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.
How to be a fundraising hedgehog
by Damian O’Broin
We first published this entry in SOFII’s blog in 2013. We’re not only reproducing it here because we love the title, but also because the answer to the three challenging questions Damian O’Broin poses will be an important tool for the future of fundraising for your charity. And when you’ve found the one thing that can answer all three then you’ve got yourself a hedgehog. So now you just need to read Damian’s article to find out what to do with it...
Read moreSOFII blog: getting along – conflicts among staff
by Kirsten Bullock
Fundraisers are the most important people in a charity. No? SOFII blogger Kirsten Bullock explores this commonly held belief and identifies other areas of conflict between fundraising staff and, well, just about everyone else in the organisation who’s not a fundraiser. She suggests several remedies that could help you build stronger, more effective collaborative relationships.
Read moreIs your logo effective? Tips to evaluate your visual identity
by Julia Reich
As principal of Julia Reich Design, Julia knows all that’s worth knowing about brand strategy, graphic and web design. For the second part of our fundraiser’s toolkit she’s back with tips on how to make sure your logo is representing your charity the best way it can.
Read moreThe Effectiveness Project: fundraisers – take notice soon!
by Steven Shattuck
The latest infographic from Bloomerang has some alarming data from the Urban Institute in the USA. Isn’t it time that charities took some notice?
Read moreTop twelve tips for pattern breaking
by Lucy Gower
In this article, innovation manager, Lucy Gower shares her practical tips and lessons on how to increase your inspiration and widen your connections. Why not take note and break some of your established patterns in the new year?
Read moreAre you unintentionally turning away donors?
by Elaine Fogel
In this article, nonprofit marketing expert, Elaine Fogel reminds us that a charity's donors are its lifeline and highlights three key areas you should be looking at to make sure you're welcoming them with open arms and not unintentionally turning them away.
Read moreHow to transform your brainstorm sessions
by John Grain
Fundraising specialist, John Grain, gives some really practical advice on how to get the best out of your brainstorms.
Read moreAn ABC of direct response
by Jonathon Grapsas
This article is a fantastic ‘what’s what?’ of direct response fundraising and is a priceless resource for all those just starting out and a great checklist for those who have been around a little longer.
Read moreFive ‘must dos’ of bequest fundraising
by Fiona McPhee
In this helpful breakdown of how to set out a legacy fundraising strategy, Fiona insists that it is not just the big brand charities that have the potential to develop a significant legacy income and provides step-by-step advice on how to increase legacy-gifts for your organisation.
Read moreSeven steps to generating donor response
by Jan Chisholm
In this article Jan generously shares with SOFII readers the results of her long search, with seven steps she believes the very best fundraising approaches take to assure success. Does your next appeal have them all?
Read moreSeven steps to fire up your board
by Gail Perry
In this brilliant instructional video, US fundraising consultant and author of Fired-Up Fundraising – Turn Board Passion into Action, Gail Perry walks you through seven steps that will help you to really strengthen and fire up your board.
Read moreHow an egg McMuffin reminded me of the foundations of fundraising
by Derek Humphries
Recounting a mildly bizarre but uplifting encounter that was to involve not one, but two, popular fast-food snacks, Derek Humphries reminds us of the simple but firm foundations every truly compelling fundraising should be built on.
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