The Ken Burnett archive

Welcome to the Ken Burnett archive! This is a repository of all the words and wisdom of SOFII’s founder, a man with over forty years’ (sorry Ken) experience in fundraising, charities and social change. Drawing on his extensive website, www.kenburnett.com and many other published sources, we’ll bring you recollections, thought pieces and case studies from a stellar career in the sector.

Campaigning fundraisers can change the world

by SOFII

What is the future of fundraising? Will it be a bright one after the pandemic? Yes, says Ken Burnett. In fact, fundraisers like you can change the world.

Read more

Matched funding challenge has doubled donations for Ken Burnett’s 500-mile quest

by SOFII

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Chip Grizzard and his team at Grizzard Global Consulting and Idearaising, the first £7,500 Ken raised will now be doubled! Could you help Ken reach his new goal and raise even more for SOFII?

Read more

The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links - get your copy today!

by SOFII

The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links is the latest book by Ken Burnett, SOFII co-founder and managing trustee. Secure your copy for just £29.90 (plus P&P) today and £10 of your purchase price will be donated to The SOFII Foundation.

Read more

The book that will lead the campaigning fundraising revolution!

by Tanya Jackson

Fundraiser Tanya Jackson shares her review of Ken Burnett’s brand new book, The essence of Campaigning Fundraising in 52 exhibits and 199 web links.

Read more

The Bata Shoes story

by Ken Burnett

In this article from his archive, SOFII founder Ken Burnett muses on how fundraisers should look at the world and our profession. He also draws unexpected inspiration from the number one shoe company in Africa.

Read more

Communication and the English language

by Ken Burnett

Ken Burnett tackles bad use of the English language in fundraising and explains why getting this crucial matter right can make all the difference.

Read more

The Olive Cooke story

by Ken Burnett

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

Read more

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"?’

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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?

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