The Fundraiser’s Toolbox

You know that fundraising is hard work. To be successful you need to be well equipped to take on all its challenges. At SOFII, we thought you might like some help. So we’ve put together this fundraiser’s toolbox that we’ll be filling with essential examples, formats, articles, case studies, ideas and tips that we think every fundraiser should know about.

CDE project 15 appendix 4

by The Commission on the Donor Experience

Literature Review by Angela Routley

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It’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?

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The 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.

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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.

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CDE project 4 summary: thank you and welcome

by The Commission on the Donor Experience

This project will look at all aspects of the first few days of a donor’s contact with a cause, to set out the ideal way to get each relationship off to a good start and to show appreciation appropriately throughout it.

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CDE project 7 summary: companies

by The Commission on the Donor Experience

This project will consider all aspects of the evolving field of corporate partnerships from the perspective of the donor - including directors, senior managers, selection panels and staff to identify ways of enhancing the experience to the benefit of all involved.

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CDE project 17 summary: leadership

by The Commission on the Donor Experience

Building on previous learning this project will define what makes great fundraising leaders and what leadership they need from their senior management colleagues and their board if they are to deliver the competent, motivating leadership that will sustain and direct the new style of fundraising that is evolving in Britain.

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How 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. 

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The Help Hollie campaign: how relationship fundraising works at Anthony Nolan

by John Logan

John Logan’s niece Hollie showed incredible bravery in the face of illness and was a true inspiration. In this article John explores how relationship fundraising and emotion formed core aspects of the Help Hollie campaign.

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How 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.

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Moving 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. 

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Creating gender equality in the charity sector

by Lizzi Hollis

A rallying cry for gender parity from fundraiser and founder of Charity Women Lizzi Hollis. 

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