Opinion / features
Many of the issues that matter most to fundraisers are far from clear cut. Here, in a series of illustrated feature articles, seasoned practitioners and newcomers alongside leading figures from the world of fundraising are free to give vent to their passionately-held views and opinions. Join the big debates or study the side issues so you can work out your own view on what matters most.
Unleash 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 moreWhen fundraising collapsed – are we ready for a new era of responsible fundraising?
by Giles Pegram CBE
As we enter another year in fundraising, Giles Pegram is pausing to look back. In this article, he reflects on some important moments in his time as a fundraiser – from 1983 to the present. Giles also refers to the lessons found in the Commission on the Donor Experience and offers fundraisers ten tips that he believes will help you usher in a new era of responsible fundraising.
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.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: Do donors really love having a brick with their name on it?
by Kellie O’Sullivan
When it comes to capital campaigns, 2022 Myth Smashers winner Kellie O’Sullivan isn’t sure putting your donor’s name on a brick is strictly necessary. She thinks it’s less about the brick and mortar or the physical building – and more about ‘building’ a legacy that lays the foundations of community, connection, and collaboration.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: Guess what? Mid value donors are not major donors in disguise!
by Kate Rule
Just like the cliché of the middle child, mid value donors can sometimes be forgotten, ignored, or swept up in other segments. But 2023 Myth Smashers winner Kate Rule believes that mid value donors are not major donors in disguise! Keep reading to discover why Kate wants you to rethink your stewardship strategy for mid value donors.
Read moreRecasting the ‘middle man’ - the role of charities in the age of disintermediation (part two)
by Meredith Niles
In part two of our series on the role of disintermediation in charitable giving, Meredith Niles discusses why disintermediated giving could be more attractive than traditional charitable giving (in some situations). She also shares some of the ways in which charities might respond to these changes in donor giving patterns.
Read moreRecasting the ‘middle man’ - the role of charities in the age of disintermediation (part one)
by Meredith Niles
In part one of a two-part series on the role of disintermediation in charitable giving, Meredith Niles takes an in-depth look at how the public responded philanthropically to the war in Ukraine. She draws on several research studies to look at donor motivations and help you answer the question, ‘should fundraisers be concerned that people might stop giving via charities altogether?’
Read moreChatGPT and fundraising – what do you need to know? (part two)
by Cherian Koshy
In the second instalment of our series on ChatGPT and fundraising, SOFII talks to Cherian Koshy – the founder of a platform that democratises access to artificial intelligence and machine learning for nonprofit organisations. Dive in and explore Cherian’s in-depth insights and opinions on ChatGPT for fundraisers.
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 moreAre F-bombs acceptable for your fundraising?
by Ephraim Gopin
Reader advisory! This article contains strong profanity as Ephraim Gopin explores the dos and don’ts of swearing in charity communications.
Read more
