A new series on SOFII: 32 lightbulb moments

by Joe Burnett

These lightbulb moments will have a real impact on your fundraising and make the most out of the conclusions from the Commission on the Donor Experience.

ACLU: Stand for Rights. Stand for Freedom

by Joe Burnett

When contacted by the American Civil Liberties Union only weeks before a massive telethon, which would be hosted on Facebook and make use of the brand new Facebook Donate system, Open America were handed a massive job with very little time to execute it. The way Paul and his team responded shows initiative and willingness to be bold and daring and to work with new technologies and methods.

Appendix 1: John Burton’s experience/membership of other charities

by Joe Burnett

A list of the organisations World Land Trust founder John Burton has been involved with.

Art Fund: Crowdfunding to save Prospect Cottage (part two)

by Joe Burnett

We bring you part two of our interview with the fundraisers behind a successful crowdfunding campaign to save Derek Jarman’s home. In this instalment, SOFII explores the intricacies of how such a project works.

Bluebell Wood's Soapbox Derby 2016

by Joe Burnett

With their first Soapbox Derby, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice smashed their fundraising target with a fun and thrilling public event.

British Heart Foundation ‘Gift of Hope’ and ‘Give in Celebration’

by Joe Burnett

Find out how the British Heart Foundation completely reinvented their strategy for in memory giving. How? By providing a more involving experience for donors and making great use of new technology. A wonderful lesson for all fundraisers

Call for content for future SOFII features – are you planning to change the world?

by Joe Burnett

We want to ask you a simple question: why did you become a fundraiser?  

Cesvi ‘thank-you’ campaign

by Joe Burnett

One of Italy's largest international aid and development NGOs, Cooperazione e Sviluppo  (co-operation and development), or Cesvi, took advantage of their president stepping down to send a simple, effective and personal letter to their 5,000 most loyal donors. 

Cesvi: ‘stop AIDS at birth’ campaign

by Joe Burnett

Cesvi launched the first fully integrated fundraising campaign in Italian history that was inspired by the words of HIV-positive child Nkosi Johnson at the International AIDS Conference in Durban in 2000.

Cesvi: “Grazie”

by Joe Burnett

Per dar vita a una relazione duratura e soddisfacente con i sostenitori è fondamentale ringraziarli. Cesvi disse“grazie” a ogni sostenitore in modo semplice, efficace e curato, scrivendo a mano sia sulla busta (nome e indirizzo del destinatario), sia sulla lettera (nome destinatario, firma del Presidente). Questo accorgimento fu il preludio a un messaggio confidenziale di ringraziamento, auguri e anticipazione dell’imminente cambio di presidenza. 

Cesvi: Campagna “Fermiamo l’AIDS sul nascere”

by Joe Burnett

“Fermiamo l’AIDS sul nascere”di CESVI fu un progetto pionieristico: prima campagna integrata realizzata in Italia, che raccolse fondi avvalendosi di canali tradizionali e nuovi (gli allora innovativi SMS) presso una vasta gamma di persone: donatori potenziali, presenti, storici. Il progetto continuo ad evolvere negli anni sia a livello di comunicazione sia sul campo. 

Congratulations to friend of SOFII Lyndall Stein!

by Joe Burnett

Lyndall Stein, a legend among fundraisers and activists, deservedly won the Lifetime Contribution Award at the 2017 National Fundraising Awards.

Crisis at Christmas

by Joe Burnett

The Crisis at Christmas campaign was presented at this month’s IWITOT in London. Discover for yourself how asking donors for detailed and informative amounts can give you an amazing 19:1 return on investment. I think we wish we’d thought of it!

Fresh content in Portuguese and Spanish

by Joe Burnett

We bring you fresh translations of two great case studies, one in Spanish and one in Portuguese as we continue to make SOFII accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

From the UK’s Institute of Fundraising: ​spread the word, not the virus

by Joe Burnett

What might the coronavirus outbreak mean for your donors? Join an expert panel from the IoF on Monday for a unique webinar.

Fundraising in a time of crisis: SOFII’s guide to navigating tough times

by Joe Burnett

In this series, we look at the lessons we can learn from the coronavirus crisis and how fundraisers can use it as an opportunity to change the world.

