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 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 more21 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!
Read moreBritish 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?
Read moreChapter 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.
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