SOFII · Foundations of Fundraising

The use and misuse of emotion, part two.

by Ken Burnett

Three steps to transform how fundraisers communicate emotionally.

The A to Z of writing fundraising appeals: A to F

by Steve Lynch

Writing a good appeal is a big undertaking and isn’t as easy as some may think. In this handy guide Blue Frog London’s Steve Lynch gives a handy alphabetical guide to the dos and don’ts of writing a fundraising appeal.

Marie Burnett: she lived, laughed, loved and left a huge hole in our hearts

by Sue Kershaw

We are sad to announce the death of Marie Burnett, co-founder of SOFII, trustee, company secretary, honorary treasurer and voluntary editor in chief.

George Smith: the art of creative fundraising - introduction and contents

by Joe Burnett

Joe Burnett introduces a new series on SOFII featuring the wit and wisdom of legendary fundraising guru and master wordsmith, George Smith.

Greenpeace presents Rang-tan: the story of dirty palm oil

by Sonia Triki

This landmark TV ad captured the hearts and minds of the British nation and helped Greenpeace tap into -and transform- the national conversation around palm oil.

World-changers at Work presents: a life-stage fairytale - how Beryl and Clive found the meaning of life.

by Ken Burnett

In an excerpt of his Storytelling can change the world book recreated for World-changers at Work, Ken Burnett asks how fundraisers can help people find meaning in their life to make a difference to the world. The answer? Tell great stories.

The wit and wisdom of George Smith. Good: the case for a re-launch

by George Smith

In a prescient excerpt from Up Smith Creek, George Smith muses on the concept of doing good and we should triumph over evil in increasingly cynical times.

‘…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.

The SOFII history project part 1: treasures from fundraising’s history.

by SOFII

Welcome to part one of SOFII’s history project. Dive in to explore the best campaigns from antiquity to the 20th century!

The SOFII history project part 2: the all-time fundraising greats.

by Joe Burnett

Do you want to learn from the very best in the fundraising business? This is the section for you as we explore the greatest ever campaigns, events and pioneering thinkers.