New research report: Craigmyle’s role in historic hospital scanner appeals

Craigmyle is thrilled at the launch of a new research report by Jayne Lacny based on Craigmyle papers in the UK Philanthropy archive at the University of Kent.  The report explores major fundraising appeals to purchase modern equipment for hospitals such as CT and MRI which enabled crucial improvements to health provision, diagnosis, waiting lists and treatment.

As this report highlights, Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants played a pivotal role in supporting the hospital sector during the 1980s—a time when many hospitals lacked the expertise to secure significant funding. Craigmyle’s guidance not only enabled the purchase of equipment but also helped embed fundraising knowledge within hospitals. This approach of equipping clients with the fundraising skills they need remains central to our work today.

Craigmyle Director Siân Newton says:

We are delighted to see this fascinating report. The author, Jayne Lacny, has done a fantastic job of delving into our collection, speaking with Craigmyle consultants who led major fundraising appeals in the 1980s and 1990s, and capturing a story that underscores Craigmyle’s leadership at the forefront of fundraising in the UK. This research is especially relevant at a time when discussions around NHS funding remain a key national focus.

This research draws upon Craigmyle’s comprehensive archive collection which was added to the University’s UK Philanthropy Archive in 2022.   The report’s author, Jayne Lacny notes:

The Craigmyle papers contain 60 years of fascinating materials concerning fundraising appeals from many different not-for-profit sectors, from hospitals to universities, schools to large ecclesiastical projects and much more. We can learn a huge amount about fundraising today by looking at approaches from the past.

Prof Beth Breeze, Director Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent commented:

We are grateful that Craigmyle have deposited their papers in the UK Philanthropy archive which is housed at the University of Kent. Making these papers available enables future scholars and practitioners to better understand the development of professional fundraising in the UK. The rich history of raising funds for good causes is a key part of our nation’s social history, in which Craigmyle have played an enduring and leading role.

The full report on fundraising for hospital scanners can be downloaded here 

The report coincides with a major exhibition on the history of fundraising on the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus showcasing materials from the Craigmyle archive collection. The exhibition is free and open to all until 8 June 2025, and can also be viewed online here:  https://www.kent.ac.uk/library-it/special-collections/our-exhibitions/making-the-ask-fundraising-since-1959

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Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants collaborates with UK charities and not-for-profit organisations to help them meet their goals by offering customised fundraising expertise.

Since 1959, our fundraising consultants have helped more than 2000 charities raise over a billion pounds for capital and revenue projects.

Our approach draws on our consultants’ extensive experience, collective knowledge and a legacy of over 60 years of successful strategy and implementation.