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.

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.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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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.'

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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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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.

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The use and misuse of emotion part one

by Ken Burnett

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

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The use and misuse of emotion, part two.

by Ken Burnett

Three steps to transform how fundraisers communicate emotionally.

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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.

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CDE project 6 section 4.5c: The Dóchas code of conduct on images and messages.

by Ken Burnett

As part of CDE project 6 on the use and misuse of emotion, Ken Burnett explains what the Dóchas code of conduct on images and messages is and why it is necessary for our organisations.

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