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.
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.
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 moreThe 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.
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.
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.
Read moreHow we deal with data, why it matters and why we’ve really got to get this right, right now
by Ken Burnett
Access to and control of data is becoming more and more restricted, which will have serious repercussions on UK charities, so we need to get how we deal with data right - now. This is the realisation Ken Burnett came to after reading Steve MacLaughlin’s Data Driven Nonprofits and his conclusions are essential reading for all fundraisers.
A story that wakes you up in your career
by Lizzie Carter
If emotional responses raise money, then fundraisers need to think about the last story that genuinely ‘woke them up in their career’ and made them feel something.
Read moreAre you asking for gifts personally, face-to-face?
by Simone Joyaux
Simone Joyaux has a wealth of experience in how to talk to donors and asks a very pertinent question: are you asking for gifts personally, face-to-face?
Read moreThe perfect annual report
by Giles Pegram CBE
Veteran fundraiser Giles Pegram CBE argues that most charity annual reports are written about the organisation and don't focus on donors and beneficiaries.
Read moreSOFII stars: great fundraising writers
by SOFII
We’ve once again delved into our archive to bring you a collection of inspirational SOFII Stars, this time focusing on great fundraising writers. From the great George Smith to advertising legend David Ogilvy via Indra Sinha and Karin Weatherup, we’ve gathered the best fundraising writers together to share their unique insights and advice.
