Bevis Marks Synagogue Heritage Foundation
The brief:
Established in 1701, Bevis Marks Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Europe in continuous use. In recent times though, its existence has come under threat. Membership had decreased sharply and no longer the running costs associated with the Grade I-listed building.
​
To address these challenges, the Bevis Marks Synagogue Heritage Foundation, of which His Majesty King Charles III is the Patron, successfully launched a major fundraising appeal, ‘The Vision for the Future,’ in 2019. Despite a very successful fundraising campaign, which included significant support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the whole project was put into jeopardy by additional unforeseen capital costs the contractors going into receivership. Significant new funds were urgently required to complete the work.​
​
Our approach:
Paul interviewed all the key stakeholders in the project, created a compelling new ‘emergency’ case for support, and advised on several application to key potential funders. With his support, the project gained newfound momentum, secured several new major gifts, and was set successfully on course for a reopening of the redeveloped building in 2026.
What they said:
“I’ve known Paul for many years and have always been grateful for his support and advice in all aspects of fundraising. As a trustee of BMSHF, I was keen to get him involved as a consultant, at a critical juncture when we needed help to raise additional funding and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our Bevis Marks project.
"During his time with us, we really benefited from Paul’s professionalism, experience and rigour. He effectively engaged all our key stakeholders, ensuring all their input was valued and acted upon, whilst maintaining our momentum throughout the process. We were delighted with the quality of the work he produced and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to other charities and organisations that require strategic guidance and hands on support for their fundraising activities.” Alan Mendoza, Trustee