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.

How 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!

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Communication and the English language

by Ken Burnett

Ken Burnett tackles bad use of the English language in fundraising and explains why getting this crucial matter right can make all the difference.

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26 tips for more effective fundraising writing

by Jeff Brooks

Write like a tabloid journalist. Use emotion, even overdo it. Write a paragraph about your donor. These are just three tips of 26 from the great Jeff Brooks (of the Bad Ads Showcase fame) that will help you become the best writer possible. 

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CDE 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.

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Collecting 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. 

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I’m a fundraiser because…

by Damian O’Broin

Being a fundraiser is more than just a job for Ask Direct founder and leading Irish fundraiser Damian O’Broin.

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Do you have the answer to the donor consent issue? Here’s a behavioural scientist’s perspective

by Kiki Koutmeridou

Asking for your donors’ consent about when and how to contact them is a hot topic right now. Where do you stand?

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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.

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How 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. 

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The 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.

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SOFII 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. 

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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

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