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.
What would grandma say?
by Peter Goudkamp
Not so long ago I asked staff of the communication and fundraising department at a certain large charity if they were actually supporting their own cause. Only 22 per cent actually did. So I asked myself, ‘What would my grandmother say of this?’
Read moreThe next big thing in fundraising is closer than you think
by Alison McCants
If you’re wondering what the next big thing in fundraising then here are some thought-provoking words from Alison McCants.
Read moreMajor gifts: fundraising from the frontlines
by Rebecca Davies
In this article Rebecca Davies tells us how golfing has helped to improve her major gift fundraising.
Read moreThe seven deadly sins of fundraising appeals and how to avoid them
by Rachel Beer
Rachel Beer shares some top tips and advice on what she’s learnt about individual giving.
Read moreForcing or forging a relationship? Part 5: what’s your real message? Or, how to be relevant
by Charlie Hulme
Do you really know your donors? Do you know why they give you money? Does it matter? Yes, says Charlie Hulme. If we want to keep our donors so expensively recruited we have to make sure our messages are relevant to what they want. We can’t do that if we don’t know what that is.
Read moreWhy I support 12 different charities
by Laura Croudace
How can you learn and improve if your training budget is titchy? Get out and donate says Laura Croudace, who wants a steady stream of fundraising pouring through her letterbox because she learns so much from it. And all those donations are still cheaper than most seminars and workshops.
Read moreCreate a menu of choices for board members
by Simone Joyaux
More tips from Simone Joyaux on not only how to get your board involved in your fundraising, but to get them to love it.
Read moreHow much is a good story worth?
by Michael Rosen
How much is a good story worth to a fundraiser? A lot says Michael Rosen. Here he gives you seven ideas on how you can make your stories powerful tools to raise lots more money for your organisation.
Read moreThe UNICEF partnership with the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games
by Joe Jenkins
UNICEF's partnership with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games was the first time the opening ceremony of a global major sporting event was used by a charity to raise money: £3.7 million during that evening alone, much of it by texts from people in the audience.
Read moreInvolving your board and board members in fund development, part three
by Simone Joyaux
Your board members reluctance to take part in your fundraising could be down to plain fear. In Simone Uncensored this week you'll find some useful tips on how to show them that it is a great, fulfilling thing to do – nothing to be scared of at all.
Read moreIt’s time to create a strategy for your website that will increase your fundraising
by Beate Sørum
If you follow these five steps you will create a strategy that will make the content of your website work hard for you and your donors happy.
Read moreA simple equation, plus three big reasons to buy this book
by Craig Linton & Giles Pegram CBE
There are many good books on fundraising, says Craig Linton, but not many truly great ones. Retention Fundraising by Roger Craver of the Agitator is one of those books and is an instant classic. At its heart is the simple equation: retention + commitment = increased lifetime value. Read it, find the big reasons – and banish attrition forever.
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