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.
Serve or inspire? That is the question
by Richard Turner
Inspire is often a misused word in the fundraising world but it is not just a way of recruiting and even retaining donors. Inspiration can go much, much further.
Read moreWhat the gender pay gap is – and what it isn’t
by Beverley Callaghan
In the wake of the furore around pay at the BBC, experienced fundraiser Beverley Callaghan says it's time to clear up the confusion around the gender pay gap, and how this affects the voluntary sector.
Spot the elementary mistake in this advertisement
by Andrew Papworth
Embracing the Internet is of course crucial for modern charities. Andrew Papworth, however, argues that this World Food Programme ad makes the mistake of ignoring an important section of society by focusing so heavily on online users.
Read moreIt’s time to de-normalise the gender pay gap, and take action to close it
by Niamh Ferris
Our important series on gender equality in fundraising returns with the thoughts of Niamh Ferris, a fundraiser from Dublin, who outlines just how wide the pay gap between women and men is in both the UK and Ireland and asks the question: will you commit to ending this gap?
Read moreThe wisdom of Roger Craver part two
by Joe Burnett
‘It’s always a fantastic time to be alive – it beats the alternative!’ The second part of our interview with the legendary Roger Craver continues, exploring technology, fundraising techniques and Britain’s own Trumpism.
Read moreHow getting diversity and inclusion right will help us change the world
by Vanessa Chase Lockshin
Vanessa Chase Lockshin outlines how the fundraising sector is good at asking about diversity but rarely progresses beyond it to equity and inclusion. Her suggestions are bound to get you thinking.
Read moreMoving from fairness to openness
by Beth Ann Locke and Jen Love
Exploring the issue of fairness Jen and Beth Ann demonstrate how progress can only come about through inclusive and insightful dialogue within our organisations.
Read moreCreating gender equality in the charity sector
by Lizzi Hollis
A rallying cry for gender parity from fundraiser and founder of Charity Women Lizzi Hollis.
Read moreInspiration is scary
by Alan Clayton
Alan Clayton shows us how to find a great ‘why?’ and how the best organisations do this by reaching for impossible ambitions. And it’s scary. But as Alan says, it’s also necessary.
Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital
by Joe Burnett
SOFII attended the Ask Direct Summer School, one of 2016’s most inspirational world class fundraising seminars. We were treated to thought-provoking, intriguing and engaging sessions by some of the sector’s leading lights. Here's part one of our reports.
Following the fold
by Lyndall Stein
Lyndall Stein shows that you're never too old to learn some new tricks and passes on some fundraising tips for the young from the old.
Read moreNotes from Ken Burnett following his review of the document ‘Current Situation and Tendency of Internet Fundraising in China’.
by Ken Burnett
This summary from the report shows that on-line digital fundraising has already made great progress in China recently and is likely to show even more potential for growth in the very near future. But, while there is good cause for optimism, some lessons have been learned and it is clear that Chinese fundraisers can gain even more, if they learn to do Internet fundraising right.
Read more
