Tracey Pritchard starts work today [Monday 23 August 2010] as Friends of the Earth’s new Head of Fundraising.

Tracey, who will report to the green campaigning charity’s recently-appointed Director of Fundraising, Communications and Activism, Joe Jenkins, will head up the charity’s direct marketing, trust and major donor activity.

She will spearhead a drive to boost Friends of the Earth’s income by bringing in new financial supporters to fund its campaigns for political change to protect the environment.

Tracey joins Friends of the Earth from the Royal National Institute of Blind People [RNIB] where she had worked as Fundraising Strategy and Planning Manager since 2009, overseeing the design and delivery of business and market development, integrated marketing and audience management work.

Before this Tracey spent two years as a freelance charity consultant and fundraiser, leading funding campaigns for RNIB, Humanade, Reprieve and regional charities. She moved into freelance work after 12 years fundraising for disability charity Sense, rising to Deputy Director of Fundraising.

Tracey began her career at the London and Bristol, Bath and Avon Wildlife Trusts, where she cut her teeth in project management, fundraising and marketing work.

Tracey Pritchard, Head of Fundraising at Friends of the Earth, said: “I’ve been a Friends of the Earth supporter for more than 20 years after being inspired by the charity’s passion for a healthy planet and a good life for everyone on it.

“Over the years I’ve seen thousands of people get on board with Friends of the Earth’s campaigns and achieve real change – I can’t wait to be a part of this story by inspiring more people to support our work for a safe future.”

Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Tracey to Friends of the Earth and look forward to working with her to fuel fundraising for our vital campaigns for a safe climate and a healthy planet.

“Together with our supporters, we have a real opportunity to hold Ministers to their promise to be the greenest Government ever. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so supporting our vital work with donations really can make a difference.

“Tracey brings a strong track record of delivering results through strategic fundraising planning and implementation – just what we need to help us make the most of today’s rapidly changing context.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. In 2009 Friends of the Earth picked up the Institute of Fundraising national award for ‘Best use of legacy fundraising’, and in 2008 we won the silver Professional Fundraising award for ‘Fundraising charity of the year’.

2. Friends of the Earth’s campaigns change the world by changing politics – to make real and lasting changes we need the Government to act on our behalf.  200,000 people came together to back our Big Ask campaign and we got a climate change law committing the UK to cut its emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. We’re now campaigning for those cuts to be made in our communities, for strong global action on climate change, and to make one of the most polluting industries – meat and dairy factory farming – more planet-friendly.

3. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.