Foundations of Fundraising

The SOFII history project: introduction and contents

by SOFII

Being a great fundraiser means knowing your history, and learning from it. This introduction helps you to explore SOFII’s collection of historical fundraising brilliance. Enjoy!

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Crowdfunding: A lesson from World War II

by Roger Craver

The Spitfire was a single-seat, short-range, high-performance interceptor. But Britain faced an early and major problem with this impressive fighter plane – where to get the money to pay for the thousands that were required. The solution was fundraising. 

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RNLI: 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. 

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Fundraising in a time of crisis: five ways to think about the supporter experience now

by Richard Turner

Fundraiser Richard Turner shares how charities such as RNLI, Asthma UK, Freedom from Torture, and SolarAid are responding to the coronavirus crisis and reaching out to their supporters.

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Fundraising in a time of crisis: could this be fundraising’s finest hour?

by Ken Burnett

We’ve seen quarantined Italians serenading each other from their balconies - what can fundraisers learn from such solidarity? Ken Burnett explains all.

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Right now, the supporter experience matters more than ever

by Joe Burnett

How are you going to maintain an excellent donor experience for your supporters in this time of crisis? Six expert fundraisers explain how their organisations are reacting to coronavirus, whilst still ensuring they are there for those who give to them.

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Why do people give? The podcast with Ken Burnett

by Mark Phillips

We bring you Mark Phillips’ conversation with SOFII founder and fundraising expert Ken Burnett, from the podcast Why do people give?

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The wit and wisdom of George Smith - Do you seriously want to be serious?

by George Smith

Can being too serious undermine a good working environment? George Smith certainly thought so, as this hilarious column confirms.

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The wit and wisdom of George Smith - Let’s be conventional

by George Smith

How should one go about navigating the perilous world of conventions, symposia and workshops? Here's the answer, brought to you by fundraising legend George Smith.

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The wit and wisdom of George Smith - The Mary Hinge letter

by George Smith

Here’s a great letter to enjoy, but it comes with a twist: it’s another example of George Smith’s cheeky sense of humour and superb writing skills.

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Strike Debt: The Rolling Jubilee telethon

by Tain Joliffe

Discover how a superb telethon, dedicated to eradicating household debt in America, grew out of the Occupy movement.

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Investing in testing - part 2

by Ken Burnett

'Why would you spend a big chunk of a slender budget with no immediate prospect of return?' asks SOFII founder Ken Burnett

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