Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Publications & Presentations
Timeline
Generic

Lekshmi Mala

London,UK

Summary

Experienced fundraiser and researcher with proven track record in grant management, data-driven insights, and securing funding to advance organisational missions. Skilled in collaborating with diverse teams, presenting actionable research findings, and supporting operational success in charity sector.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work history

Fundraiser (Part-time)

Woman's Trust
London
12.2023 - Current
  • Prepared and submitted 12 funding applications, securing amounts ranging from £2k to £10k, contributing to organisation's fundraising goals.
  • Successfully completed 21 detailed reports, including crucial mid-year review for a major donor, ensuring all deadlines were met. Collaborated with the data team to gather and analyse necessary data.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date records records in Donorfy and Oasis CRMs, ensuring smooth tracking of donor engagement, personalised communication, and accurate transaction records
  • Efficiently prepared and regularly updated grant management forms, ensuring compliance and timely submission of reports to funders.
  • Coordinated communications with external partners for workshops and events like the Royal Parks Half Marathon, enhancing engagement and support.
  • Compiled a comprehensive research summary table on domestic abuse (DA), providing valuable insights for funding applications and reports.
  • Maintained regular collaboration with services and data teams to align on grant priorities and address operational challenges, contributing to smooth execution of organisational objectives.

Research Assistant

Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham
01.2024 - Current
  • Collected and analysed data for evaluating The Hope Projects charity, focusing on clients' experience with housing service.
  • Produced 2 comprehensive research reports to inform charity’s strategy and improve housing outcomes.

Research Consultant

Intellecap
Mumbai, India
02.2023 - 08.2023
  • Delivered research support for World Bank Report on Sundarbans Delta, providing actionable insights.
  • Managed and analysed household survey data from over 800+ respondents, using SPSS and Excel, to identify key patterns and trends for impact evaluation of rural development projects.
  • Produced 3 reports and infographics for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) projects

Programme Officer, Resource Rights & Governance

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Mumbai, India
11.2021 - 01.2023
  • Led research projects on socio-economic impacts of tenure reforms in forest governance, involving extensive fieldwork and data analysis.
  • Produced 4 research reports, 2 popular articles, and 1 peer-reviewed paper that contributed to policy dialogue.
  • Presented findings at 5+ platforms, contributing to integration of insights into governance practices
  • Introduced process improvements and automation in data collection, resulting in 100% increase in efficiency and improved accuracy in data management.
  • Managed relationships with government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective project implementation.

Governance Consultant

APCFSS (Government of Andhra Pradesh)
Andhra Pradesh, India
04.2021 - 11.2021
  • Analysed datasets spanning 5 years of government budgets, offering insights to propose policy changes using Tableau, Excel and SPSS

Research Fellow

Dhan Foundation, Youth for India Fellow
Tamil Nadu, India
10.2017 - 11.2018
  • Led project to revive community water pond, providing stable drinking water to 300+ households. Worked with 100+ villagers and local authorities to ensure long-term sustainability and community ownership.

Education

M.A - Water Policy & Governance

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Maharashtra, India
06.2019 - 03/2021

B.A - Social Sciences

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Telangana, India
06.2014 - 03/2017

Skills


  • Research, Analysis, and Evaluation: Proficient in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, analysing data for actionable insights, and assessing programme outcomes to inform decision-making and improve service delivery
  • Grant Writing & Reporting: Skilled in preparing funding applications and comprehensive reports for diverse stakeholders
  • Communication: Strong writing skills, with experience producing reports, articles, and presentations for diverse audiences
  • Technology: Proficient in using CRM systems like Donorfy and Oasis, alongside data analysis and visualisation tools such as Excel, Tableau, SPSS, and NVivo to support decision-making and reporting
  • Key Competencies: Problem-solving, team work, enthusiastic learner and cross-functional collaboration

Publications & Presentations

  • All work, No pay: The compounding effects on women's labour in a changing environment | Ecologies of Labour Symposium, Nottingham Trent University 2023

Presented on the compounded effects of environmental crises on women's labor, focusing on socio-economic shifts and impact on rural women.

  • Collective Action in NTFP Governance: Experiences of Gram Sabha Federation in Korchi Taluka, Maharashtra | Social Change, Sage Journals (Upcoming: March 2025)

Peer-reviewed article analysing the role of collective action in forest governance and its effects on local communities in Maharashtra.

Timeline

Research Assistant

Nottingham Trent University
01.2024 - Current

Fundraiser (Part-time)

Woman's Trust
12.2023 - Current

Research Consultant

Intellecap
02.2023 - 08.2023

Programme Officer, Resource Rights & Governance

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
11.2021 - 01.2023

Governance Consultant

APCFSS (Government of Andhra Pradesh)
04.2021 - 11.2021

M.A - Water Policy & Governance

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
06.2019 - 03/2021

Research Fellow

Dhan Foundation, Youth for India Fellow
10.2017 - 11.2018

B.A - Social Sciences

Tata Institute of Social Sciences
06.2014 - 03/2017

Similar Profiles

Create profile
Lekshmi Mala