SU Australia is very pleased to announce that we’ve recently welcomed Matthew Hodge into the role of Group Manager, Fundraising. Matthew brings a wealth of experience with him and a real heart to see advocates for school chaplaincy raised up in communities across Australia. Below are a few questions so you can get to know him better.
- Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’ve taken this Fundraising role with SU?
In 2007, I went to work for my first not-for-profit company (in the classical music industry), and it opened my eyes to the level of passion and hard work that come when a group of people really believe in the business they’re working for. That was with Musica Viva Australia, where I worked in the area of corporate sponsorship and later database marketing, then I went on to work for Sydney Symphony Orchestra and finally Queensland Symphony Orchestra, where I headed up their marketing team. The chance to work for SU Australia as national fundraising manager came along this year, and it has been great to find another community of people that care deeply about what they are doing; people who see their work as bigger than just a set of jobs – as something that can change the fabric of society.
- How do you hope to empower and encourage LCCs across Queensland to raise funds for their local chaplaincy services?
If it was up to one single fundraiser, SU Australia wouldn’t be able to do much at all. But because of the enthusiasm and dedication – not to mention sheer creativity – shown by many grassroots fundraising committee members across Queensland, chaplaincy services are able to operate on an unprecedented scale. As I craft a fundraising plan for the entire nation, I’m looking forward to learning from and sharing the best ideas of Queensland local fundraisers.
- Could you explain what you mean when you talk about “grassroots fundraising” and what this might look like in the various communities across the state?
What makes grassroots fundraising so powerful is that it taps into the power of an individual’s personal enthusiasm for the cause. At a national level, we can and do advocate for the positive impact of work with young people across the state. We can run mass appeals to raise funds, and many of these are successful. But only a local grassroots fundraiser can say, “Let me tell you about my local chaplain. Let me tell you the stories of what this person has done, the impact they have had on the lives of local families, and the reasons you should consider financially supporting their work.” I hope to be able to offer encouragement and tips, but if you are a person who is already enthusiastic about what your local chaplain is doing, you already have it within you to be a great grassroots fundraiser.
We’re very excited to have you join the team Matthew, and can’t wait to work with you to bring awareness and advocacy for school chaplaincy and the vital role it plays in our communities!