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.
Direct mail clinics – Introduction and contents
by Joanna Culling
Welcome to the Agents of Good (AOG) free direct mail clinics. These 11 useful video lessons 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.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #4 – What goes in the box?
by Carolina Herrera
You probably know what goes in a direct marketing fundraising appeal, but do you know why each piece is there? And do you know why making simple changes to those pieces can have an impact on the success of your campaign? John Lepp has these answers and more, in his next direct mail clinic.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #5 – A letter autopsy
by Carolina Herrera
How confident are you in your letter writing? Are you looking for some useful tips before you write your next appeal? In clinic five, John takes on fundraising letters and shares some simple, effective tricks that will help you engage with your donors and raise more money.
Read moreThe IUCN and Lacoste: ‘Save Our Species’ partnership
by Manon Oliver
The results of this partnership speak for themselves. Funds raised – tick. Awareness raised – tick. Endangered species saved – tick. Keep reading to find out why Oxfam’s Manon Oliver admires what is a truly creative collaboration.
Read moreAs younger donors step up to donate, are charities ready for them?
by Anjali Bewtra
Younger donors are ready to give to charities, but delivering fundraising messages in the right way could make a big difference to if they choose your cause. Blue State’s Anjali Bewtra shares what fundraisers should consider when communicating with younger donors, as well as examples of charities that are already doing it well.
Read moreThe Wizard of Oz – key advice for legacy fundraisers
by Chris Millward
Join Chris Millward as he steps inside a classic film for take a walk along the ‘yellow brick road’. While doing so, he’ll take you on a journey towards legacy fundraising success.
Read moreSix essential steps to improving your supporter experience
by Natasha Evans
Creating an excellent supporter experience is a marathon, not a sprint. In this article, you will find some useful top tips for giving supporters the best experience possible.
Read moreHow to write for your most generous eyes and hands
by Lisa Sargent
Want to make sure your best givers can physically read what you write? Need to defend why you make some of the copy and design choices you do? Then don’t miss Lisa Sargent’s latest tips on making your fundraising communications accessible to older donors.
Read moreSolarAid: Lighting the way
by Richard Turner
Richard Turner, director of fundraising at SolarAid, highlights how the charity took a strategic phased approach to raising £1 million over three years. He also includes useful top tips to help you secure funding for your next new idea.
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