The Olive Cooke story

by Ken Burnett

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

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?

The pandemic: where has fundraising been, where is it going and where should we be focusing now?

by Giles Pegram CBE

Help is at hand. A free online booklet and webinar are now available to help you deliver great fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic. And the advice all hinges on how to provide a superb supporter experience.

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.

Our Right to Heal – Marva Wisdom, Canada

by Marva Wisdom

There are so many great women of colour working in fundraising, but still a severe lack of diversity at the highest levels. From Our Right to Heal, Marva Wisdom looks at this disparity and asks what we’re going to do about it.

The wit and wisdom of George Smith - Why shame the punters when you can threaten them?

by George Smith

In this new entry to our series by the great writer, George Smith tackles the 'aggressive' tactics used by direct marketers. 

Integrity is not something you show others, it’s how you behave behind their back

by Ken Burnett

Ken Burnett, SOFII’s founder, looks at questions of integrity in fundraising and where it’s lacking, asking the question ‘Whatever has happened to plain ol’ knowing "right" from "wrong"?’

Our Right to Heal - Fatou Jammeh, Canada

by Fatou Jammeh

In a new series brought to you by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Fatou Jammeh shares her lived experiences of racial and gender prejudice. She also explores the legacy of historic oppression in fundraising. This is a powerful story from Our Right to Heal.

ActionAid’s journey to diversity

by Ken Burnett

How one of the UK’s leading INGOs improved performance from management, staff and board by putting its principles into practice. And found happiness in the process.

Our Right to Heal - Black women fundraisers share their stories

by Joe Burnett

These two videos introduce a wonderful initiative by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). This is Our Right to Heal, a selection of beautifully written essays where black women fundraisers share the experiences that have shaped their professional and personal lives.

A timeline of modern British philanthropy

by Rhodri Davies

In this fascinating article, Rhodri Davies takes you through a brief but insightful history of British giving.

Two of the greatest fundraising letters ever written

by Denny Hatch

In this fascinating article, marketing giant Denny Hatch presents two of the greatest fundraising letters of all time, and explains the complex, sometimes murky, story of how they came about.