Individual donors

What would fundraising be without donors? And what would SOFII be without a special area devoted to nurturing and developing donor relationships? Within this special space SOFII has selected and assembled a glittering array of specialist showcases in which we display a treasure trove of examples of the art and science of donor relationship development.

‘Nonprofit?’ Donors have no idea what you do with their money. And, frankly, they suspect the worst

by Tom Ahern

Research has shown that donors wonder if we really use their gifts to change the world. Tom Ahern says that you shouldn’t leave them guessing. They will guess wrong… and not in your favour. Find out how to reassure them here.

Read more

Confessions of an unethical nine-year-old fundraiser

by Norma Cameron

One of the golden rules of successful fundraising is that before asking others to give, you should first donate yourself. Norma Cameron shows how the memory of one major gift you gave will give you comfort and confidence to be a better fundraiser. Here she tells the rather scary tale of her fundraising epiphany, inspired by something as simple as a collecting box.

Read more

Save the Children: knit one save one

by Matthew Sherrington

Knit a tiny hat and you could save a newborn baby’s life. This beautiful campaign from Save the Children UK shows what can happen when you make it crystal clear to people the difference they can make.

Read more

The UK donor commitment study. And why it could be worth thousands of pounds to you and your cause

by Ken Burnett

An open letter from SOFII’s managing trustee announcing a free SOFII/ Agitator webinar of some importance.

Read more

Operation Smile: special ‘thank-a-thon’

Hand-painted posters were placed in reception and the conference room.

by SOFII

Operation Smile used the thank-a-thon as a unique opportunity for conversations with our most loyal donors and to reconnect our staff to the organisation through the stories.

Read more

The Royal Flying Doctor Service: ‘Buy a jet’ direct mail

pack shot

by SOFII

This award-winning mailing certainly caught the eye of donors – donations poured in and income soared passed the target. A subsequent newsletter must have been especially good too, because 750 people gave again even though they hadn’t been asked!

Read more

Audubon Society of Rhode Island: special recognition of long-time donors

the Audubon Society’s special recognition pack for their long-term members.

by SOFII

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s superb care for their donors and courage in their approach have produced results that will be the envy of charitable organisations everywhere.

Read more

St Michael’s Foundation: the 2011-2012 annual report, a bold vision realised

The front cover.

by SOFII

St Michael’s always put a lot of effort into making sure that they thank their donors properly and that they are always kept up to date with what thei…

Read more

SolarAid: ‘Spread the light’ campaign

by Richard Turner

Have we all been so busy looking for ways to recruit donors that we are missing something obvious? This exhibit from SolarAid shows how fundraisers used the passion their donors feel for the cause to recruit friends, neighbours and family members of those same donors, bringing them onboard as SolarAid supporters too.

Read more

Sense: A magical Christmas appeal from Teddy

by SOFII

In 2012, Sense and Bluefrog shared the creative and results from a super direct mail campaign that was sent to individual donors. It proved that, if used properly, direct mail appeals to your supporters can and will achieve great results for your charity. Read on and pick up some ideas for your next festive campaign. 

Read more

The National Asthma Campaign: Straws mailing

by SOFII

This revolutionary pack from 1991 features an irresistible involvement device, an easily detachable plastic drinking straw that readers are invited to detach, open and breathe through for less than a minute. It is an imaginative way of involving recipients and enabling them to feel for themselves what it’s like to live with asthma.

Read more

Medicos Sin Fronteras: medicine for someone else’s pain

by SOFII

‘Pills for another person’s pain is a project of awareness and also a new symbol of hope.’

Read more