John Grain

How to transform your brainstorm sessions

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by John Grain

Fundraising specialist, John Grain, gives some really practical advice on how to get the best out of your brainstorms.

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How to write a better newsletter

by John Grain

In this article, John Grain tells us in simple terms what a good newsletter should be. If you want some solid, practical advice about writing a better newsletter, you need to read this.

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Shine: virtual balloon races

by John Grain

What do you do if your well-established fundraising strategy is having a negative impact on the environment, even if it’s popular? Shine, a small charity, made the smart and innovative decision to take their balloon races online – with spectacular results.

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The seven elements of proposition: how to get your story across

by John Grain

In this article, fundraising specialist, John Grain tells us of seven critical things to remember when telling your fundraising story. Using this checklist and the simple exercises he suggests, you can make your story compelling, engaging and effective, giving you the very best chance of success.

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About the author

With nearly 30 years experience of direct fundraising, John has held senior posts in within Oxfam and Practical Action, and was Director of Fundraising for Western Europe for Habitat for Humanity International. He founded John Grain Associates (JGA) in 2004 since when he has worked with clients large and small to develop innovative, sustainable and long-term individual giving programmes. He is a passionate advocate of permission based, ethical fundraising with an emphasis on understanding our donors and how best to deliver an inspiring and motivating experience for them with every interaction they have with charities. He led the recent Commission on the Donor Experience’s project into Thanking and Welcoming and last year launched the Secret Giver, the sector’s most comprehensive mystery shopping and competitor benchmarking programme.