Cerebra Named Winner of Thread Fundraising Accelerator Programme
We're delighted to announce that Cerebra has been selected as the winning charity for the 2026 Thread Fundraising Accelerator programme.
After receiving three times as many applications as we'd hoped for, the decision was incredibly difficult. We were genuinely inspired by the calibre of organisations that applied and the vital work they're doing across the UK. Every conversation during the interview stage reinforced just how much need there is for strategic fundraising support in the sector.
Why Cerebra
Cerebra supports children with neurological conditions and their families across the UK, providing specialist services that make a profound difference to thousands of lives. As the charity embarks on an ambitious journey of transformation and growth, the timing felt right for a deep partnership.
Jess Camburn-Rahmani, Chief Executive of Cerebra, said: "Cerebra is on an ambitious journey of transformation and growth. Our services already make a profound difference to thousands of children and families across the UK, yet the landscape of support for disabled children is under immense strain—and demand far exceeds what we can currently deliver. We are committed to diversifying and sustainably growing our income, so we can be there for many more families who need us. Being selected for the Thread accelerator will be truly transformational for the charity, it comes at a pivotal moment in our journey. The expertise and innovation that the Thread team offer us will have huge impact in shaping the way we work and engage with our supporters into the future."
Max Newton, Cerebra's Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, added: "We're beyond thrilled to have been chosen to partner with Thread. The accelerator programme will help us transform, revolutionise even, our understanding of and relationships with supporters and audiences. We'll apply it straight away for everything from cash appeals to regular giving to mass participation events. It's going to be an amazing journey and everyone involved in Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Cerebra cannot wait to take that journey hand in hand with our friends at Thread."
What happens next
Throughout 2026, we'll be working closely with the Cerebra team, pulling together our collective expertise as an agency into one focused strategic partnership. We're already identifying high-potential opportunities where our support can make the greatest impact, and we're genuinely excited about what we'll achieve together.
Craig Linton, Thread co-founder, shares: "We're really excited about the impact that pulling our collective pro bono support as an agency into one strategic partnership is going to have in 2026. The breadth and quality of applications made our decision pretty tough, but we're so pleased to be partnering with Cerebra. We can already see some high potential uses for the support we're offering and we're really looking forward to getting stuck in together in the New Year."
Thank you to everyone who applied
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every charity that took the time to apply. The strength of the applications demonstrated both the incredible work happening across the sector and the real need for strategic fundraising support. Making our final decision was genuinely one of the toughest choices we've faced as an agency.
As a small gesture of thanks and recognition of the quality of applications, we've offered pro-bono support to every charity who made it through to the interview stage. We hope this support proves valuable as you continue your important work.
We're looking forward to sharing updates on our work with Cerebra throughout 2026, and to seeing the impact this partnership can have for the children and families they serve.
