Lillian Brown is Strengthening Communities Through Fundraising
“Being part of a community changes everything, it reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that there’s always support available.”
Lillian Brown; Director at Lillian Brown Consulting
For Lillian Brown, consulting is more than a profession—it’s a calling. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, income generation, and strategic planning, she has dedicated her career to empowering community leaders, social enterprises, and small businesses. As the founder of Lillian Brown Consulting, she provides the tools, training, and support that enable organisations to grow, secure funding, and create meaningful change.
Lillian’s passion lies in inspiring and equipping individuals with a “can-do” mindset. Whether working with senior managers, board members, or volunteers, she ensures that every person in the room leaves with greater confidence, energy, and the knowledge to take their organisation to the next level.
“I believe in simple, actionable steps,” Lillian shares. “I want every organisation I work with to walk away with practical tools they can immediately use to move forward.”
A Career Born from Experience and Purpose
Lillian’s journey into consultancy was shaped by a lifetime of service and skill-building. Growing up in a faith-based community where volunteering was second nature, she developed a range of transferable skills—public speaking, event coordination, stakeholder engagement—that would later become the foundation of her career.
Her professional path began with roles in volunteer coordination and project management, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges organisations faced in securing funding and sustaining their work. Recognising the gap, she dedicated herself to supporting charities, community groups, and social enterprises in navigating these barriers.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The turning point came in 2020. Faced with redundancy at the start of the pandemic, Lillian made a bold decision: to take a leap of faith and establish her own consultancy.
“I had never imagined working outside of a PAYE setting,” she admits. “But when the time came, I realised I had everything I needed to go out on my own.”
Despite initial fears, Lillian embraced the transition. The networks, skills, and experience she had built over the years gave her the confidence to launch her own business. Looking back, she describes the move as life-changing. “The ‘FREE’ in ‘freelance’ cannot be underestimated,” she says.
Creating Tangible Impact
Lillian’s work has directly contributed to the growth and sustainability of countless organisations. One of her most notable successes was securing £30,000 in local authority contracts for Mabadiliko, a Black and Global Majority led community organisation—an unprecedented achievement in their borough.
Her commitment to her clients goes beyond consultancy; it’s deeply personal. During lockdown, while recovering in hospital, she continued to support organisations, writing funding bids that resulted in successful grants. Her passion for uplifting communities is evident in the feedback she receives:
“Before I attended your training session, I had no confidence speaking to funders. But now, I feel empowered to take that step.”
“The best fundraising workshop I’ve attended in years—practical, engaging, and incredibly insightful.”
The Role of DiNN in Her Entrepreneurial Journey
Lillian’s relationship with Do it Now Now (DiNN) began in 2022 when she joined the Build, Hustle, Grow programme. The experience was transformative, helping her clarify her business focus, expand her networks, and refine her pricing model.
“The mentorship I received was invaluable,” she says. “Coming from a charity background, I struggled with charging my worth. DiNN helped shift my mindset and gave me the confidence to set fair pricing for my expertise.”
Beyond mentorship, DiNN provided a space for connection and collaboration. Through remote co-working sessions and networking opportunities, Lillian built relationships that have not only enriched her business but also reinforced the importance of community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her DiNN journey has been the opportunity to give back. As a fundraising expert, she has delivered training sessions for over 100 learners within the DiNN community, helping them strengthen their organisations and access funding opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges as a Black Entrepreneur
For many Black entrepreneurs, isolation, undercharging, and self-sabotage can be significant challenges. Lillian has tackled these issues by prioritising mentorship, professional development, and actively engaging with networks like DiNN.
“Being part of a community changes everything,” she explains. “It reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles and that there’s always support available.”
Five years into her business, Lillian now speaks with confidence about her services and pricing. “I’ve learned to charge my worth—not just for myself, but because valuing my expertise means I can continue to support others.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Lillian’s advice for those starting or growing a business is clear:
Take the Leap – You’ll never feel 100% ready, but starting is the most important step.
Seek Support – Join programmes like DiNN’s Black and Good to access resources, mentorship, and networking.
Embrace Learning – Every mistake is a lesson. Take time to pause, reset, and move forward.
Stay Connected – Entrepreneurship can be isolating. Find a community that uplifts and supports you.
Building a Future of Empowerment
Lillian’s work is driven by a commitment to making a difference—one organisation, one training session, one funding success at a time. She believes in the power of knowledge, action, and community to drive meaningful change.
“Success isn’t just about what I achieve,” she says. “It’s about the organisations and individuals I empower along the way.”
Through her expertise, mentorship, and passion, Lillian Brown is proving that with the right support and mindset, every community organisation and small business can thrive.
