Top tips & how tos
The focus in this section is on practical ‘how to’ lists. Here the world's leading fundraisers share the distilled wisdom of their experience in digestible bite-sized nuggets that you can use immediately.
Who pays the tab at a meeting with a donor?
by Marc Pitman
During a recent coaching call, my client asked me to walk her step-by-step through an upcoming meeting with a donor. I love doing this!
Read moreFour tips that can help land corporate donations
by Robert Bellovin
Raising money from commercial organisations is a bit like Marmite – you either love it, or hate it. But you can’t deny it that it does raise money. If you’re thinking about putting a toe in the water – check out this article that is full of advice for practitioners on how to go about it.
Read moreJob-speak: a user’s guide
by George Smith
And now from the incomparable George Smith: an expose of all that is nonsense in recruitment ads from charities. Are you guilty of the ‘booming vocative’?
Read moreThe Effectiveness Project: fundraisers – take notice soon!
by Steven Shattuck
The latest infographic from Bloomerang has some alarming data from the Urban Institute in the USA. Isn’t it time that charities took some notice?
Read moreTop twelve tips for pattern breaking
by Lucy Gower
In this article, innovation manager, Lucy Gower shares her practical tips and lessons on how to increase your inspiration and widen your connections. Why not take note and break some of your established patterns in the new year?
Read moreAre you unintentionally turning away donors?
by Elaine Fogel
In this article, nonprofit marketing expert, Elaine Fogel reminds us that a charity's donors are its lifeline and highlights three key areas you should be looking at to make sure you're welcoming them with open arms and not unintentionally turning them away.
Read moreHow to transform your brainstorm sessions
by John Grain
Fundraising specialist, John Grain, gives some really practical advice on how to get the best out of your brainstorms.
Read moreAn ABC of direct response
by Jonathon Grapsas
This article is a fantastic ‘what’s what?’ of direct response fundraising and is a priceless resource for all those just starting out and a great checklist for those who have been around a little longer.
Read moreFive ‘must dos’ of bequest fundraising
by Fiona McPhee
In this helpful breakdown of how to set out a legacy fundraising strategy, Fiona insists that it is not just the big brand charities that have the potential to develop a significant legacy income and provides step-by-step advice on how to increase legacy-gifts for your organisation.
Read moreSeven steps to generating donor response
by Jan Chisholm
In this article Jan generously shares with SOFII readers the results of her long search, with seven steps she believes the very best fundraising approaches take to assure success. Does your next appeal have them all?
Read moreSeven steps to fire up your board
by Gail Perry
In this brilliant instructional video, US fundraising consultant and author of Fired-Up Fundraising – Turn Board Passion into Action, Gail Perry walks you through seven steps that will help you to really strengthen and fire up your board.
Read moreHow an egg McMuffin reminded me of the foundations of fundraising
by Derek Humphries
Recounting a mildly bizarre but uplifting encounter that was to involve not one, but two, popular fast-food snacks, Derek Humphries reminds us of the simple but firm foundations every truly compelling fundraising should be built on.
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