An 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.

Five ‘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.

Seven 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?

Seven 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.

How 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.

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.