The Fundraiser’s Toolbox
You know that fundraising is hard work. To be successful you need to be well equipped to take on all its challenges. At SOFII, we thought you might like some help. So we’ve put together this fundraiser’s toolbox that we’ll be filling with essential examples, formats, articles, case studies, ideas and tips that we think every fundraiser should know about.
New research and free guidelines for fundraisers using AI-generated imagery
by Emma Bracegirdle
Confused about the implications of using AI-generated imagery in your fundraising? This research report and set of free guidelines can help your charity navigate the legal requirements and learn how to use AI images ethically.
Read moreKindness is contagious – The simple fundraising strategy of a small charity
by Rebekah Jerram
Why is kindness contagious and how can it impact your fundraising? Based on her super presentation at I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT) 2025, new voice Rebekah Jerram talks about why she admires the small charity 52 Lives and their simple, effective fundraising strategy.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: We can’t ask new patients to donate, or can we?
by Saarah Abdeen
Saarah Abdeen discusses the assumption that fundraisers shouldn’t ask new patients to donate. Keep reading and discover the personal experiences that got Saarah thinking about how and why we should finally smash this myth.
Read moreOpen Letter to Tom Ralser re: The fallacy of ‘facts tell, stories sell’
by Claire Axelrad
Claire Axelrad responds to Tom Ralser’s opinion piece with an open letter. In it, Claire shares her perspective on storytelling, as a writer and fundraiser.
Read moreThe fallacy of ‘facts tell, stories sell’
by Tom Ralser
In a new addition to SOFII’s Opinions and Debates showcase, Tom Ralser shares his view on the notion that ‘facts tell, stories sell’. When it comes to fundraising, Tom feels that relying on stories alone isn’t always enough to create a great appeal AND convince your donor to give.
Read moreCan fundraisers tell the difference between AI and human-written thank you letters?
by Craig Linton
Surprising survey results show that AI letters were rated higher by fundraisers than human-written letters.
Read moreCan we talk about community fundraising?
by Kevin Delaney
SOFII trustee and Irish fundraiser, Kevin Delaney, takes a closer look at the challenges facing community fundraising – before offering you some tips for how to unlock the potential of this income stream.
Read moreCharity Right: ‘AI vs real people’ image test
by Jamal Abbas
There are a lot of potential uses for artificial intelligence (AI) in fundraising. Jamal Abbas shares how one charity set out to discover what worked better in an online fundraising campaign, AI generated images or those taken by a team of skilled photographers.
Read moreDirect mail clinics – Introduction and contents
by Joanna Culling
Welcome to the Agents of Good (AOG) free direct mail clinics. These 11 useful video lessons (and extra special episodes) offer you tried and tested tips that will make your direct mail appeals more engaging and effective. Please explore all the clinics and share them widely with your fundraising friends.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #1 – All about marketing
by Carolina Herrera
John Lepp kicks off his free clinics by explaining why direct mail is a phenomenal tool for fundraisers. He thinks it is the perfect way to start a conversation with your donor and raise more for good causes around the world.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #2 – Envelopes
by Carolina Herrera
In this direct mail clinic, John Lepp asks you to (please!) turn your attention to envelopes. They are one of the most misunderstood and often ignored parts of a fundraising appeal, but your envelope is key to ensuring a donor opens your pack and engages with what you have to say.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #3 – How do humans make decisions?
by Carolina Herrera
Why are so many fundraisers talking about decision science? In this clinic, John Lepp explains that understanding what drives donor decisions is key to improving your direct mail appeals. It is a great place to start on your decision science journey, so watch this clinic and get to know how you can apply these techniques to your next campaign.
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