‘I have a complaint to make’

by Andrew Papworth

The Fundraising Standards Board in the UK recently published the 2011 complaints report and, according to Andrew Papworth, it makes very interesting reading. This is an article about complaints in the UK. Could it apply to fundraising where you are?

A triumph of artlessness – the St Luke’s Hospice loose insert

by Andrew Papworth

This loose insert from a hospice is, says Andrew Papworth, a triumph of artlessness. It is simple yet clever, knows its audience well and explains clearly that continuing to care needs continuing support.

A very angry anagram, nudge, nudge, wink, wink

by Andrew Papworth

It is by no means unknown for me to be critical about Greenpeace’s advertising – particularly its tendency towards confrontational belligerence and its lack of any sense of humour.

Ad excellence: refreshing and instructive variations on an old theme

by Andrew Papworth

Here is some ad excellence. Two great campaigns reviewed by a master of making messages work hard off-the-page – click here for lots of great tips and copy worth copying.

An opportunity grabbed and one wasted

by Andrew Papworth

It seems that when one opportunity is grasped another slips passed. The ‘IF’ campaign has a powerful message, but do you agree with Andrew Papworth when he says that they haven’t managed to get it across?

Are we so bedazzled by new media that we are losing possible legacies?

by Andrew Papworth

You and I know that we can make statistics say whatever we like. But check out this from Andrew Papworth: one in four adults don’t use the Internet every day. Astonishing huh? Are you alienating your donors by denying them the way they want to give?

Asking the biggest questions of all

by Andrew Papworth

Do you agree when Andrew Papworth says that the British Humanist Association ad here shows muddled thinking and poor execution?

At last, some genuinely fresh thinking in press advertising from a charity

by Andrew Papworth

Discover what’s so special about this ad from Sightsavers that it made Andrew Papworth go ‘Wow!’

Be womankind?

by Andrew Papworth

SOFII is all about celebrating and sharing great fundraising ideas so that we can all become a little more successful ourselves. But here Andrew Papworth, author of fundraising newsletter, Harvest, suggests that an Oxfam advert unveiled for International Women’s Day isn’t exactly top of the list to take fundraising notes from. What do you think?

Change can take us by surprise

by Andrew Papworth

Understanding the changes that could influence how your donors view your legacy marketing is extremely important says Andrew Papworth.

Don’t let’s get carried away by talk of recovery

by Andrew Papworth

Are your donors worried about the economy and the impact it has, or could have, on their finances? Are they likely to put their families – and themselves – before your charity, which they love? Andrew Papworth gives some figures from a recent survey in the UK that throw some light on how confident donors are about their financial futures.

Don’t take research findings at face value

by Andrew Papworth

You are always being encouraged to know your donors, who they are and why they give. Research is a good way to learn this. But, warns Andrew Papworth, you should be suspicious if, like the findings here, full methodology isn’t given.

Good money going begging

by Andrew Papworth

Fundraisers in the UK just aren’t making enough of payroll giving, or Give As You Earn, says Andrew Papworth. Is it time for a drive to publicise its many benefits?

Hello! Testing! Testing! Testing!

by Andrew Papworth

Andrew Papworth says that testing is a vital part of good fundraising.

How to advertise for funds off-the-page. Part 1

by Andrew Papworth

Papworth’s principles of press advertising

Part 1: How fundraising ads work

How to advertise for funds off-the-page. Part 2

by Andrew Papworth

It is always important to have a banker advertisement that you know you can rely on. This is an advertisement that has proved itself over time to be consistently reliable. But that alone is not enough. Your banker advertisement will inevitably start to decline at some point, even to become ineffective.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 1

by Andrew Papworth

A brand book is possibly the most important document that you could have if you really want to be an effective client and get the best from your suppliers Andrew Papworth explains why it is so important and how to go about the daunting task – and make no mistake it is – of preparing one. With his guidance it will be made easier.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 2

by Andrew Papworth

We won’t be surprised if you have been putting off starting to prepare your brand book because it appears to be an awful lot of work. Now Andrew Papworth shows just how important it is and how it will actually save you time when preparing your successful fundraising campaigns.

Less pessimism about the fundraising climate but…

by Andrew Papworth

Andrew Papworth reports on the latest Managing in a Downturn and you’ll be pleased to learn that although things are still tough, there is a less pessimism about the fundraising climate. Even better is that individual giving continues to be an important part of fundraising in the UK (and elsewhere too, no doubt).

Press ads can still deliver the goods

by Andrew Papworth

These days it seems that press advertising has been sidelined and disregarded as yesterday’s medium. But, says Andrew Papworth, properly used the press can still be extremely potent. If you have enough skill and determination you can create a very special and deep relationship with the reader.

Spot the elementary mistake in this advertisement

by Andrew Papworth

Embracing the Internet is of course crucial for modern charities. Andrew Papworth, however, argues that this World Food Programme ad makes the mistake of ignoring an important section of society by focusing so heavily on online users.

The fundraising climate: a consumer confidence update

by Andrew Papworth

Do you agree with Andrew Papworth when he says that fundraisers are going to find it tough for the foreseeable future? Here on SOFII you’ll find his thoughts on the latest consumer confidence survey

The view from the doormat

by Andrew Papworth

Fundraisers all over the world have been working frantically in recent weeks to get their Christmas mailings out. Have they been wasting their time? Yes, according to Andrew Papworth’s friend Miss Stevens.

There must surely be a better way to make the most of people’s generosity during tragic times?

by Andrew Papworth

It's wonderful how the public responds to horrors  such as the terror attack at the Manchester Arena  in the UK with generous donations to help the victims. But is there a better way?

When you wish upon a star

by Andrew Papworth

You might be surprised to learn that even in this celebrity-obsessed age, UK charities don’t use the famous extensively in their campaigns. If you do have a celebrity you need to use him or her wisely, says Andrew Papworth.