continue to help talented individuals reach their potential.
Read about Tony and his fundraising career
Be inspired by some of Tony’s thinking
Who we are
Tony Elischer Foundation is governed by a board of trustees. These four individuals founded the charity and direct its aims and work. The day to day running is undertaken by the Foundation Director who manages the application processes, liaises with mentors and participants and runs the day to day operations.
Trustees
Nicky Elischer
Nicky has more than thirty years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, as a fundraiser, consultant and latterly as director of international fundraising consultancy, THINK Consulting Solutions.
“Tony was an exceptional fundraiser and passionate communicator. On his sad, early death the reaction from members of the not-for-profit sector across the world was overwhelming. I heard so many stories of how Tony had helped and guided individuals at crucial moments in their careers and how his interventions had made them better fundraisers. The Foundation feels like an ideal way to honour his contribution and continue his impact.”
Michelle Chambers
Michelle has senior management experience in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. She joined the not-for-profit sector in 1993 and has worked a wide range of causes spanning heritage, education and mainstream charity. She has been part of the THINK Consulting Solutions’ team since 2005 and became Managing Director in 2015.
“My first experience of Tony was in 1993, when he spoke at the British Red Cross Fundraising Conference. I was struck and inspired by his infectious energy and enthusiasm on that occasion and subsequently on countless others. I feel privileged to have benefitted so much from Tony’s experience and advice working as part of his team at THINK and know that individuals and the fundraising sector as a whole will be enriched by the support the Foundation can offer.”
Finbarr Coughlan
Once a keen rugby player and now an equally keen supporter, Finbarr has worked in financial services since 1980, gaining a wealth of knowledge with some of the UK’s largest financial providers. A director of Boyd Coughlan Ltd since its establishment in 1994 and latterly of Mattioli Woods, Finbarr focuses not only on individual asset management but also corporate employee benefits solutions. These companies include many charities – WaterAid, Plan International, Medical Detection Dogs and Alzheimer’s Disease International to name but a few.
“Having known Tony for 25 years he always inspired me with his enthusiasm and zest for life both personally and professionally. I am proud and delighted to be a Trustee of this inspiring and valuable Foundation.”
Catherine Parnell
Catherine has a background in design and innovation (both in and out of the charity sector) and a decade’s experience in education. Through her leadership roles in education, she mentors providers at various stages in their professional development, designs mentoring programmes and coaches other leaders.
“Having known Tony for many years, I am delighted to be part of this Foundation taking forward his passion for supporting and developing new fundraising talent. I look forward to helping the next generation of fundraisers benefit from the right support at the right time in their development.”
Director
Susan Morgan
Susan has over twenty five years of experience in the charity sector, working with a wide range of charities formerly as a fundraiser in the last ten years as a consultant providing advice, market insight and practical tools to help develop fundraising income.
“Throughout my career I have been inspired by a series of key individuals, including Tony Elischer who have taught me how to be a better fundraiser and how to make the most of my skills and knowledge. I am very proud to be leading this Foundation to help others benefit from the expertise of others and become the best fundraisers they can be.”
Our Mentors
Our mentors are all highly skilled and experienced fundraising practitioners who have a commitment to developing the profession. They are all senior managers or leaders in the sector and have demonstrated success at developing individuals.