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 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.
Two days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part four
by Joe Burnett
In the final edition of SOFII’s report on the Ask Direct Summer School, we get a sneak preview of an upcoming new series on SOFII from Alan Clayton and an account of Ken Burnett’s closing plenary.
Read moreTwo days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part three
by Joe Burnett
In the third part of our report from Dublin, we cover a brilliant panel debate on the serious gender imbalance in fundraising. We also bring you a report on Norwegian website expert Beate Sørum’s insightful presentation.
Read moreTwo days in Dublin: fundraising inspiration in Ireland’s capital – part two
by Joe Burnett
In this report we look at two sessions from Australia-based data and dm expert Sean Triner on mid-level donors and legacies and governance guru Simone Joyaux’s rallying cry for creating extraordinary experiences.
Read moreFriends of the Earth: Looking after supporters when the media storm hit
by SOFII
When a media storm hit the sector and put fundraising under the microscope, Friends of the Earth acted quickly to get in touch with their donors. They gave them the opportunity to comment both frankly and freely on how the organisation was communicating with them. But what did their supporters have to say?
Read moreTwo 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.
Cancer Research UK: Slimming World Big Clothes Throw partnership
by Marie Burnett
This is a case history of a fantastic partnership between Cancer Research UK and Slimming World – the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw. Going since 2013, this campaign allows Slimming World members to celebrate slimming success by donating their ‘before’ clothes to CRUK charity shops. This has generated over £5 million worth of stock for the shops, whilst also highlighting the issues of obesity and related cancers. All with minimal investment on the charity’s part!
Read moreRelationship fundraising ignite, part 2
by Craig Linton
In the second part of our Relationship Fundraising Ignite series: the Commission for the Donor Experience, how to build a relationship with donors by asking three questions, and how the Terrence Higgins Trust used relationship fundraising.
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