Fundraising Inspiration Advent Calendar 2016

by Joe Burnett

Following the success of last year’s advent calendar, SOFII once again brings you fantastic fundraising ideas, one for every day of the month of December. We’ll add new links to this page every week until Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Getting donor-centred fundraising right: the conclusion of the lightbulb moments.

by Joe Burnett

The best of donor-centric fundraising is here - we've kept the best of the last of the lightbulb moments for now.

Give Them Refuge Christmas Campaign

by Joe Burnett

Through a hard-hitting and powerful video ad and social media campaign, Refuge exponentially increased traffic to their website and the number of donations they received.

Good advice and bad ads

by Joe Burnett

Bringing you the best of the best and what you really need to avoid doing: two different angles to help transform your fundraising.

History at your fingertips: SOFII's best of the best

by Joe Burnett

The very best of the best, click here to learn about SOFII's all-time fundraising greats and be inspired by some giants of the charities sector and groundbreaking campaigns.

HIV/AIDS Alliance: ‘Come Together’ a bold and risqué TV advert

by Joe Burnett

A bold and adventurous campaign by The HIV/AIDS Alliance called ‘We Come Together’. In the most risqué TV advert ever broadcast on UK television, late at night, of course, they celebrated safe sex and prompted viewers to visit a bespoke website where they could buy a cheeky safe sex kit, the profits from which would go to the global battle against AIDs. Please note this case study contains explicit content. Viewer discretion advised. The video in this exhibit is sexually explicit so please don’t view it if you are likely to be offended. 

How Alzheimer's Society transformed it’s online giving experience

by Joe Burnett

Getting a donor’s online experience right is crucial for modern day charities. Find out how Alzheimer’s Society UK did just that and reaped massive rewards.

If you want their money, best not to insult them

by Joe Burnett

A goof by the UK Conservative Party in a fundraising letter shows just how careful you need to be with the data you're working from.

Note: this article contains language that some may find offensive

Inspiration from Ireland

by Joe Burnett

Despite their small size, Abortion Support Network transformed their organisation's fortunes by including their donors' voices in their direct mail campaign. Read how this superb campaign is inspiring others.

Introducing Fulfilled Fundraisers, a new learning platform for fundraisers

by Joe Burnett

Now, more than ever, fundraisers want to connect with their peers and help each other. Thankfully there’s a space where you can learn from the best in the business, without even needing to leave your desk: Fulfilled Fundraisers.

Islamic Relief: ‘Saving lives isn't easy’ video

by Joe Burnett

A funny, intelligent video (featuring star in the making Yusuf) demonstrates the complexity of international aid and why organisations such as Islamic Relief are so important in the global fight against poverty.

It’s just not fair!

by Joe Burnett

What are you doing to combat gender inequality in your organisation? Join SOFII’s campaign.

Joel Joffe (1932-2017)

by Joe Burnett

We are saddened by the passing of humanitarian giant and SOFII supporter Joel Joffe.

KiKa (Children’s Cancer Free Foundation): Events fundraising success

by Joe Burnett

Discover how a Dutch charity managed to lead the way in both event fundraising and donor relations.

Meet the fundraising Myth Smashers

by Joe Burnett

SOFII shares the winning presentations from Myth Smashers, Fundraising Institute of Australia’s IWITOT-inspired event. These young fundraisers each shine a light on dispiriting fundraising myths and show how they can be overcome.

Meet the world-changers

by Joe Burnett

These are the voices that drive the WoW! project: interviews and conversations with people who every day are making a difference.

Meet the world-changers - from the fundraising frontline: an interview with Jiblu Rahman

by Joe Burnett

Jiblu Rahman wowed people across the fundraising sector with his star turn in Islamic Relief’s ‘Saving lives isn’t easy’ ad campaign. Joe Burnett sat down with him to discuss the campaign and how he, as a young fundraiser, is becoming a world-changer.

Meet the world-changers - mindful fundraising: an interview with Karen Bolton of Mind

by Joe Burnett

Karen Bolton of Mind takes us through her career, why working for Mind matters so much to her, how their workplace encourages employees’ wellbeing and how she's changing the world.

