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.
Direct mail clinic #4 – What goes in the box?
by Carolina Herrera
You probably know what goes in a direct marketing fundraising appeal, but do you know why each piece is there? And do you know why making simple changes to those pieces can have an impact on the success of your campaign? John Lepp has these answers and more, in his next direct mail clinic.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #5 – A letter autopsy
by Carolina Herrera
How confident are you in your letter writing? Are you looking for some useful tips before you write your next appeal? In clinic five, John takes on fundraising letters and shares some simple, effective tricks that will help you engage with your donors and raise more money.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #6 – Tis the season
by Carolina Herrera
It’s time to talk about one of the most important appeals of the year! Whatever you call it – Holiday, Festive, Christmas or End of Year – the campaign you mail in December often makes up a big part of your annual income target.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #7 – What is mezzo fundraising?
by Carolina Herrera
In this next instalment of the AOG direct mail clinic series, John Lepp wants to talk to you about your middle or mid value donors. These donors are so important to your organisation, and fundraisers shouldn’t fall into the trap of sending them a standard appeal.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #8 – It’s called a ‘reply’ form for a reason
by Carolina Herrera
In this session, John looks at the anatomy of a great, well performing, reply form and the things that need to be on it to make it work.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #9 – How deep is your nerdiness?
by Carolina Herrera
Yes, John Lepp admits he’s a direct mail nerd. And now that he’s got that confession off his chest, he wants to share as many nerdy fundraising things as possible in this clinic. It’s full of tried and tested direct mail tricks.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #10 – The direct response super-hack
by Carolina Herrera
If you’re tired of telling stories from your chief executive or director’s point of view, then you need to watch this video. Because too often, the voices we use (and their tendency to speak professionally) can get in the way of our storytelling AND our fundraising.
Read moreDirect mail clinic #11 – Thank you
by Carolina Herrera
Congratulations, you’ve made it to clinic #11. That means you have learned a lot about direct response. But as John says himself… this clinic is the most important one.
Read moreSpecial direct mail clinic – The one with Ken Burnett (on relationship fundraising!)
by Carolina Herrera
In this first special direct mail clinic, John Lepp welcomes Ken Burnett for a chat. Ken talks to you about his newly revised and third edition of Relationship Fundraising – and explains why the book is increasingly relevant to fundraisers today. This clinic really could help shape the future of your fundraising, enjoy!
Read moreSpecial direct mail clinic – The one with Rachel Zant (on feelings!)
by Carolina Herrera
In the next special direct mail clinic, John Lepp and Rachel Zant talk to you about the importance of infusing emotion in your appeals. Yes, this clinic explores all the feelings - from happy to sad and everything in between. If you want to ensure your appeals are emotive and effective in 2026, this is a great place to start.
Read moreSpecial direct mail clinic – The one with Danielle Wallace (on typography!)
by Carolina Herrera
Join John Lepp and his guest Danielle Wallace to look at the weird and wonderful world of typography. In this special direct mail clinic, Danielle starts by calling typography the ‘unsung hero of direct mail’, before giving you some tips that will help ensure your donor actually reads what you’re sending them.
Read moreThe IUCN and Lacoste: ‘Save Our Species’ partnership
by Manon Oliver
The results of this partnership speak for themselves. Funds raised – tick. Awareness raised – tick. Endangered species saved – tick. Keep reading to find out why Oxfam’s Manon Oliver admires what is a truly creative collaboration.
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