10 Sep 2026
12 - 3 pm
Alexander Stephen House
For many social enterprises, grant funding remains essential. But with increasing competition for funding and rising operating costs, more organisations are looking at how they can build sustainable, unrestricted income alongside traditional fundraising.
This practical workshop with The Marketing Department explores how digital tools, better customer journeys and commercial thinking can help social enterprises generate more income, reach new audiences and create stronger, more resilient organisations.
Whether you're selling products, delivering services, running events, managing memberships or encouraging donations, you'll leave with practical ideas that can be implemented immediately.
Rather than focusing on marketing theory, this session looks at real-world opportunities to make digital work harder for your organisation.
What We'll Cover
During this interactive session we'll explore topics including:
· Why digital has become one of the most powerful income-generation tools available to social enterprises.
· Turning your website from an online brochure into a revenue-generating asset.
· How removing friction from customer journeys increases enquiries, bookings, donations and sales.
· Ten practical digital income opportunities that almost every social enterprise should consider.
· Making better use of events, memberships, products, consultancy, training and intellectual property.
· How to use customer data, CRM systems and email marketing to build stronger long-term relationships.
· A realistic look at AI: where it genuinely adds value, and where it doesn't.
· Measuring success using simple, meaningful performance indicators.
Throughout the workshop, practical examples from charities, social enterprises and commercial organisations will demonstrate how relatively small changes can produce significant improvements in income generation.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
· Chief Executives
· Directors
· Charity Leaders
· Social Enterprise Founders
· Trustees
· Business Development Managers
· Fundraising & Communications Teams
· Anyone responsible for growing unrestricted income
No technical knowledge is required.
You'll Leave With
· Practical ideas you can implement immediately.
· A clearer understanding of how digital can support income diversification.
· A framework for identifying new revenue opportunities.
· Three simple actions to begin improving your organisation's digital performance straight away.
About the Host
Christopher Graham is Founder and Chief Executive of The Marketing Department, a Glasgow-based agency specialising in branding, digital strategy, communications and events. Over the past decade, Chris and his team have helped charities, social enterprises and purpose-led organisations across the UK and internationally strengthen their brands, improve digital infrastructure and diversify income through better marketing and technology.
Alongside his consultancy work, Chris has extensive experience within the third sector, having previously served as Chair of Stepping Stones for Families. He has worked with organisations including Abaseen Foundation, Inspiring Scotland, Murray's Initiative, Toonspeak, MISS, Winning Scotland and many others to develop websites, digital fundraising, CRM systems, online shops, supporter journeys, events and communications that generate measurable results.
His approach is practical rather than theoretical, focusing on sustainable income generation through better digital experiences, stronger customer journeys and long-term strategic thinking.
This workshop is free for GSEN members and £5 for non-GSEN members.