Meet the world-changers - overcoming adversity: an interview with Michelle Berriman

by Joe Burnett

This is one of the best interviews we’ve had on SOFII and certainly in the WoW! Project. Michelle Berriman, Executive Director at the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand, has had a fascinating and at times harrowing life. She has kindly and candidly shared her story with SOFII’s Joe Burnett to explain how she used her personal struggles to become a real world-changer at work.

Meet the world-changers - the millennials: an interview with Derrick Feldmann

by Joe Burnett

Thanks to Rachel Hutchisson of Blackbaud, we were lucky to be able to talk to Derrick Feldmann, founder of the Achieve agency and researcher on the Millennial Impact Project, about millennial engagement through work, and the broader corporate engagement sector in the USA.

Meet the world-changers - the view from the top: an interview with Daryl Brewster

by Joe Burnett

We chat to Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP, the CEO Force for Good charity, an organisation that encourages and helps major companies become agents of positive change in the world.

MyOxfam app

by Joe Burnett

The MyOxfam app allows supporters of Oxfam to manage their donations to the charity quickly and without hassle; it also gives them real transparency about the impact of their donations.

Now added new on SOFII: the penultimate lightbulb moments.

by Joe Burnett

We bring you the penultimate lightbulb moments: why face-to-face went so wrong, major donor fundraising, the correct use of emotion and communication keys.

Omaze and Idris Elba’s Valentine campaign for W.E. Can Lead

by Joe Burnett

A clever and innovative campaign offered donors the prize of a lifetime: a ‘date’ with superstar Idris Elba. 

Our Right to Heal - Black women fundraisers share their stories

by Joe Burnett

These two videos introduce a wonderful initiative by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). This is Our Right to Heal, a selection of beautifully written essays where black women fundraisers share the experiences that have shaped their professional and personal lives.

Plastic not-so-fantastic: Turning the Tide on Plastic by Lucy Siegle reviewed

by Joe Burnett

In her fantastic book, journalist Lucy Siegle sets out how we can all make a difference in tackling an increasingly dangerous plastic situation.

Presenting SOFII’s new user guide

by Joe Burnett

In order to help you navigate the giant treasure trove of fundraising knowledge that is SOFII, we've created a handy new user guide.

Rebels on the Liffey: a trip to Ask Direct’s Fundraising Summer School 2018

by Joe Burnett

SOFII traveled to Dublin in July to report on one of the best fundraising conferences around: the Ask Direct Fundraising Summer School. Read on to discover part one of what we learned.

Right now, the supporter experience matters more than ever

by Joe Burnett

How are you going to maintain an excellent donor experience for your supporters in this time of crisis? Six expert fundraisers explain how their organisations are reacting to coronavirus, whilst still ensuring they are there for those who give to them.

RNLI: We are one crew

by Joe Burnett

This short but wonderful video from the RNLI thanks donors for their ongoing support during the coronavirus pandemic. But crucially, it also sends out heartfelt hopes that they too are keeping safe and well through these trying times. 

Santa Dashes aplenty as the festive season approaches

by Joe Burnett

The Santa Dash is fun and colourful event that has spread across the UK and around the globe and raised money for a huge number of charities.

SAVE FINZ: Emergency direct mail appeal

by Joe Burnett

Facing difficult financial straits due to coronavirus, the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand launched an unprecedented matched funds appeal and brought in support from all around the world.

Say hello to SOFII’s updated direct mail showcase

by Joe Burnett

With a fresh new look and great organisation by categories, the SOFII direct mail showcase is the place to go for the best content on direct mail and door drops.

Snowdogs: Tails in Wales Trail

by Joe Burnett

This superbly interactive campaign made a lasting impact by helping raise significant funds for Welsh children's hospice Tŷ Hafan but also by engaging the local community of South Wales in a fun and interactive programme.

SOFII stars: a selection of fantastic events from around the world

by Joe Burnett

Here are links to 12 fundraising events that raised money in innovative and exciting ways, from huge viral campaigns to small but successful projects that exceeded expectations and transformed people’s lives.

SOFII stars: fantastic events

by Joe Burnett

A selection of the most innovative, exciting and successful events from around the globe.

