SPOTLIGHT ON FUNDRAISING HISTORY
Learn lessons from fundraisers of the past
The Aberfan Disaster Memorial Fund – Wales, 1966
Alex Day shares what fundraisers can learn from the Aberfan disaster in 1966. Based on his superb presentation at I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT) 2024, this article explores the tragic landslide in Aberfan, Wales and the bravery of those who stepped up to help.
Celebrating donor recognition through history and exploring why it works
Join Marina Jones as she shares a selection of her favourite examples of donor recognition. Dating back to mediaeval times, this is a wonderful (and sometimes weird) collection of ways that donors have been recognised for their gifts.
George Harrison–Ravi Shankar Special Emergency Relief Fund: ‘Bangla Desh’ single
We bring you the under appreciated story of what just might have been the world’s first-ever charity pop song, courtesy of an ex-Beatle. Dive to learn more from this piece of our fundraising history – and listen to George Harrison’s song!
LATEST CASE STUDIES
Fantastic fundraising campaigns from around the world
The IUCN and Lacoste: ‘Save Our Species’ partnership
The results of this partnership speak for themselves. Funds raised – tick. Awareness raised – tick. Endangered species saved – tick. Keep reading to find out why Oxfam’s Manon Oliver admires what is a truly creative collaboration.
Sumatran Orangutan Society: ‘The Long Call’ supporter update
This case study gives fundraisers like you a masterclass in merging a great supporter experience with a fantastic appeal sent via the post. It features a supporter update that not only brings conservation to life for the donor but inspires them to keep on giving too.
Camp Oochigeas: Mid-value direct mail appeal
An effective direct mail appeal is a wonderful opportunity to have an emotional conversation with your donors – as well as a chance for you to raise vital funds for your cause. This masterclass in direct mail has everything you need to craft your next engaging, target-busting direct mail pack.
LATEST ARTICLES
Expert opinions, insights and how-to guides to inform your fundraising
Legacies through the lens of faith
In an increasingly multicultural world, how we engage and inspire donors from different backgrounds and faiths is important. This article explores the unique traditions and beliefs that underlie faiths and looks at how religion frames philanthropy.
As younger donors step up to donate, are charities ready for them?
Younger donors are ready to give to charities, but delivering fundraising messages in the right way could make a big difference to if they choose your cause. Blue State’s Anjali Bewtra shares what fundraisers should consider when communicating with younger donors, as well as examples of charities that are already doing it well.
I wish I’d thought of the ‘Touch, Look, Check’ campaign
At I Wish I’d Thought of That in November 2024, Laura Webb chose to celebrate a fundraising campaign that was created in 2012 and is still going strong today. Raising both money and awareness, ‘Touch, Look, Check’ is a value-exchange proposition that continues to engage donors.
SOFII’S MOST POPULAR
Your shortcut to our must-see examples of fundraising inspiration
Unleash the might of the donor – power as a component of a fundraising plan
Your donors want to make a difference. But sometimes when they give, they aren’t sure if their generosity is making an impact. In this article, Mark Phillips shares three techniques you can add to your fundraising appeals. Each one will help ensure your donors know that they DO have the power to make a difference.
Inclusion or disillusion – how do LGBT+ people in the UK feel about giving to charity?
The LGBT+ community represents a huge and growing demographic with considerable giving power. For charities and fundraisers, understanding how to engage this group has never been more important. In this report from sector specialists Consider, their team found out how LGBT+ people in the UK really feel about giving to charities.
Lar da Menina: ‘Blessed Beetle’ raffle
Meet the wonderful fundraising nuns of Lar da Menina in Brazil, and pick up some tips from their unique and very successful ‘Blessed Beetle’ raffle.
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