Zlatko Manovski

Hi, my name is Zlatko Manovski, Director and Co-founder of Bolsta Fundraising.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away before Facebook and any other form of social media, I was a printer. That’s right, we used to actually print raffle tickets and flyers to advertise fundraisers. That journey started for me back in the 80s, or as my kids call it, the olden days.

I remember watching endless reams of paper being sucked up and transferred with a loud snap to perforate and number each raffle sheet. Little did I know that this would be the gateway to a new career.

Through the years and many conversations, I began to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties with fundraising and equally, the importance of this job. Whether I was speaking to a school teacher or coach of the local footy club, the fundraising problems they all faced seemed universal. I learned that by properly applying solid fundamentals, good results would follow. It also became clear that some problems were crying out for a technological solution.

These days, I couldn’t be happier passing on what I've learned from Bolsta headquarters.

Standout achievements:

Helping a friend who served in the Afghan war to raise funds for ‘Soldier On’, a charity that supports those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force.

Fundraising for 'Talk2mebro', a charity which helps reduce the number of males who commit suicide in Australia.

These events touched me not only because I have a close relationship with the people involved, but the generosity of those helping raise nearly $30000. An astronomical figure considering the vehicle used was a small regional rugby club.

This showed me the more someone connects through their deepest feelings, the more inspired those around them are to support and give from their own hearts.

Since we started Bolsta, I’ve learned that stories like these are common. Asking people to part with their money isn’t easy. It takes courage, yet community standing together and helping each other gives meaning to our venture. This always puts a smile on my face.

They say money doesn’t buy happiness, however it can bring support and comfort to those who need it most; facilities for our kids to thrive in; or raise awareness of issues our society needs to better understand.

To me, fundraising is a communal promise that your donation will go to where it’s needed most.

Can you think of any better use for money?