The Westminster Abbey Appeal

by Damian Chapman

Damian Chapman celebrates the Westminster Abbey Appeal of 1953. A massive £1 million was needed to repair the damage caused by German attacks during WWII, but the Abbey’s appeal started off slowly. Keep reading to find out how the fundraisers involved reached their target.     

The Aberfan Disaster Memorial Fund – Wales, 1966

by Alex Day

Alex Day shares what fundraisers can learn from the Aberfan disaster in 1966. Based on his superb presentation at I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT) 2024, this article explores the tragic landslide in Aberfan, Wales and the bravery of those who stepped up to help.

Oxfam: ‘Stay in the Fight’ legacy campaign

by Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo

This super film from Oxfam marked their return to legacy marketing after a period focussing on other fundraising streams. Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo shares how the team carefully crafted one minute of moving and effective creative. 

Legacy brochures from 90 years ago – what’s the same and what’s different to today?

by Marina Jones

This is a rare ‘legacy edition’ from our ever-growing fundraising history project. Marina Jones has uncovered some gems in The Salvation Army archive, two legacy brochures from the 1930s. In this article she looks at what’s stayed the same (Marina found ten things!), as well as what’s changed, when it comes to talking to donors about making a gift in their will.

SOFII’s best of the best showcase - introduction and contents

by SOFII

This showcase collates some of the greatest fundraising campaigns on SOFII. Be prepared to be inspired and amazed by the very best fundraising ever. And you can suggest other appeals or projects that resonated with you as well.

Nothing can or should substitute for philanthropy

by Simone Joyaux

This is a new, yet old, addition to the Simone Joyaux Archive on SOFII. Written in April 2009, Simone talks about the differences between revenue and charitable gifts, and why customers and donors are not one in the same. She certainly had a point that still rings true today: Nothing substitutes for donors. Nothing. Ever. Never.

Ken Burnett’s archive on SOFII

by SOFII

Index to Ken Burnett's archive

START HERE! Click here for the full list of content with direct links to each article. For your convenience all content is grouped under headings: exhibits, case histories, stories, opinion pieces, techniques, books, videos and podcasts, plus additional material too. So dive in here, now.

Inclusion or disillusion – how do LGBT+ people in the UK feel about giving to charity?

by Amy Nield

The LGBT+ community represents a huge and growing demographic with considerable giving power. For charities and fundraisers, understanding how to engage this group has never been more important. In this report from sector specialists Consider, their team found out how LGBT+ people in the UK really feel about giving to charities. 

What can 6,000 fundraising appeals from 1912 teach you about asking for money?

by Marina Jones

In part one of this series on William Harvey Allen’s review of 6,000 fundraising appeals, Marina Jones noted that the challenges fundraisers face hasn’t really changed much in 100+ years. But today, Marina looks at what these historical appeals can teach us about how we ask for money from donors. Dive in to discover ten key lessons.  

What can 6,000 appeal letters show you about fundraising 100 years ago?

by Marina Jones

In 1912, researcher William Harvey Allen studied an incredible 6,000 fundraising appeals – and then wrote a book about it. In some ways, it’s a bit like an early SOFII, a place where Allen documented the fundraising tips (and mistakes) of his time. Marina Jones takes you through Allen’s findings and shares some of the ways in which fundraising hasn’t changed.

Ten fundraising truths inspired by Booker T. Washington

by Marina Jones

Booker T. Washington was the first president of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). But did you know he was also a skilled fundraiser? In this article, Marina Jones shares ten fundraising truths based on Washington’s success and insight. Dive in and be inspired!

How do you say thank you for 41 million eggs?

by Marina Jones

Fundraising history, donor recognition, supporter experience and thanking. This one has it all! Dive in and explore the many virtues of this World War One (WWI) National Egg Collection campaign. There’s plenty to inspire you and your fundraising, today.