Celebrating Jerry Huntsinger – an exemplary fundraiser, writer, teacher and friend

by SOFII

There is a very special showcase on SOFII that you might not know about – but you really should. It contains oodles of fundraising wisdom and it’s called, quite simply, The Jerry Huntsinger Tutorials.

21 and ½ tips for writing better fundraising materials

by Lisa Sargent

Fundraising copywriter extraordinaire Lisa Sargent is back, with more essential advice on how to harness the power of your writing. In this article Lisa shares her tried-and-true checklist for better fundraising materials. Follow these tips and help ensure your donor communications shine... every time!

Extra Life: ‘Play Games, Heal Kids’ 24-hour gaming marathon

by Rickesh Lakhani

In this case study, video game enthusiast and fabulous fundraiser Rickesh Lakhani asks: How can a plumber, riding a dinosaur, help raise money for children?

Keep reading to find out!

British Muslims are the most generous group in the UK – how can fundraisers engage them?

by Jasmine Miah

Blue State’s essential report shows that UK Muslims gave four times more in the last 12 months than UK average. Almost half are planning to give more to charity in the next year. Three in four have already donated to support individuals impacted by the war in Gaza. And one in two are open to giving their Zakat to charitable organisations. What does this mean for charities and fundraisers like you?

Dogs Trust: ‘Home from Home’ direct mail appeal

by Amber Gerrard-Maxwell

This bright, bold and compelling fundraising campaign from Dogs Trust exceeded all expectations. With a record number of dogs in need of homes, the ‘Home from Home’ appeal raised vital funds to expand the charity’s foster caring network. It smashed its targets and saved many dogs who had nowhere else to go. 

Unleash the might of the donor – power as a component of a fundraising plan

by Mark Phillips

Your donors want to make a difference. But sometimes when they give, they aren’t sure if their generosity is making an impact. In this article, Mark Phillips shares three techniques you can add to your fundraising appeals. Each one will help ensure your donors know that they DO have the power to make a difference.

Is your donor a Spiderman, Batman or a Wonder Woman?

by Marina Jones

Superheroes have a unique backstory that makes them who they are and shapes their narrative. But in fundraising, your donor has an ‘origin story’ too. Marina Jones believes that making an effort to learn more about your donor’s story can give you an insight into why they choose to give – and help you build supporter loyalty.

Age UK: Cadbury ‘Donate Your Words’ corporate partnership

by Rebecca Broad

It’s not often that a chocolate bar stops you in your tracks and makes you want to start talking (and donating) to a charity helping older people. But in this case study, you’ll discover how Age UK’s superbly executed brand and fundraising campaign raised both money and awareness in a clever, captivating, and caring way.

When fundraising collapsed – are we ready for a new era of responsible fundraising?

by Giles Pegram CBE

As we enter another year in fundraising, Giles Pegram is pausing to look back. In this article, he reflects on some important moments in his time as a fundraiser – from 1983 to the present. Giles also refers to the lessons found in the Commission on the Donor Experience and offers fundraisers ten tips that he believes will help you usher in a new era of responsible fundraising.

Nothing can or should substitute for philanthropy

by Simone Joyaux

This is a new, yet old, addition to the Simone Joyaux Archive on SOFII. Written in April 2009, Simone talks about the differences between revenue and charitable gifts, and why customers and donors are not one in the same. She certainly had a point that still rings true today: Nothing substitutes for donors. Nothing. Ever. Never.

Beyond words – how thanking can transform your relationship with your charity’s supporters

by Mark Phillips

The all-important thank you. After each donation, the thank you sets the tone for what could be a good or bad supporter experience. Yet so often, the thank you becomes automated, forgotten, or worse still – left out of the donor journey on purpose. In this article, Mark Phillips shares why he thinks improving your thanking can be transformational to the relationship you have with your supporters.

From the Myth Smashers: Do donors really love having a brick with their name on it?

by Kellie O’Sullivan

When it comes to capital campaigns, 2022 Myth Smashers winner Kellie O’Sullivan isn’t sure putting your donor’s name on a brick is strictly necessary. She thinks it’s less about the brick and mortar or the physical building – and more about ‘building’ a legacy that lays the foundations of community, connection, and collaboration.