Foundations of Fundraising

Amnesty International: the pen pack

by SOFII

Amnesty needed a powerful and effective means of recruiting new donors to their great cause. This was it. This was, as far as we know, the first ever occasion when a free pen was included in an acquisition mailing, in the UK at least. This mailing was both brilliantly successful and started a trend that led to a flood of imitators.

SOFII has just restructured its massive direct mail, door drops and household deliveries showcase – the world’s biggest and best direct mail swipe file. Check it out here.

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CDE project 5 summary: the supporter’s journey

by The Commission on the Donor Experience

This project will define the process and seek to be helpful to fundraisers wishing to offer their donors a truly satisfying, rewarding long-term experience.

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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. 

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How getting diversity and inclusion right will help us change the world

by Vanessa Chase Lockshin

Vanessa Chase Lockshin outlines how the fundraising sector is good at asking about diversity but rarely progresses beyond it to equity and inclusion. Her suggestions are bound to get you thinking.

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Moving from fairness to openness

by Beth Ann Locke and Jen Love

Exploring the issue of fairness Jen and Beth Ann demonstrate how progress can only come about through inclusive and insightful dialogue within our organisations. 

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Refuge: The Helen Titchener (nee Archer) Rescue Fund

by Louise McCathie

A fan of Radio BBC 4's popular programme 'The Archers' created an online fundraising page for Refuge in response to a domestic violence storyline. 

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Creating gender equality in the charity sector

by Lizzi Hollis

A rallying cry for gender parity from fundraiser and founder of Charity Women Lizzi Hollis. 

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It’s just not fair!

by Joe Burnett

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

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Are you asking for gifts personally, face-to-face?

by Simone Joyaux

Simone Joyaux has a wealth of experience in how to talk to donors and asks a very pertinent question: are you asking for gifts personally, face-to-face?

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SOFII stars: great fundraising writers

by SOFII

We’ve once again delved into our archive to bring you a collection of inspirational SOFII Stars, this time focusing on great fundraising writers. From the great George Smith to advertising legend David Ogilvy via Indra Sinha and Karin Weatherup, we’ve gathered the best fundraising writers together to share their unique insights and advice. 

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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.

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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.

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