Nine fundraising tips you can learn from a savvy seven-year-old

by Michael Rosen

Here’s what you can learn from a seven-year-old and an 11-year-old.

A fundraiser’s alchemy: turning tears to gold

by Lyndall Stein

In this new article about her time with AIDS charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, Lyndall Stein says, ‘…I have learned that it is a privilege to be a fundraiser. When you are working on the toughest issues in the hardest times, you know that your blood, sweat and tears will be turned to gold, that your work will be meaningful, relevant and will matter…’

Hilda’s suitcase: when’s the right time to discuss leaving a legacy?

by Norma Cameron

Step into SOFII’s archive to explore more insights on legacy giving. We think you’ll love this charming and personal story from Norma Cameron, in Canada, who learned a very important lesson about gift planning from her mum.

The great donor exodus, and what to do about it. A three-part series from Jay Love

by Jay Love

Jay Love’s revealing infographics have been setting American fundraisers alight recently, with good reason. Why do donors head for the exit? How does our sector’s attrition compare with customers of for-profit businesses? Do larger donors leave sooner? How many donors could you keep, if you just did some things differently?

Now on SOFII, widely respected data specialist and entrepreneur Jay Love explores these seemingly permanent hot topics with two generous helpings of practical advice all fundraisers could follow.

Have I told you lately that I love you? Part two

by Derek Humphries

OK, so you’ve done your strategic speed dating (also known as a pitch), and it’s time to get on with some proper work.

Have I told you lately that I love you? Part one

by Derek Humphries

In this two-part article, Derek Humphries offers some really valuable advice on how to develop the relationship with your agency in all its stages, from initial courtship all the way through to an amicable divorce at the end of the project. And he tackles the issue of pre-nuptial agreements, what to do if it all goes wrong and, just as importantly, what to do if it all goes right…

How to find your inner writer

by Elizabeth Loudon

One of the best tips to find your inner writer is to steal one. So says Elizabeth Loudon here. You’ll also find other ideas and advice to help you force your inner writer into the open and write great letters that your donors will keep responding to for years.

Hello! Testing! Testing! Testing!

by Andrew Papworth

Andrew Papworth says that testing is a vital part of good fundraising.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 2

by Andrew Papworth

We won’t be surprised if you have been putting off starting to prepare your brand book because it appears to be an awful lot of work. Now Andrew Papworth shows just how important it is and how it will actually save you time when preparing your successful fundraising campaigns.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 1

by Andrew Papworth

A brand book is possibly the most important document that you could have if you really want to be an effective client and get the best from your suppliers Andrew Papworth explains why it is so important and how to go about the daunting task – and make no mistake it is – of preparing one. With his guidance it will be made easier.

Good money going begging

by Andrew Papworth

Fundraisers in the UK just aren’t making enough of payroll giving, or Give As You Earn, says Andrew Papworth. Is it time for a drive to publicise its many benefits?

An opportunity grabbed and one wasted

by Andrew Papworth

It seems that when one opportunity is grasped another slips passed. The ‘IF’ campaign has a powerful message, but do you agree with Andrew Papworth when he says that they haven’t managed to get it across?