Our History

70 years of fundraising excellence 

At Compton, our history is rooted in a deep commitment to helping charities and not-for-profit organisations achieve transformational fundraising success. Since 1956, we have led hundreds of campaigns across the UK and internationally, raising millions for causes in healthcare, education, heritage, conservation, and the arts. 

  1. 1960s

    Where it all began

    • Everald Compton leads a successful capital campaign for St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane in 1956, launching a lifelong commitment to fundraising.
    • Compton & Associates is established, advising churches, hospitals, schools, and cultural institutions across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.
  2. 1970s

    1970s: UK Foundations

    Compton UK gains prominence through Christian stewardship campaigns and a growing portfolio of church, heritage, education, and community projects.

  3. 1980s

    Sector leadership

    • Ely Cathedral raises over £4M in under a year.
    • Campaigns for Oxford and Cambridge colleges, including Oriel and St John’s.
    • Compton becomes a trusted advisor in higher education fundraising.

    a young woman browsing books

  4. 1990s

    Global Reach

    • Offices opened in Vancouver and San Francisco
    • Major campaigns in South Africa, including the University of the Orange Free State
    • A$13M raised in 30 weeks for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
    • A$34M raised for Sydney Children’s Hospital
    • Campaigns for UK cathedrals and leading independent schools
    • 18-nation fundraising review for Amnesty International
  5. 2000s

    Innovation and Sector Leadership

    • Introduced the Three Fundraising Platforms: annual, capital, endowment
    • Major campaigns:
    • £36M for the Eve Appeal
    • £17M for Oxford Children’s Hospital
    • £12.5M for the Young Vic Theatre
    • Conservation work: Great Fen, Great Barrier Reef Fund

  6. 2010s

    Sustained Impact and Legacy Building

    • £10M+ annually for Royal Trinity Hospice and St Christopher’s Hospice
    • Partnered with Royal Albert Hall, British Library, RHS, University of St Andrews, Shakespeare’s Globe
    • Endowment campaign for Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust
  7. 2020s

    Evolving for the Future

    • 20-year partnership with Royal Trinity Hospice
    • New campaigns: North London Hospice, RHS, regional arts organisations
    • Trusts Unit launched for tailored grant-maker strategies
    • Investment in innovation, AI, and data-driven fundraising
    • Continued commitment to volunteer-led values and strategic growth

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