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 kind of advert would your supporters make, for you?

by Aline Reed

In this thought-provoking article, Aline Reed questions the power of big brands versus audience generated content in the world of advertising. Would you let your donors write and design your next advert?

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From beggars to buskers: what can modern charities learn from street artists?

by Steven Dodds & Clare Jones

Authors Steven Dodds and Claire Jones from the DMS agency argue that charities need to change their approach and transform their offerings in order to survive. Thought provoking, we think.

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Verity 11: you have an unwavering commitment to the institution and a near-militant belief in its mission.

by Jerold Panas

Goethe wrote: ‘Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to drop back. The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.’

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A sector divided

road sign

by Alison McCants

Alison McCants, direct marketing manager of UK charity The Brooke, asks three revealing questions: How are fundraisers trained to work with agencies? How do we know how to get the most from an agency? And, how do we know when they’re not doing the job well enough? This is a great read that will get you thinking about how you manage your agency relationship.

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Verity 10: boldness has genius, power and magic to it

by Jerold Panas

It’s the courage to dare, to step out that’s wins the contest and gets the gift. The great fundraisers are infused with boldness and courage: an awesome audacity.

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Firing lousy board members

Board members

by Simone Joyaux

Why do it? Who does it? And how can you avoid it?

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Introducing: Simone uncensored

by Simone Joyaux

SOFII’s guide to good governance that month by month will build to a must-have manual for your nonprofit board.

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My worldwide mission to destroy all executive committees

by Simone Joyaux

So, you’ve fired your lousy board members, as instructed by Simone Joyaux. But you can’t sit back and relax, now she says you must destroy your board’s executive committee. Click here to find out why it is so important.

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Committees … love them, or hate them

Effective committees are good, maybe even lovable.

by Simone Joyaux

Finally, Simone Joyaux admits that she likes committees – but only good ones. Here you’ll find out the board committees you need – and those that you definitely don’t.

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What does your governance committee do?

It should be able to recruit and retain the best board members.

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.

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Involving 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.

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Verity 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.’

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