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.
Beyond words – how thanking can transform your relationship with your charity’s supporters
by Mark Phillips
The all-important thank you. After each donation, the thank you sets the tone for what could be a good or bad supporter experience. Yet so often, the thank you becomes automated, forgotten, or worse still – left out of the donor journey on purpose. In this article, Mark Phillips shares why he thinks improving your thanking can be transformational to the relationship you have with your supporters.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: Do donors really love having a brick with their name on it?
by Kellie O’Sullivan
When it comes to capital campaigns, 2022 Myth Smashers winner Kellie O’Sullivan isn’t sure putting your donor’s name on a brick is strictly necessary. She thinks it’s less about the brick and mortar or the physical building – and more about ‘building’ a legacy that lays the foundations of community, connection, and collaboration.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: Guess what? Mid value donors are not major donors in disguise!
by Kate Rule
Just like the cliché of the middle child, mid value donors can sometimes be forgotten, ignored, or swept up in other segments. But 2023 Myth Smashers winner Kate Rule believes that mid value donors are not major donors in disguise! Keep reading to discover why Kate wants you to rethink your stewardship strategy for mid value donors.
Read moreSupporter care – it’s the best investment you can make in fundraising
by Ralph Welch
Ralph Welch didn’t expect his chance encounter with a Women’s Super League customer service team to make him think much about fundraising. But an unexpected response after a recent purchase made him reflect on charities and supporter care. Read on to find out more and learn a few top tips.
Read moreAsking your donors the right way – six tips to build relationships and giving
by George Crankovic
Fundraisers, we all know it can be hard to make the ask. Whether you need to speak to your donor in person or on paper, it’s not easy to ask for the donations that your organisation and your beneficiaries need. In this article, copywriter and consultant George Crankovic shares six useful tips to help you make that all-important request.
Read moreNew research says the cost of living crisis doesn’t have to be a ‘cost of giving’ crisis
by Lizi Zipser
A new study by agency Blue State looks at how people in the UK are engaging with charities. This research into UK giving behaviours, through the cost of living crisis, shows a mood of cautious generosity among the UK public. Click to read an overview then download the full report today.
Read moreRecasting the ‘middle man’ - the role of charities in the age of disintermediation (Pt 2)
by Meredith Niles
In part two of our series on the role of disintermediation in charitable giving, Meredith Niles discusses why disintermediated giving could be more attractive than traditional charitable giving (in some situations). She also shares some of the ways in which charities might respond to these changes in donor giving patterns.
Read moreRecasting the ‘middle man’ - the role of charities in the age of disintermediation (Pt 1)
by Meredith Niles
In part one of a two-part series on the role of disintermediation in charitable giving, Meredith Niles takes an in-depth look at how the public responded philanthropically to the war in Ukraine. She draws on several research studies to look at donor motivations and help you answer the question, ‘should fundraisers be concerned that people might stop giving via charities altogether?’
Read moreHow to fundraise from trusts and foundations when you have high reserves
by Mike Zywina
What happens if your organisation has ‘too much’ money? While most charities and social enterprises don’t find themselves with high reserves often, this can pose challenges when it happens – especially if you work in trusts and foundations. Mike Zywina shares four tips for what do if your organisation has a lot of funds in reserves or finds itself in an unusual financial position.
Read moreChapter Mental Health: Conversational trust funding application
by David Burgess
In this inspiring case study, David Burgess shares how Matt Zeqiri tried out an innovative trust funding approach that was visually impactful and compelling. Some simple, well thought out changes saw his organisation’s application jump straight to the top of the pile and ensured it secured that all-important funding.
Read moreThe NSPCC and me: one fundraiser, one charity, 17 years of life-changing service
by Ben Swart
Ben Swart shares his 17-year journey as a fundraiser at the NSPCC. In this inspiring article, Ben reflects on his long service and explains why this charity will always hold a special place in his heart. It’s a must-read for any fundraiser just starting out in our sector.
Read moreMy 30 years as a fundraiser
by Michelle Chambers
Michelle Chambers started out working in fashion at Topshop. But once she took on her first role in fundraising, that was it. Michelle was a fundraiser through and through. In this inspiring article, Michelle shares some of her 30-year journey in fundraising with you. Dive in to discover her story and take a look at some important themes that have influenced and changed our profession over three decades.
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