SOFII · Foundations of Fundraising

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Ireland: ‘Pay it forward’ campaign

by Marie Quirke

When coronavirus hit and began to impact on the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the people of Ireland stepped up to help. They repaid a gift from 173 years earlier by supporting the Choctaw Nation’s superb viral fundraising campaign.

The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links - get your copy today!

by SOFII

The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links is the latest book by Ken Burnett, SOFII co-founder and managing trustee. Secure your copy for just £29.90 (plus P&P) today and £10 of your purchase price will be donated to The SOFII Foundation.

The book that will lead the campaigning fundraising revolution!

by Tanya Jackson

Fundraiser Tanya Jackson shares her review of Ken Burnett’s brand new book, The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links.

George Harrison–Ravi Shankar Special Emergency Relief Fund: ‘Bangla Desh’ pop single

by SOFII

We bring you the under appreciated story of the world’s first charity pop song, courtesy of an ex-Beatle. Dive into this fun piece of fundraising history.

Simone Joyaux, campaigning fundraiser extraordinaire, has died

by Ken Burnett

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

The wit and wisdom of George Smith - Never sneer at an Oscar

by George Smith

Back in 1993, George Smith extolled the virtues of the now ubiquitous fundraising awards.

Direct marketing copy and the amazing power of fear

by Denny Hatch

Can fear be a primary motivating factor in direct mail? Denny Hatch certainly thinks so. In this blog Denny not only explains why, he also illustrates the point by analysing two remarkable letters.

The Bata Shoes story

by Ken Burnett

In this article from his archive, SOFII founder Ken Burnett muses on how fundraisers should look at the world and our profession. He also draws unexpected inspiration from the number one shoe company in Africa.

The wit and wisdom of George Smith: infantile musings

by George Smith

In a piece from 1997, George Smith reflects on how the joy of becoming a grandparent made him more altruistic, and why charities should tap into that well of happiness.

The wit and wisdom of George Smith: instead of Help the Aged, let the aged help

by George Smith

‘A good proportion of one fifth of the population is loaded and leisured, financially secure and has quality time on its hands’ said George Smith. How can fundraisers tap into that potential?

A medieval ‘course’ in writing an appeal

by Mark Phillips

Do you think appeal writing is a recent science? Think again. In this super article, Mark Phillips of Bluefrog Fundraising takes you all the way back to the Middle Ages.