Bhopal Medical Appeal: At a time of crisis, Bhopal's clinics give back something beyond price

by Ken Burnett

In this time of crisis, these newspaper and magazine ads by the Bhopal Medical Appeal return the love they received from their donors 25 years ago.

Communication and the English language

by Ken Burnett

Ken Burnett tackles bad use of the English language in fundraising and explains why getting this crucial matter right can make all the difference.

Contradictory signs: as the corona-crisis continues, what’s really happening in fundraising?

by Ken Burnett

If most charities expect to do so badly during this pandemic, how come some are now doing much better than ever?

Fundraising successes at a time of catastrophe - part one

by Ken Burnett

Across the globe fundraisers are responding to the coronavirus pandemic in innovative and inspirational ways. In the first of two articles, we bring you their stories.

My first weeks as a fundraiser: where do I start?

by Ken Burnett

SOFII presents ‘My first weeks as a fundraiser’: a series to guide you through the start of your fundraising career. We hope to create a treasure trove linking you to the best of what’s on SOFII when it comes to the essentials of fundraising, aka everything you need to get your feet under the table. 

Simone Joyaux, campaigning fundraiser extraordinaire, has died

by Ken Burnett

SOFII has lost a great friend, a great fighter, an exemplary force for good.

Some closing remarks: more on fundraising legend Guy Stringer

by Ken Burnett

For many years the closing remarks at the International Fund Raising Congress (the gathering of professional fundraisers from around the world that takes place each year outside Amsterdam, in the Netherlands) were delivered by Guy Stringer, formerly director of Oxfam, one-time senior executive with a major manufacturing company and now one of fundraising's most eminent and respected gentlemen.

The 11 pillars of fundraising wisdom – plus the five assumptions that underpin effective fundraising

by Ken Burnett

In this noisy, brash and insincere world, how can fundraisers and their organisations stand out and be understood when much of the ground we would occupy is not our exclusive preserve? Indeed, our traditional territory tends to be crowded with other occupants who also posture, to the same audiences we wish to inspire, as ‘socially concerned’ and ‘worthwhile’, so we nonprofits have to struggle to be distinctive and different.

The collection: it’s never too late to do something wonderful.

by Ken Burnett

A new fundraising experience for less-than-new fundraiser Ken Burnett: rattling a bucket on behalf of Syrian refugees. Read how he met some interesting people, raised some money and learned that truly it’s never too late to do something wonderful.

The essence of Campaigning Fundraising: weblinks and QR codes

by Ken Burnett

Reading Ken Burnett’s new book? Lost your handy USB key? Don’t worry! 

Below you will find shortcuts to all the SOFII content linked from Ken’s latest book, The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links.

The Olive Cooke story

by Ken Burnett

How the tragic case of Olive Cooke impacted the fundraising sector and led to radical change.

The treehouse of knowledge – the 34 fundamental foundations of fundraising

by Ken Burnett

Of all the nuggets of essential fundraising knowledge buried within all the lists, books and articles ever written, which would be the one list, that you’d choose to hang directly above your space, your workplace? This is that list. 

Welcome to the art and science of positive thanking

by Ken Burnett

There’s an exciting new fundraising book on the horizon, from SOFII favourite Lisa Sargent and Ken Burnett has had the privilege of getting a sneak preview.