SOFII stars: great fundraising writers

by Joe Burnett

Check out SOFII stars: great fundraising writers - a comprehensive guide to the most inspirational fundraising writing in the world.

SOFII's WoW! series is here!

by Joe Burnett

We've launched an exciting and inspirational new series, World-changers at Work. Here's how you can explore the new content and get involved.

SOFII’s advent calendar - part three

by Joe Burnett

Have you properly stocked up your holiday food and drink? We sure have, and continue the festive spirit with another collection of great content for the SOFII advent calendar. Ho ho ho!

SOFII’s advent calendar 2017

by Joe Burnett

The SOFII advent calendar returns in 2017. As we’re already into December, this first edition is a bumper one, with twelve great treasures from the SOFII archive for you to discover.

SOFII’s advent calendar 2017 - part two

by Joe Burnett

Welcome to the second part of this year’s advent calendar – I hope you enjoy this week's round-up of gems on SOFII. 

SOFII’s best of the best: the NSPCC Full Stop campaign in full

by Joe Burnett

Now in full, the chronicle of the most successful charity campaign in UK history, the NSPCC’s Full Stop campaign is on SOFII. Be prepared to be inspired.

SOFII’s new content is getting people talking

by Joe Burnett

We're grateful for all your feedback - if you haven't already, join in the conversation!

Solar Aid BBC Radio 4 appeal

by Joe Burnett

In 2013, when given the opportunity to be included in this prestigious appeal, SolarAid brought in renowned author Ian McEwan, a passionate supporter of the cause, to deliver the plea and outline the great work SolarAid does. Find out why.

Still in the battle: an interview with Roger Craver

by Joe Burnett

Part 1 of an interview with Roger Craver. An activist for over fifty years, he has been involved in the US civil rights movement helping to establish Common Cause, the National Organisation for Women, the Environmental Defense Fund and Greenpeace. 

Suffering from lockdown? Here’s a FREE seminar on SOFII

by Joe Burnett

Friend of SOFII and fundraising expert Alan Clayton shares a free seminar. We think this will give you a shot of energy and inspiration as we look to the future and the post-lockdown fundraising landscape.

The Agitator celebrates the Lightbulb Moments

by Joe Burnett

Our thanks go to Roger Craver of the Agitator for his shout-out about the 32 Lightbulb Moments video series, and in particular the ever-inspirational case of Botton Village.

The Great Bungay Duck Race: Virtual success in 2020

by Joe Burnett

How one small charity in rural England had to innovate and try out new ideas to ensure their event went ahead. When coronavirus forced them to go virtual, they did in style.

The great fundraiser’s bookshelf

by Joe Burnett

Where do you start, if you want to find the best books on fundraising? Look no further: welcome to the great fundraiser's bookshelf.

The lightbulb moments return: if you want to get, you first need to give

by Joe Burnett

SOFII's lightbulb moments return with thoughts on the Commission on the Donor Experience and five short but insightful videos to transform your fundraising.

The NSPCC Full Stop campaign retrospective is here!

by Joe Burnett

We have launched our retrospective series on the NSPCC's record-breaking Full Stop campaign, in the words of Giles Pegram CBE. Check out parts one and two with more to come.

The SOFII history project part three: the legends of fundraising

by Joe Burnett

Meet the women and men who transformed, improved and revolutionised fundraising.

The SOFII history project part two: the all-time fundraising greats

by Joe Burnett

Do you want to learn from the very best in the fundraising business? This is the section for you as we explore the greatest ever campaigns, events and pioneering thinkers.

​The WHY of WoW!

by Joe Burnett

The why of WoW! Just as there’s a world full of problems out there, it’s equally true the world is full of opportunities to make a difference. Someone should be changing the world. And there are many ways to make that difference, to change the world.

The wisdom of Roger Craver part two

by Joe Burnett

‘It’s always a fantastic time to be alive – it beats the alternative!’ The second part of our interview with the legendary Roger Craver continues, exploring technology, fundraising techniques and Britain’s own Trumpism.

