Communications toolbox
How can you raise money for your organisation if no-one knows about the good work you do or the need for funds? In the SOFII communications toolbox you will find some great tools and advice to help you tell stories to your donors that will motivate them to give.
Chapter Mental Health: Conversational trust funding application
by David Burgess
In this inspiring case study, David Burgess shares how Matt Zeqiri tried out an innovative trust funding approach that was visually impactful and compelling. Some simple, well thought out changes saw his organisation’s application jump straight to the top of the pile and ensured it secured that all-important funding.
Read moreHow jargon destroys non-profit fundraising and marketing
by Claire Axelrad
Do you use a lot of jargon in your fundraising communications? If so, it’s probably time for a rethink!
Read moreCDE project 6. Section 5.2: the starfish story
by Robbie Macmillan
A poignant little story about a man saving starfish reflects the emotional driving force of Robbie Macmillan's Children of Rwanda charity.
Read moreCollecting stories from your donors
by Simone Joyaux
Do you ever ask donors for their stories? Nonprofits have access to a crucial resource and it’s a fundraiser’s role to tap into it.
CDE project 22 summary: media relations and the public face of charities
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
This project will look at how to build better relations with the media so that coverage is better informed about the totality of practice and that good fundraising, is not undermined by collateral damage from exposure of incidents of bad practice.
Read moreHow thank-you letters can help you achieve your major giving potential
by Ikhlaq Hussain
Ikhlaq Hussain shares his expert advice on how to write considerate, effective thank-you letters for major donors that are more likely to lead to further donations.
Read moreThe perfect annual report
by Giles Pegram CBE
Veteran fundraiser Giles Pegram CBE argues that most charity annual reports are written about the organisation and don't focus on donors and beneficiaries.
Read moreSOFII stars: great fundraising writers
by SOFII
We’ve once again delved into our archive to bring you a collection of inspirational SOFII Stars, this time focusing on great fundraising writers. From the great George Smith to advertising legend David Ogilvy via Indra Sinha and Karin Weatherup, we’ve gathered the best fundraising writers together to share their unique insights and advice.
Harold Sumption: the shy pioneer
by Joanna Culling
In this addition to SOFII’s Fundraising Legends series, Joanna Culling talks to Ken Burnett, who proudly shares the full text of Harold’s only published material – Yesterday’s trail-blazing and pointers for tomorrow.
Read moreForcing or forging a relationship? Part 5: what’s your real message? Or, how to be relevant
by Charlie Hulme
Do you really know your donors? Do you know why they give you money? Does it matter? Yes, says Charlie Hulme. If we want to keep our donors so expensively recruited we have to make sure our messages are relevant to what they want. We can’t do that if we don’t know what that is.
Read moreWhy I support 12 different charities
by Laura Croudace
How can you learn and improve if your training budget is titchy? Get out and donate says Laura Croudace, who wants a steady stream of fundraising pouring through her letterbox because she learns so much from it. And all those donations are still cheaper than most seminars and workshops.
Read moreWhat’s next in fundraising?
by Emily Henry
SOFII and The Agitator joined forces with Revolutionise to identify, foster and develop new journalistic talent in fundraising. We offered five free places for the 2014 Annual Lectures to aspiring fundraising writers, who submitted a short piece on ‘what’s next in fundraising?’ Here’s one of the winning entries…
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