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.
World’s shortest stupid nonprofit ad
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by Jeff Brooks
Sorry if this series offends. It’s meant to provoke, challenge the blinkered and encourage improvement. And its author Jeff Brooks could have said, the world’s stupidest short nonprofit ad. It’s difficult to see how anyone imagined this ad would be a good idea. Well, actually, it’s difficult to see, period. As Jeff says, ‘Get real…’
Read moreHow to advertise for funds off-the-page. Part 1
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by Andrew Papworth
Papworth’s principles of press advertising
Part 1: How fundraising ads work
Read moreNonprofits and segmenting for effective communication: a new infographic
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by Jay Love & Steven Shattuck
Segmenting your communications to donors is a great way to help you keep them. A recent survey highlights how charities are using segmentation – if at all. How does your organisation match up?
Read moreHow effective are your board members?
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by Simone Joyaux
There’s a big difference between the board and its board members. Remember that the board does corporate governance – and that only happens when the board is together at meetings. Corporate governance is a collective act.
Read moreWhich of our ads will work best, where, when and why?
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by John Caples
‘I have seen one mail-order advertisement actually sell not twice as much, not three times as much but nineteen and a half times as much merchandise as another ad for the same product. Both were run in the same publication. Both had photographic illustrations. Both had carefully written copy. The difference was that one used the right appeal and the other used the wrong appeal.’
So said the legendary John Caples. Is that worth knowing? You bet. Read our review of a timeless fundraising classic here.
Reviewed for SOFII by Ken Burnett.
Read moreA true story about perception, taste and priorities
![Joshua Bell](https://classy-cobra.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/images/Articles/Opinions/1497-Joshua-Bell-250x163.jpg?w=250&h=163&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1401875044&s=6a7f226414be11e54ac39f197e58bedd)
by Marie Burnett
This isn’t actually my story, I received it in one of those emails that periodically do the rounds. You might have too. I was amazed when I read it and immediately went straight to Google to find out if it had really happened.
Read moreDoing good with Dundee cakes
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by George Smith
If fundraising was left to village fetes, the voluntary sector would be a nicer, if poorer, place.
Read moreSOFII’s April must-reads
by Pamela Grow & Craig Linton
It’s amazing how much is going on in fundraising. But when you’re busy it can be hard to find the best blogs and articles. Relax, let SOFII do the work. Just click here and you’ll find all the latest news, opinions and top tips that will really help you in your work.
Read moreVerity 15: you understand that every grand opportunity is simply masquerading as a problem, a mystery waiting to be solved.
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by Jerold Panas
If you don’t understand the problem, then explain it to someone and listen to yourself discussing it.
Read moreWhat do you talk about at your board meetings?
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by Simone Joyaux
Wait! Don’t answer that yet. Instead, let’s start at the very beginning: what is the purpose of a board?
Read moreWhy have a board?
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by Simone Joyaux
You have to have a board. That’s what the law says. Any other reason? Well, having a board really does add value – more value than just raising or giving money.
Read moreInvolving your board members in fundraising, part one
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by Simone Joyaux
Sometimes it’s a struggle to get the board to carry out its fundraising role. Often it’s even harder to get individual members to participate; even if they understand their roles, they don’t want to do ‘that fundraising stuff’.
Read more