Foundations of Fundraising

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.

Read more

Welcome 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

The use and misuse of emotion, part two.

by Ken Burnett

Three steps to transform how fundraisers communicate emotionally.

Read more

The use and misuse of emotion part one

by Ken Burnett

Why fundraisers should study emotions and learn to use them better.

Read more

The tester’s dilemma: to go on, or give up?

by Ken Burnett

‘When should we accept that our brilliant idea just isn’t going to work?’ asks Ken Burnett in this latest article on testing.

Read more

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

Read more

Bring back the indispensable guard book

by Ken Burnett

'There’s a lot that I recall with affection from my first fundraising job. But one thing I remember particularly fondly – the good old guard book.'

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Greenpeace UK: Rang-tan and the story of dirty palm oil

by Sonia Triki

This landmark TV ad captured the hearts and minds of the public. It also helped Greenpeace tap into, and transform, the national conversation around palm oil.

Read more

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.

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 more