Opinion / features

Many of the issues that matter most to fundraisers are far from clear cut. Here, in a series of illustrated feature articles, seasoned practitioners and newcomers alongside leading figures from the world of fundraising are free to give vent to their passionately-held views and opinions. Join the big debates or study the side issues so you can work out your own view on what matters most.

The Bata Shoes story

by Ken Burnett

In this article from his archive, SOFII founder Ken Burnett muses on how fundraisers should look at the world and our profession. He also draws unexpected inspiration from the number one shoe company in Africa.

Read more

The Olive Cooke story

by Ken Burnett

How the tragic case of Olive Cooke impacted the fundraising sector and led to radical change.

Read more

Refugees build bridges across society

by Lyndall Stein

In an article originally written for Fair Observer during Refugee Week, Lyndall celebrates the contributions refugees have made to British society and how we can fight back against discrimination and prejudice.

Read more

Why do people give? The legacy podcast with Richard Radcliffe

by Mark Phillips

In this conversation, experienced legacy fundraiser Richard Radcliffe shares why people leave bequests and what changes he has noticed over the yearsparticularly as baby boomers have begun to seriously consider which charities they want to remember.

Read more

From the Myth Smashers: 'Fundraisers raise funds not friends' – smashing that myth

by Lauren McDermott

‘Too often our focus is on our own needs and short-term goals.’ So says Lauren McDermott of Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia, winner of Mythsmashers at the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s annual conference 2020. 

Read more

Why do people give? The podcast with Ken Burnett

by Mark Phillips

We bring you Mark Phillips’ conversation with SOFII founder and fundraising expert Ken Burnett, from the podcast Why do people give?

Read more

Fundraising in a time of crisis: the rise of altruism

by Richard Turner

Richard Turner reflects on how people have shown their altruism and goodness in fundraising since the coronavirus outbreak.

Read more

From the Myth Smashers: is fundraising all about the money?

by Claire Hughes

What is fundraising all about? If you think it’s all about making money, then think again. Claire Hughes talks you through how we can all smash this fundraising myth.

Read more

Meet the fundraising Myth Smashers

by Joe Burnett

SOFII shares the winning presentations from Myth Smashers, Fundraising Institute of Australia’s IWITOT-inspired event. These young fundraisers each shine a light on dispiriting fundraising myths and show how they can be overcome.

Read more

An ethical, principled approach to donors and fundraising: a strategy case study from World Land Trust

by John Burton

In this first part of three, CEO John Burton of the World Land Trust outlines his organisation’s fundraising ethos and how this has helped them grow and make an impact on the environment.

Read more

Do you have the answer to the donor consent issue? Here’s a behavioural scientist’s perspective

by Kiki Koutmeridou

Asking for your donors’ consent about when and how to contact them is a hot topic right now. Where do you stand?

Read more

Serve or inspire? That is the question

by Richard Turner

Inspire is often a misused word in the fundraising world but it is not just a way of recruiting and even retaining donors. Inspiration can go much, much further.

Read more