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.
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?
Read moreServe 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.
Gender equality in salaries starts with us
by Marc Pitman
Marc A Pitman shares his anger at the way we accept gender disparity when it comes to salaries, and challenges the charities sector to change its ways for the good of all organisations.
Read moreSpot 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.
It’s just not fair!
by Joe Burnett
What are you doing to combat gender inequality in your organisation? Join SOFII’s campaign.
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