St Andrews charity worker Geraldine Long has joined an elite group.
The Certificate in Fundraising Management (M. InstF) which she has just gained through the Open University, is regarded as the professional qualification for fundraisers and the industry standard.
It is awarded only to those who successfully demonstrate competence across a range of fundraising disciplines in two key areas: Fundraising Practice and Managing Fundraising.
Geraldine, Development Manager with St Andrews-based AICR (Association for International Cancer Research) took just six months to complete what is usually a two-year course.
Responsible for building relationships with the charity's donors as well as its patrons - Peter Capaldi, Lorraine Kelly, David Tennant and The Proclaimers - she admitted: "Keeping the balance right between my studies and my work here at AICR and making sure all our donors were looked after was difficult, but I took heart from the fact that AICR adopts such a personal approach to its fund-raisers and I am delighted to have achieved the qualification."
AICR, the St Andrews-based charity which distributes millions of pounds towards cancer research all over the world has also won a coveted award; it topped the: 'Best Use of Legacy Fundraising' category at a glittering awards ceremony in London, as part of the Institute of Fundraising's recent annual National Convention.
Many examples of impressive fundraising were recognised at the event in the Hilton London Metropole hosted by award-winning BBC sports presenter John Inverdale.
AICR shared the stage with a number of well-known charities, including The Royal British Legion; ActionAid; WWF-UK and Shelter.
AICR, currently rated above such big names as Action Aid, World Vision UK, the SSPCA, Sense and Clic Sargent in the first-ever charity brand index's Top 100, was praised for its emotional legacy campaign.
The Institute of Fundraising is the largest individual representative body in the voluntary sector with 5000 Individual members and 300 organisational members
