Insights into Philanthropy with the Bagheera Trust, with Greg Watson & Elfreda Tealby-Watson - 22nd October 2026

• Date: 22nd October 2026

• Time: 10:00am-11.15am UK

• Duration: 1 hr 15min (60min content + 15min Q&A)

• Format: Live Online

• Course Type: On The Pulse

• For: Researchers, Fundraisers, Directors - UK, US, International

Overview

What motivates philanthropists, how do they choose who to support, and what makes a proposal stand out? Join us for an inside look at philanthropy with Greg Watson and Elfreda Tealby-Watson of the Bagheera Trust.

Understanding a philanthropist is about more than identifying wealth or mapping connections. The most useful insights often come from understanding what drives someone's giving, how they make decisions, what they look for in a charity and what makes them want to build a relationship.

In this session, Greg and Elfreda will share their own philanthropic journey, from their careers and building a successful business experience through to establishing and developing the Bagheera Trust. We’ll explore what motivates their giving, how they identify organisations and partners, and what they have learned about the fundraising sector along the way.

What The Session Will Cover

• From business to philanthropy
  Greg and Elfreda will talk about their careers, building their successful business and the experiences that have shaped their approach to philanthropy. We’ll explore how their professional journey has influenced the way they think about organisations, opportunities and impact.

• Starting a philanthropic journey
  What prompted them to begin giving, and what led them to establish the Bagheera Trust? We’ll explore the thinking behind formalising their philanthropy and how their approach has developed over time.

• Purpose and philanthropic interests
  What is the Trust trying to achieve, and what causes and issues matter most to them? We’ll look at how philanthropic interests are formed, how they evolve and what sits behind the decisions about where to give.

• Finding the right partners
  How do Greg and Elfreda discover organisations they want to support, and what makes them decide to engage? We’ll explore the role of research, networks, recommendations and introductions, as well as what makes a proposal stand out. 

• How philanthropy is changing
  Have they noticed changes in the way charities approach major donors and trusts? We’ll explore how the fundraising landscape has evolved during their time as philanthropists, including the increasing use of network mapping and more sophisticated approaches to prospect research.

• What fundraisers should know
  We’ll finish with practical reflections for fundraising teams: what do philanthropists wish fundraisers understood better, and what can researchers and fundraisers do to build stronger, more thoughtful relationships?

Who it's for?

All fundraising professionals from prospect researchers, prospect development teams, fundraisers for individual giving and trusts and foundations teams.

Speakers

Greg Watson

Greg has been chief executive of three education businesses, the last of which provided online assessment tools for schools to use to help every student reach their potential. He chairs two fast-growing educational technology businesses. He is Vice-Chair of the National Youth Choir and chair of the charity arm of the Gesualdo Six, a classical choral ensemble. His two other greatest passions are a noisy one (singing in a local choir) and a quiet one (super-cryptic crosswords).

Elfreda Tealby-Watson

Elfreda studied modern history at university, with a particular interest in UK & USA international relations. She has combined a part-time career in politics and community activism with her business interests in property. She has a long-standing commitment to supporting action for human rights and social justice. She has been trustee of several charities at a local level, and currently volunteers at a leading NHS hospital trust. Elfreda took a foundation diploma in Fine Art and Design and enjoys varied cultural activities.

Em Sequeira, Session Chair, PyroTalks CIC

Em has experience leading and establishing prospect research functions at major charitable organisations, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation and the University of York. She has grown pipelines across Individual, Corporate and Trust & Foundation fundraising, helping high-value fundraising teams build strong and sustainable prospect pipelines and increase income. Her experience also includes gift acceptance, due diligence, campaign planning and improving organisational processes, and she has spoken at both the RiF and CASE Development Services conferences. Outside of work, Em is a Trustee of the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust, a RiF Conference volunteer and chapter contributor, and an avid sailor.

Recordings

Recordings available, though we encourage all participants to attend live as much as possible.

Tickets

• Duo or Flex-Team Tickets - you do not need to provide names at booking, an open link will be sent to share with your team

• Upon booking you will automatically receive two emails, a receipt of purchase & joining Instructions. Please do check spam folders. If you have booked for others, please share with them.

• Includes Handout + Access to Recording for up to 1 month.

• Concession tickets ideally for charities with 1m or less income, though any organisation with restricted training budget is welcome to select this option

• Courses are primarily for charities and not for profits, though please contact us for corporate ticket options.

• All funds raised go back into the CIC aims.