The wit and wisdom of George Smith - Introduction and contents

by Joe Burnett

Joe Burnett introduces a new series on SOFII featuring the wit and wisdom of legendary fundraising guru and master wordsmith, George Smith.

Tickets are now available for IWITOT 2018

by Joe Burnett

Find out how you can get tickets to the best fundraising event of 2018!

Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital

by Joe Burnett

SOFII attended the Ask Direct Summer School, one of 2016’s most inspirational world class fundraising seminars. We were treated to thought-provoking, intriguing and engaging sessions by some of the sector’s leading lights. Here's part one of our reports.

Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part four

by Joe Burnett

In the final edition of SOFII’s report on the Ask Direct Summer School, we get a sneak preview of an upcoming new series on SOFII from Alan Clayton and an account of Ken Burnett’s closing plenary.

Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part three

by Joe Burnett

In the third part of our report from Dublin, we cover a brilliant panel debate on the serious gender imbalance in fundraising. We also bring you a report on Norwegian website expert Beate Sørum’s insightful presentation.

Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part two

by Joe Burnett

In this report we look at two sessions from Australia-based data and dm expert Sean Triner on mid-level donors and legacies and governance guru Simone Joyaux’s rallying cry for creating extraordinary experiences.

UNICEF and Pampers: ‘1 pack = 1 vaccine’ partnership

by Joe Burnett

Learn how a big brand partnered with a charity to transform the lives of women and children for thirteen years and counting.

UNICEF Canada: 360° immersive experience

by Joe Burnett

Discover how UNICEF Canada brought donors and beneficiaries closer together, via their excellent use of virtual reality.

UNICEF Christmas adverts

by Joe Burnett

These TV adverts from Sweden are short but remarkably well-made, deploying wit and humour with sensitivity and intelligence to make crucial points. They may take in history, fantasy and mythology, but never lose sight of the core message from UNICEF.

War Child - Armistice

by Joe Burnett

War Child, a UK charity that supports children caught up in conflict zones, had a brilliant idea for their ‘Armistice’ campaign, teaming up with several top gaming companies in a spectacularly innovative way. This could be a future medium for all NGOs.

Welcome to SOFII’s direct mail showcase: contents and index

by Joe Burnett

Welcome to SOFII's direct mail, door drops and household deliveries showcase. We bring you a hatful of exceptional examples and words of wisdom that highlight the best direct mail and demonstrate how you can create your own brilliant packs and campaigns.

Which of these great fundraising ideas will inspire you?

by Joe Burnett

SOFII is about sharing great ideas, and with every iteration of I Wish I'd Thought of That (IWITOT), fundraisers young and old, experienced or new to the job, share those that are so good they wished they'd thought of them.

Why you should watch out for the lightbulb moments

by Joe Burnett

Two leading fundraisers from the Netherlands share their thoughts on why the lightbulb moments are so relevant and will help you transform your fundraising.

WILL YOU HELP SAVE FINZ? - A unique fundraiser-to-fundraiser (F2F) appeal, part two

by Joe Burnett

SOFII gives you an update on the matched funding appeal, straight from the horse’s mouth. Joe Burnett talks to FINZ CEO Michelle Berriman (who of course is more of a swan than a horse, but you know what we mean!).

World Vision: The Story Shop

by Joe Burnett

Learn how World Vision took their cause into the world of high-end shopping – through an interactive, beautifully-designed store that was informative and made it easy for donors to make their gift. 

World-changers at Work presents: SuperTeds

by Joe Burnett

These ten inspirational TED Talks lay out frameworks for making the world a better, fairer place through our work environments and interactions with those around us.

World-changers at Work: introduction and contents

by Joe Burnett

SOFII presents world-changers at work, an ambitious and far-reaching series that explores how we can all make a difference from our desks. 

Worldwide Breast Cancer - Know Your Lemons campaign

by Joe Burnett

How a simple yet tremendously effective campaign made the most of social media to get a crucial message around the world.

WoW! Presents - Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity: Freya’s story

by Joe Burnett

From World-changers at Work, this is the story of how one brave teenager turned tragedy into opportunity and raised money for the people who saved her life.

Your example can inspire SOFII's readers

by Joe Burnett

Have you or your organisation created something truly special for donors and beneficiaries?