Foundations of Fundraising
Bhopal Medical Appeal: At a time of crisis, Bhopal's clinics give back something beyond price
by Ken Burnett
In this time of crisis, these newspaper and magazine ads by the Bhopal Medical Appeal return the love they received from their donors 25 years ago.
Read moreRNLI: We are one crew
by Joe Burnett
This short but wonderful video from the RNLI thanks donors for their ongoing support during the coronavirus pandemic. But crucially, it also sends out heartfelt hopes that they too are keeping safe and well through these trying times.
Read moreWelcome to the art and science of positive thanking
by Ken Burnett
There’s an exciting new fundraising book on the horizon, from SOFII favourite Lisa Sargent and Ken Burnett has had the privilege of getting a sneak preview.
Read more‘…written with such a wit and lightness of touch that not a page is boring.’ - Drayton Bird reviews Up Smith Creek
by Drayton Bird
As we continue our celebration of the wit and wisdom of George Smith we bring you this review of the superb collection Up Smith Creek by famed marketing expert Drayton Bird.
Read moreMy first weeks as a fundraiser: where do I start?
by Ken Burnett
SOFII presents ‘My first weeks as a fundraiser’: a series to guide you through the start of your fundraising career. We hope to create a treasure trove linking you to the best of what’s on SOFII when it comes to the essentials of fundraising, aka everything you need to get your feet under the table.
Read moreCDE 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.
Read moreThe treehouse of knowledge – the 34 fundamental foundations of fundraising
by Ken Burnett
Of all the nuggets of essential fundraising knowledge buried within all the lists, books and articles ever written, which would be the one list, that you’d choose to hang directly above your space, your workplace? This is that list.
Read moreHarold Sumption: the shy pioneer
by SOFII-author
In this addition to SOFII’s Fundraising Legends series, Ken Burnett proudly shares the full text of Harold’s only published material – Yesterday’s trail-blazing and pointers for tomorrow.
Read moreAre you answering the right questions if you don’t want to bore people?
by Matthew Sherrington
Where do most nonprofits tend to start when it comes to telling their story? They start with themselves: ‘Who We Are’, or on their website ‘About Us’. And then they move on to ‘What We Do’, a description of the activities or themes they work on. More about ‘me’. But people generally aren’t interested in you. They are interested in the cause or issue they are passionate about. They are interested in the difference they can make. So it’s not about you.
Read moreMusings of a direct response fundraiser no. 1: revisiting the basics
by Jonathon Grapsas
In this first article in a new series focusing on what you really need to know about direct marketing for fundraising, seasoned Australian fundraiser Jonathon Grapsas sets out some of the direct-mail basics. They might surprise you…
Read moreThe collection: it’s never too late to do something wonderful.
by Ken Burnett
A new fundraising experience for less-than-new fundraiser Ken Burnett: rattling a bucket on behalf of Syrian refugees. Read how he met some interesting people, raised some money and learned that truly it’s never too late to do something wonderful.
Read moreHarvard University: 17th century major gift fundraising
by SOFII-author
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.
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