About CARE
CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.
Scope
CARE International UK (CIUK) is seeking an experienced events agency or freelancer to design, plan and deliver a programme of high value cultivation events, running from 1 July 2026 to 1 September 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of CIUK’s major donor engagement strategy, helping to bring together influential individuals, corporate partners, and advocates who share our commitment to women’s rights, international development and humanitarian action worldwide.
These events are not direct fundraising moments (e.g. galas, auctions) - they are relationship building moments to engage high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and senior stakeholders who have the potential to become long-term major donors and partners. The goal is for attendees to feel inspired, informed, appreciated, and genuinely connected to CARE and the communities we serve.
CARE’s brand feel for events: a ‘window to the world’ – intimate, warm and personal, combining thought leadership and storytelling with gravitas, strong imagery and an exclusive, non-corporate atmosphere. We want attendees to feel that they want to be part of CARE’s story.
Key deliverables
The appointed freelancer/agency will be responsible for design and end-to-end delivery of a high-value events programme.
Potential programme elements include:
- One flagship event (50–100 guests) – a larger, high-profile event such as an International Women’s Day March 2027 panel or thought leadership event followed by a smaller VIP dinner with the speakers, or a summer garden party / mini festival feel celebration in summer 2027.
- Up to three intimate events (10-20 guests) – formats could include: CEO ‘roadshow’ roundtable breakfast briefings, private hosted dinners, focussed strategy roundtables with business leaders, hospitality at relevant sporting or cultural occasions, thought leadership panels, salon style drinks discussions, fireside conversations with senior speakers.
- Up to three legacy events for a mid-value fundraising/ legacy audience (mostly under 50 guests anticipated, modest event budget) – format likely to be presentations from CARE staff or an external speaker followed by informal buffet lunch – we envisage some regional events outside of London (eg Midlands, South West) and one in London.
- Events broadly spaced throughout the year, most expected to take place in London
End-to-end delivery includes but is not limited to:
- Event strategy, concept development and programming
- Venue sourcing and management
- Catering, AV and production logistics
- Invitation design, guest communications and registration management
- On-the-day management including briefings for hosts and speakers
- Photography and event documentation
- Post-event reporting to support relationship tracking and ROI measurement
Timeline
- Programme runs 1 July 2026 – 1 September 2027
- Initial strategy and planning phase to begin as soon as possible following appointment
- Events to be broadly spaced across the year
Requirements
We are seeking a freelancer/agency that:
- Can work as a true partner to a small, senior team – acting as an extension of the CIUK ‘home team’ and taking genuine ownership of the programme
- Has demonstrable experience delivering high-end cultivation, donor engagement or stewardship events, ideally in a charity, INGO, arts, higher education or comparable sector
- Can manage end-to-end logistics efficiently, with minimal demand on CIUK staff time
- Has experience creating exclusive, intimate event atmospheres with high production values that feel personal and emotive
- Has strong existing relationships with venues, suppliers and production teams in London
- Is comfortable working with ambassadors, senior public figures, celebrity supporters, and C-suite guests
- Works in a way that is aligned with CARE’s values and Feminist Leadership Principles
Budget
A dedicated budget is available, covering both agency/freelance fees and direct event costs. Budget details available by request to Rachel Third (Third@careinternational.org). Historically CARE has had success in keeping direct event costs modest by drawing on gift-in-kind support (discounted or free venues, hotels for speakers etc) from corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors.
Proposals should include:
- A clear breakdown of agency/freelance fees versus anticipated direct event costs
- An outline of the proposed approach, programme structure and timeline
Application Process
Please submit a proposal (no more than 2 pages) outlining:
- Your understanding of the brief and any clarifying questions
- Proposed approach to the programme – how you would work in partnership with a lean internal team
- Relevant experience, particularly in high-value or cultivation events for charities, cultural organisations or comparable sectors
- Timescales and cost breakdown
- Relevant case studies or examples of similar work
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Monday 8 June 2026.
Applications and queries should be sent to Rachel Third (third@careinternational.org), Senior Major Giving Lead, who is responsible for this project.
CARE will review applications and schedule a tender interview/presentation with shortlisted applicants to take place in June.