About Us
Our Story
We are dedicated supporters of New Zealand’s not-for-profit sector. We understand the true value of charities extends beyond a dollar value (which is significant), to the inestimable benefit they bring to the communities they work with and alongside. That’s why we don’t think small - the impact and value of not-for-profits deserves big vision.
"I am continually amazed by the not-for-profit sector in New Zealand and the power of it. Imagine what our communities would look, feel, smell and sound like if we poured more financial support, advocacy, brokerage, time, thought and energy into THEIR success. Philanthropy approached correctly has the ability to bring all of this together and give all involved a true win-win".
SARAH BARRER
Our founder, Sarah Barrer, has sought out expertise of senior fundraisers, like Emily, who share this vision. They are supported by experienced consultants who bring their own specialist skills to the benefit of our clients. Together we deliver clear, complete and ready to use strategies based on a model that has been tested and refined over 14 years. We are confident that our approach works, no matter the size or stage of your not-for-profit fundraising journey.
From inception to implementation, we have worked closely with Boards and leadership teams to design and build fundraising programmes ranging from early-stage starting out in fundraising through to complex major gifts programmes. We’ve also stepped in when existing campaigns need redesign and redirection.
Our specialist fundraising knowledge is strengthened by our understanding of the New Zealand NFP sector, and the insights and data we’ve collected from talking directly with hundreds of donors and supporters.
Experience reinforces that thoughtful and comprehensive preparation delivers better results, with less pressure.
Laying those foundations is challenging and complex work, but TFA will show you guide you through the journey.
Working the TFA Way
The way we work comes from living our values.
We are Thoughtful
-
We think carefully about what matters to you and your donors.
-
We think across systems and will help you integrate fundraising throughout your organisation.
-
We utilise data and insights into the NZ fundraising context to plan, test and refine your strategy.
We are Friendly
-
We are warm, open people-first people, who like to work in partnership.
-
We listen, and will challenge you, but we are in it with you, moving forward together.
-
Yes, this is difficult work, but we keep it grounded, steady and practical so you can stay with it.
We are Authentic
-
We know there are no silver bullets; we will deliver what we know works.
-
We say what we see and want you to do the same.
-
You get clear advice based on our real-world experience of fundraising in New Zealand.
-
This work is intelligent and intensely human, and this is how we show up.
"Sarah and her team were knowledgeable and created an operational fundraising strategy that we could see we help us grow in a scalable way. We had some big goals we wanted to achieve, and the strategy laid out a pathway for us in an 'easy to understand and implement' way".
ALANA ALLAN, CHAIR OF OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION NEW ZEALAND
From Barrer & Co to The Fundraising Agency - A nod to Grandad
From its inception, TFA has been about connecting with people.
We’ve been called The Fundraising Agency since 2024, but when TFA opened in 2012, the agency was named Barrer & Co, after Sarah’s Granddad.
"Back in 2012, I chose the name Barrer & Co as a nod to my gentle Grandad, Bryan Barrer. He was a lawyer in Christchurch, and he called his business BA Barrer & Co.
“He was kind man and seemed to be interested in my views of the world, even when I was only very small. I called him Brynie. Brynie was quiet, thoughtful, and considered, and it was with him I felt the most understood. Brynie passed away before I started school, but despite being so very young, I had developed a close connection with him I treasure to this day.
“He was a kind man, and he seemed genuinely interested in my views of the world, even when I was very small.”
- Sarah