ScoutsCymru is celebrating the news that Shanty Neale has been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s National Fundraising Awards – a prestigious UK-wide recognition of excellence and best practice in the charity sector.
The National Fundraising Awards are regarded as a badge of excellence, celebrating fundraisers who, in extraordinary ways, make a positive difference through dedication, innovation and impact. The Newcomer of the Year category recognises a professional fundraiser who, within their first two years, has demonstrated outstanding aptitude, ability and success beyond their experience.
In just 18 months, Shanty has transformed ScoutsCymru’s approach to fundraising, building the organisation’s first dedicated fundraising function entirely from scratch while operating as a one-person team. Entering the role new to both fundraising and the charity sector, she has already secured over £400,000of funding while putting in place the systems, processes and long-term pipeline the organisation previously lacked.
The funding Shanty has secured is already opening doors for young people across Wales, particularly those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to travel, build confidence or develop leadership skills. This has included supporting the international exchange trip to Bavaria, with further funding in place to enable a second trip this year, alongside programmes that widen access to outdoor adventure, leadership development and democratic participation, including opportunities for young people to engage directly with decision-making through the ScoutsCymru Youth Parliament at the Senedd.
Alongside her fundraising achievements, Shanty is known for the way she supports colleagues, volunteers and young people, bringing empathy, initiative and collaboration into every project she undertakes.
“I honestly didn’t even know I’d been nominated, so being shortlisted has come as a real surprise. I’m still quite new to fundraising, so to be recognised like this feels very humbling. I do this because I see the difference it makes. Every successful funding application opens doors for young people to try new things, travel, learn skills and build confidence. I’m lucky to work with passionate volunteers and colleagues who make the ideas possible and this recognition really belongs to all of them as much as me.”
Judges praised the creation of a fundraising function from the ground up, the securing of £400,000 in income and repeat competitive funding, as well as strong strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable systems that have opened new income streams and strengthened ScoutsCymru’s long-term prospects.
Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Shanty recognised in this way. In a very short space of time she has not only brought in vital funding, but created the foundations that will support ScoutsCymru long into the future. Shanty is a real force of nature – her energy, empathy and determination shine through in everything she does, and that positivity is felt by colleagues, volunteers and young people alike. This shortlisting is richly deserved.”
ScoutsCymru supports thousands of young people and adult volunteers across Wales, helping young people gain skills for life through adventure, teamwork and community action. The shortlisting highlights the growing impact of its fundraising activity and the strengthening of its long-term sustainability.
