Foundations of Fundraising
Lessons from young charities - part 1
by James Read
In this article, creative director and copy chief of marketing and fundraising agency Grizzard, James Read, looks at some of the newest and relatively small charities that have succeeded in raising enviable amounts of awareness and money. He shares the five principles he believes characterise today’s most innovative nonprofits and how you can apply them to your organisation.
Read moreFinding the perfect fundraising database in an imperfect world
by Robert Weiner
Searching for a donor database for your organisation can be a daunting task. It can be difficult to know where to start, what functions and features you're really going to need, and where to look for affordable options.
Read moreHow 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.
Read moreHarvard University: how Harvard got its name. Major gift fundraising in the seventeenth century.
by SOFII
The examples in this exhibit are almost 400 years old, yet it would seem that we are still making the same mistakes today when it comes to major gift fundraising.
Read moreInvesting in testing - part 1
by Ken Burnett
Has the rigorous testing regime that used to pervade in every seriously ambitious charity been allowed to slip in your organisation? Are your trustees afflicted with the ‘lowest possible acquisition cost’ mentality? You must test properly, says Ken Burnett, otherwise your prospects for innovation are reduced to a matter of random chance.
Read moreSOFII stars: the world’s best fundraising direct mail.
by SOFII
Check out some of the world's best fundraising direct mail. A priceless swipe file: 2000 years of fundraising direct mail. From all the direct marketing gems on SOFII, from the ancient to the bang-up-to-date, here's a selection of great fundraising direct mail, to inspire you. Enjoy!
Read moreHelp the Aged: ‘you have this gift’ direct mail pack
by SOFII
Both the text on the envelope and the incentive in this classic direct mail pack from the 1980s have been copied frequently.
Read moreHope not hopeless
by Charlie Hulme
Back in 2010, the plight of 33 miners in Chile was an international sensation. We were all gripped by the suspense: would the rescue attempt succeed, would they survive…? It wiped from our newspapers and television screens the devastating floods in Pakistan, described by the UN as the greatest humanitarian crisisin recent history. How could this happen? Charlie Hulme explains in his second article on storytelling.
Read morePearly kings and queens – fantastic fundraising
by Mark Astarita
Mark Astarita tells the charming story of the pearly kings and queens. With their colourful feathered hats and hand-sewn pearl button suits, the ‘pearlies’ are an instantly recognisable London institution dating back 150 years.
Read moreDavid Ogilvy’s secret weapon
by SOFII
Few people more deserve the term ‘giant of fundraising’ than David Ogilvy. Here, in a fragment of film from days gone by, Ogilvy passes on a single gem from his glittering experiences. Those who heed his words will prosper.
Read moreA tribute to George Smith, 4th March 2012
by Ken Burnett
SOFII pays tribute to George Smith, fundraising guru and communicator par excellence, who died on Friday 2nd March.
Read morePlan UK: ‘plan your story’ innovative new video and Facebook app
by SOFII
Have Plan UK changed fundraising by launching this new app?
Read more
