Emma Pearson, a fundraiser in the Campaign and Alumni Relations Office (CARO), has been recognised as East Midlands Fundraiser of the Year in this year’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) awards.

Following nomination by colleagues in the Philanthropy Team – who sit within CARO – Emma, Senior Development Manager for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, was shortlisted, and subsequently chosen as winner in an event held on Thursday 29 September.

Emma’s nomination was supported by the following statement:

“Emma has many skills and attributes, that she often doesn’t recognise, but it is her personable manner, tenacity and determination that make her a great fundraiser. She engages directly with the projects she endeavours to support, making possible the installation of the Intra Operative MRI Scanner at Queen’s Medical Centre, for use by the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre.

She talks passionately and eloquently about the impact donors can make, matching their interests with the work of the university and in particular the Medical School. As a colleague, she is an inspiration and pleasure to work with. She is always there for others, thinking through difficult conversations and asks, finding solutions, identifying the right prospects to talk to and does so with complete professionalism.

Emma Pearson with the CIOF East Midlands Fundraiser of the Year award

Her sense of humour is also a great asset that makes her a wonderful member of the team. Emma has cultivated long term relationships in her 20 years at Nottingham, with both prospects and internal connections. These personal interactions drive and engage her with the causes she works to raise funds for.

Emma is very much about people, and people who want to make a difference for others. All of these attributes have enabled her to raise over £1million in the past year. Whether capital or research projects, the world is a better place for so many people because of Emma, and our whole team feel privileged to count her as a colleague.”

From the shortlisted entries, the panel of judges were unanimous in their decision to present the award to Emma.

The recognition of Emma’s work is a boost for the fundraising team and for partners across the university.

This award galvanises and celebrates the team’s efforts and achievements in research, the creation of improved teaching facilities and provision of scholarships.

The CIOF is the professional membership body for UK fundraising, supporting fundraising by promoting excellence throughout all areas. Find out more here.