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 does your governance committee do?
by Simone Joyaux
The traditional nominating committee is out of step and old-fashioned, so says Simone Joyaux. She prefers a governance committee. Click here to find the purpose of your governance committee and how to be sure it is working best for your charity.
Read moreInvolving your board members in fund development, part two
by Simone Joyaux
Together you and your board members can ensure fundraising success for the organisation you all love. This new article from Simone Joyaux will show you how to get the best from each of your board members.
Read moreVerity nine: you have presence
by Jerold Panas
‘Presence’, says Jerry Panas, ‘is one of those words that everyone talks about and no one defines. It somehow eludes description. Yet, it’s one of the most important elements in our work. It’s not appearance, dress, or funny stories: it’s energy. It shows and it glows.’
Read moreVerity eight: you delight in the premise that fundraising provides fulfilment to deeds not words.
by Jerold Panas
Raising funds forces us to believe in the promise of the future. But it pays great tribute for what we achieve today.
Read moreStorm ad that ignores humanity
by Jeff Brooks
If you want to unlock people’s philanthropy, says Jeff Brooks, don’t take the humanity out of your fundraising. Make sure your donors see who needs their help and what they can do.
Read moreA letter that parades fine thoughts with fine language
by George Smith
You’ll see a letter here that George Smith thought one of the best he’d ever read. No, he didn’t write it. But he wished he had.
Read moreOxfam: Marks and Spencer’s ‘schwopping’ partnership
by SOFII
This partnership between Oxfam UK and retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) fulfilled the needs of people in the UK and developing countries. The planet was a winner too.
Read moreVerity seven: you have decisive resolve.
by Jerold Panas
Nothing significant has ever been accomplished unless some man or woman dreamed it should be done.
Read moreVerity six: great fundraisers are winners
by Jerold Panas
They have a lust and a zest for winning. Their attitude is that if you want to be in second place nobody is going to fight you for it!
Read moreVerity five: this one is obvious: you ask for the order
by Jerold Panas
It’s amazing what you don’t get when you don’t ask.
Read moreInfantile musings: on the relationship between children and their grandparents
by George Smith
You’ll see a softer side of ace-curmudgeon George Smith when he announces he is about to become a grandfather. Though that doesn’t stop him from wondering why charities don’t make more of such joyous events. He says you should look at the greeting-cards industry, which rarely feels the cold wind of recession.
Read moreVerity four: you are high-touch, low-tech
by Jerold Panas
If we lose the personal touch fundraising becomes just a business, not a ministry.
Read more
