It’s become a bit of a mantra at SOFII – a fundraiser needs to learn from their profession’s past and those that came before them.

And that’s why we want to introduce you to Fulfilled Fundraisers, a cracking place where you really can learn from the best. On this super site, founder Jake Thornton discusses key fundraising issues in a series of video interviews with proper heavyweights of our sector.

So far, Jake has recorded interviews with over 35 fundraising experts who’ve managed great campaigns and orchestrated iconic appeals. Some specialise in legacies. Others are writers par excellence or visionary strategists. They are all voices you will be able to learn from and be inspired by. You’ve probably heard of some of these legends, but others might be new to you. That is the joy of Fulfilled, it is a front row seat at an insightful chat with the best fundraisers you know - as well as the ones you should!

Some of the highlights on Fulfilled Fundraisers include consultant Gail Perry from America revisiting the early lessons she learned in a career that has spanned thirty years. Or Tom Ahern, a good friend and long-time supporter of SOFII, discussing the importance of using research to drive decision-making. And Kishshana Palmer, founder of the Rooted Collaborative in America talking about the ‘lumps and bruises’ she experienced on her journey to success. 

Like the legends he has been interviewing, Jake has learned a lot from his past experiences: ‘I saw what was happening in the start-up world and I found new and disruptive video-based learning platforms emerging. One of the platforms I gained inspiration from was Unfiltered.tv, where New Zealander Jake Millar had interviewed some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and asked them how they got to where they are today.’

‘I thought this would be a great model for the fundraising profession.’

In 2019, Jake started interviewing locally based fundraisers in Melbourne and Sydney. There we all people he had seen present at past conferences, who were highly regarded or whom he had known personally. Within 10 weeks he had interviewed nearly 20 fundraisers in person with a three-camera set. 

But when Covid hit and everything went online, Jake expanded the site by starting to reach out to fundraisers around the world through online recordings. One of them was SOFII’s own Ken Burnett, and you can watch the full interview for free here, just hit play to start.

SOFII thinks that the video is a bit like watching Ken speak at a fundraising event – and Fulfilled is a way to recreate, in small part, the conference experience. 

Jake told us, ‘Working as a fundraiser is hectic yet rewarding; it’s at times isolating yet it’s fulfilling; and in the craziness of appeal time it feels like it’s impossible to find time in your calendar to enhance your professional development. When I was able to take two days out from my work and attend a fundraising conference to learn from other fundraisers, I felt rejuvenated and inspired to bring fresh new ideas back to my cause and make a bigger impact.’

‘But as the weeks went on, the fresh new ideas faded and the environment which had existed to learn from other fundraisers was no longer available.’ 

And so, Jake created Fulfilled Fundraisers. We hope you enjoy it as much we do.

Alongside the wisdom of Tom Ahern (who, if you don’t know him is a highly recognised fundraising copy expert), there are other new additions to the website including: Ken Miller CFRE (a data-focused fundraising consultant), Madeleine Buchner (CEO and founder of Little Dreamers Australia), Ligia Pena CFRE (legacy giving coach and consultant) and Alice Ferris ACFRE (the 21st recipient of the AFP Founders’ Medallion).

Jake promises that Fulfilled will have an exciting list of new fundraising guests in 2021 though he did say, ‘I don't like to spoil the surprise too soon!’ 

So for now, we encourage you to watch Ken’s interview here and take a look at some of the other 35+ free videos featuring experts from around the world. If you like what you see, then why not sign up so you can check out Fulfilled’s 400+ video lessons and learn even more? 

As a SOFII reader Jake has very generously offered you an exclusive 20 per cent discount on your Fulfilled annual plan, simply enter the code SOFIISPECIAL at the checkout page.  

Enjoy!