Opinion and debates
Hot topics abound in fundraising and this showcase puts the spotlight on some of our sector’s most influential controversies and opinions. In these feature articles and debates, fundraisers are free to give their views. These pieces are designed to be balanced, constructive and respectful of the sensitivities of others. Some of the authors have started a debate within their articles, and we invite you to add your ideas in the comments.
Kindness is contagious – The simple fundraising strategy of a small charity
by Rebekah Jerram
Why is kindness contagious and how can it impact your fundraising? Based on her super presentation at I Wish I’d Thought of That (IWITOT) 2025, new voice Rebekah Jerram talks about why she admires the small charity 52 Lives and their simple, effective fundraising strategy.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: We can’t ask new patients to donate, or can we?
by Saarah Abdeen
Saarah Abdeen discusses the assumption that fundraisers shouldn’t ask new patients to donate. Keep reading and discover the personal experiences that got Saarah thinking about how and why we should finally smash this myth.
Read moreOpen Letter to Tom Ralser re: The fallacy of ‘facts tell, stories sell’
by Claire Axelrad
Claire Axelrad responds to Tom Ralser’s opinion piece with an open letter. In it, Claire shares her perspective on storytelling, as a writer and fundraiser.
Read moreThe fallacy of ‘facts tell, stories sell’
by Tom Ralser
In a new addition to SOFII’s Opinions and Debates showcase, Tom Ralser shares his view on the notion that ‘facts tell, stories sell’. When it comes to fundraising, Tom feels that relying on stories alone isn’t always enough to create a great appeal AND convince your donor to give.
Read moreCan fundraisers tell the difference between AI and human-written thank you letters?
by Craig Linton
Surprising survey results show that AI letters were rated higher by fundraisers than human-written letters.
Read moreCan we talk about community fundraising?
by Kevin Delaney
SOFII trustee and Irish fundraiser, Kevin Delaney, takes a closer look at the challenges facing community fundraising – before offering you some tips for how to unlock the potential of this income stream.
Read moreCharity Right: ‘AI vs real people’ image test
by Jamal Abbas
There are a lot of potential uses for artificial intelligence (AI) in fundraising. Jamal Abbas shares how one charity set out to discover what worked better in an online fundraising campaign, AI generated images or those taken by a team of skilled photographers.
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 moreUnleash 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.
Read moreIs 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.
Read moreNothing 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.
Read moreBeyond 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.
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