Fundraisers and finance teams often want the same outcome but approach opportunity, risk and investment from different perspectives. In this practical session, a fundraising leader and finance leader from one of New Zealand’s largest charitable research organisations explore what happens when ambitious ideas meet budgets, forecasts, risk appetite and board scrutiny.

Delegates will learn how financial literacy, CEO support, internal advocacy and board confidence influence whether fundraising innovation progresses or stalls. The presenters will explain how to build an investment case that withstands scrutiny, balance ambition with uncertainty and risk, and establish the trust needed for responsible testing and growth. Attendees will leave with practical tools for helping finance teams understand fundraising as an investment and turning promising ideas into supported action.